Page 26 of Colliding with Ten

That’s great, but I’ve just landed myself in an awkward position.

Ayla

How so?

Lennox

Well, what am I gonna do the next time I mess up?

Ayla

That’s assuming we’ll be in the same space again.

Lennox

Well, why not?

The typing bubbles appeared, then disappeared. Then nothing. The screen went still in my hand, and I wondered if I had pushed too far. Maybe she didn’t want to be in the same space as me again. Her brother would probably love that. I glanced at the tablet on my lap, paused on game film, just as her next text came in.

Ayla

Because you’re annoying.

I smiled at the phone and typed.

Lennox

I’ve heard that before.

Ayla

From women?

Lennox

From defensive coordinators.

Ayla

That was actually funny. I should hate that.

I was glad she kept teasing, willing to throw words back instead of shutting me down. Film still waited on the tablet, but I wasn’t reaching for it or wishing this would end. I was loving this too much.

Lennox

I’ll try to be less funny.

Ayla

Please don’t. I’m injured and bored. Entertainment is necessary.

I smiled, encouraged.

Lennox

Then I’m happy to assist.

I wanted to keep her teasing me, to make her forget she was hurt and bored. I anticipated her next message and how she would twist my words, whether I could make her laugh again, even if I only got to imagine it. The chemistry between us felt strange because it had no business being there, but it had my attention.