You should come try some.
He doesn’t answer right away.
I stare at the screen like an idiot, willing the three little dots to appear.
Finally:
SEAN
If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were asking me out to dinner.
KAYLA
Come and find out.
SEAN
Maybe I will.
It’s not a promise. Not even close.
But I can’t help hoping anyway.
Another buzz:
SEAN
I saw a “My Wife is a Boss” bumper sticker today. Thought about buying it for my truck.
I laugh out loud, the tension in my chest easing.
KAYLA
I dare you.
I double-dog dare you.
SEAN
Careful, Boss. I never back down from a dare.
KAYLA
Captain, did you mean to hand me the keys to the kingdom? I’m gonna start daring you to do all manner of mischief.
SEAN
As long as it’s with you, I’m game.
The warmth in that text wraps around me like a blanket.
I sit there in the quiet hall for another second, finishing the last bite of my protein bar, my thumb hovering over the text screen.
Before I can stop myself, I start typing.
Kayla
Can I tell you something silly? I keep looking behind me in case you’re going to appear. Being with Aldridge the last couple of days has made me realize how sad and scared I was for so long. I spent so much time trying to fit into his life like it was a dress two sizes too small. But you make me want to expand to fill the space you’ve made for me.
