Page 109 of Whispered Promises

“Is anyone there? I can’t hear you, but if you need to speak to us, please call back so we can assist.” I pull the phone away from my ear to end the call.

A strange, muffled, almost groan-like noise comes from the speaker a second before I hit the button.

That was…weird.

But if it was important, hopefully they heard me and will call back.

Grabbing a few carrots, I head back out to appease the tiny beast and finish up with Nate’s help. Though I’m likely to remain distracted the whole time.

FORTY-FOUR

ROSY

I groan as I reach my bed; it feels like I’m waddling. Bry needs to stop cooking amazing food. I can’t bring myself to stop eating.

It was Mexican tonight, and those sweet, sticky mushroom tacos were out of this world. If I had any space left inside me, I’d be eating more of them right now. But the best part? I’m taking leftovers to the farm tomorrow.

Nanna was a good cook; though it was a bit hit and miss sometimes when she experimented. I shudder as I recall the rice pudding she’d made with pasta and the pizza she’d topped with exotic fruits and cheese. But the rest of the time, her food had been comforting. I’ve honestly never felt as well cared for since losing her until Bry started cooking for me.

I wiggle under my covers and pick up my e-reader. It’s not too late tonight, so I’m taking the opportunity to read before I sleep. Noah’s a much quicker reader than I am, so I don’t want to fall too far behind this time.

My phone vibrates on the side table, startling me from a heated scene.

Noah

Wondered if you’re still awake?

Me

I am. Just reading our book in bed.

His name flashes on the screen as an incoming call. Tingles prickle my skin, and I stare at it for a second.

“Hi,” I answer, hoping he can’t hear the breathlessness in my voice. He knows I’m in bed, so I shouldn’t sound like I'm midway through a workout. Or what if he thinks I’m one of those heavy phone breathers?

“I’m reading it too.”

“How are you finding it so far?” I enquire, nervous. It was a risky choice.

Whilst it has plot, it’s also…spicy. There’s nothing happening behind closed doors, and I know explicit scenes aren’t for everyone. But it had been on my TBR for a while, and I loved the author's writing, so sharing it with Noah felt special.

He blows out a breath before responding. “Admittedly, it wasn’t what I was expecting. But I’m enjoying how the author is introducing all the characters and the post-apocalyptic world. I can already feel the tension between the two main characters.”

“That’s what I love about her writing. She really manages to make the characters feel real and relatable. What chapter are you on?”

He chuckles, and as the sound travels to my ear, my toes curl. “It’s an interesting scene. They’ve had to take shelter in the bunker…”

“Ooh, I’m on that one too,” I say, feeling my cheeks heat thinking about us both reading it at the same time. It’s not the spiciest scene I’ve ever read, but it’s definitely not PG-rated either.

“Can I…ask you something?” I add, the curiosity burning even though my stomach clenches at the idea of asking.

“Please do.”

“When you…erm…when you read the scene, being that it’s from the MMC’s point of view…do you… Well, does it resonate? I think I’m just curious, as it’s written by a woman. So are any of his feelings relatable?”

“I think they are, to an extent. The same goes for all characters. You might find them relatable but not always. I’m not sure I can entirely put myself in the mind of a post-apocalyptic, unhinged MC who’s just killed off three men and needs to go feral on the woman he’s attracted to.” He chuckles.

“You don’t think you’d go feral for someone?”