Is that too much?
A moment later, a number comes through with a smiling emoji, and I add it to my contacts.
Conan: Hey, it’s Conan.
So fucking lame. I sit heavily in my chair and wait . . . and wait. Did he give me a fake number? What if he’s second-guessing his decision?
Biting my lip, I debate texting again when my phone starts to vibrate with a call.
Sunshine
I realize it’s FaceTime, not a normal call, and panic winds through me.
I grab my mirror, wipe my face, push back my messy hair, and button my shirt a little before hitting answer so it doesn’t cut off.
“Hey,” I say awkwardly as the screen loads.
Mackie is sitting up against what seems to be a headboard, and my eyes widen as he smiles. “Hi, I figured this was easier. Hope you don’t mind.”
“No, not at all.” I try my best to not look at his built, bare shoulders.
“So, you’re still working?” he asks, and I nod before clearing my throat. I turn my phone to show my office, and he whistles.
“Nice office. Are those our photos?”
“Yes, I’m finishing touch-ups,” I admit.
“Don’t let me stop you,” he responds before rubbing his face. “Or is this a distraction?”
“No, no, not at all,” I reply, and his wide smile makes me grin. “I can work and talk.”
Lies. I usually scream at anyone who tries to talk to me, but I don’t mind if it’s him.
“That’s good.” His room is dark, but I can still see his soft, beautiful smile.
“Why can’t you sleep?” I ask as I sip my fresh coffee.
“Ah, just a new place. I always struggle.” He turns his phone, and I see a dark, almost empty room. “I just moved.”
“Oh, congratulations, I didn’t know,” I say before wanting to smack myself. Why would I know? I’m terrible at this. Luckily, he doesn’t seem to care.
“Eh, it wasn’t my choice, but it’s nice. I need to go furniture shopping, but I suck at shopping.”
“Really? I’m great at it,” I reply with a lazy shrug.
“Then you’ll have to go with me one day.” He offers it casually, so I don’t read much into it, even though my heart skips a beat.
Setting my phone down against my screen, I start to work again, shooting him looks every few seconds, so he laughs. “I’m fine, just work.”
Nodding, I focus on the photos. It must be boring for him, but hedoesn’t seem to mind, and I don’t realize how much time has passed until I look at the clock.
I see Mackie is now lying on his side with his covers up to his chin, his bare arm hugging it as he stares at me through the screen. I have never wanted to take a picture as badly as I do right now.
“You’re cute when you’re concentrating,” he murmurs, and my eyes widen as he chuckles. “You wear a little frown, and when you aren’t happy with something, you suck on your cheek.”
“I do?” I ask, and he nods, adjusting his head on his pillow. “I’m sorry. I’m keeping you awake.”
“No, not at all. I like it. Keep working, and if you don’t mind, I’ll keep you company.” He yawns.
