Page 49

We keep moving.

Theo: Where are you?

I look down at my phone, surprised. He’s had my number since that first day in his office, but this is the first time he’s texted without me initiating contact.

Lila: Still outside recovering from the ride.

Theo: You don’t strike me as the equestrian type.

Lila: And what type do I strike you as?

Theo: The type who’s going to spend the entire night complaining about how sore you are.

Lila: Did you text just to make fun of me or?

Theo: Wanted to make sure you hadn’t been thrown off and left for dead.

Lila: That’s thoughtful of you.

Theo: I have my moments.

Theo: You okay?

I hesitate. Too long, probably. Such a loaded question.

Lila: Yep. Totally fine.

Theo: Sounds like a lie.

Lila: And yet, there’s nothing you can do about it if it is.

Theo: I could come find you, give you a piggyback ride back.

He catches me off guard again, because that doesn’t sound like something Theo would say at all.

Lila: That sounds like a lot of effort.

Theo: For you? Not really.

Theo: If you’re opposed to the piggyback ride, I could always hogtie you and sling you over my shoulder. A little birdie told me you were into that.

My stomach flips, and I hate that it does. Is he being flirty? I am definitely reading too much into this. Probably because of that fucking dream I had last night. He’s only joking. I am not sure how to respond, so I do what I do best. Change the subject.

Lila: Have you ever been on a horse?

Theo: I’m from Chicago.

Lila: That’s not an answer.

Theo: It is if you think about it hard enough.

I snort, the tension in my body easing slightly.

Lila: Alright, cowboy. I’ll be back soon.

Theo: Take your time.

Lila: Today sucks.