UNKNOWN: Hey, Red, I can’t stop thinking about you and our kiss. And don’t be thinking that I will let you back out of our date, beautiful. I’ve got to play at the pub this weekend, hope to see you there and we can make plans.
She knew it was Chase, and quickly saved his number. A thrill went through her every time he called her Red. The nickname made her feel sexy and special, especially since she didn’t think he called any of their other friends by a special name.
Biting her lip to combat her nerves, Reagan typed out a reply.
Reagan: Hi, Chase. Sorry, my battery died so I’m just seeing your message now. I’d ask how you got my number but since you managed to get my address from our friends, it’s safe to assume they gave you my number as well.
Chase: Yeah, it’s definitely safe to assume that. Did you really think I wouldn’t get your number somehow?
Reagan: No… You are definitely proving that you’re dedicated to this…
Reagan groaned after she hit send. Was that too forward? “Why am I so bad at flirting?” she asked aloud to the empty room. But any doubts fled when she saw his reply.
Chase: Damn right I’m dedicated. I told you I’ll prove to you how much I want to be with you. One date, Red, that’s all it’ll take, and you’ll believe me when I say you drive me crazy in the best possible way.
Reagan: One date? Someone is a little cocky…
Chase: Not cocky. Confident.
Reagan: Isn’t that the same thing?
Chase: Not at all. An asshole would be cocky, a real man is confident. And I’m 100% real man.
Chase: Wow. Did that sound as fucking douchey as I think it did? Sorry, Red.
Reagan: LOL. It’s okay, Chase. I can forgive it. This time. But a hint…don’t pull that kind of line on our date. It won’t work in your favor. Just be your sexy self and let’s see what happens.
Chase: Got it. No dumbass cheesy lines, more sex. Sounds like a perfect night.
Reagan: OMG CHASE.
Chase: Kidding, Red. Kidding.
Chase: Not that I don’t want to… But I respect you more than that.
Reagan: Good grief. Who would’ve thought quiet, reserved Chase had such a strong inner flirt?
Chase: I hide it well… Nah, you just bring it out in me. How could I not flirt with the hottest woman I’ve ever met.
Reagan: Wow. Ummm. Thanks Chase… You sure know how to make a girl feel pretty good.
* * *
Chase was on his couch, dinner forgotten on the coffee table, as he texted with Reagan. He could feel his cheeks starting to hurt from the grin on his face as they went back and forth, flirting.
When she didn’t respond to his message earlier in the day, many thoughts went through his head. Maybe he had the wrong number. Maybe she didn’t want to talk to him. Maybe she had changed her mind and no longer wanted to go on a date. He hated how nervous he was. It was such a foreign feeling for the usually unflappably confident Chase, that he had no idea how to handle the roller coaster of emotion.
But when she had finally replied, he’d jumped on his phone like it was a lifeline. The flirtatious banter felt so easy, so comfortable, it was as if he had been speaking to Reagan forever, not their first real conversation.
He shifted on the couch, trying to get comfortable. It was crazy to him that Reagan didn’t realize how gorgeous she was, or how much any man would be attracted to her. He was inspired to make her believe in her own sexiness, no matter what. It was time to put his heart on the line and admit how long he had wanted her.
Chase: Listen to me, Red, you deserve to feel good, all the damn time. I’m sorry it’s taken me so fucking long to get my head out of the sand and tell you how I feel. I guess I didn’t want to risk rejection from a woman as amazing as you. But then I heard what you said to Ryan at the wedding, and I knew I had to take my chance.
Chase: So, thanks for saying yes.
Chase: Wow. Damn I sound like a sap. Still there, Red? Or did I scare you away with all the mushy stuff?
Reagan: I’m still here… And I like the mushy stuff.
