Page 157 of Romeo

Every time I saw those dots—waiting for a response—I imagined her looking away, blushing.

Ma Belle: I was embarrassed after I said that.

My smile disappeared. I remembered that too. The way she’d looked down afterward as if wanting something good had exposed too much.

Me: You shouldn’t have been.

Ma Belle: I think I was hoping you’d say yes.

Me: I did.

Ma Belle: You said mine was waiting.

My thumb rested against the edge of the screen.

I’d meant every word that night.

The only thing I’d left out was that the bastard waiting for her had been sitting right beside her.

Me: He is.

Ma Belle: He?

I laughed.

Me: Should I have said she?

Ma Belle: You’re not as funny as you think you are

I was fucking hilarious. I was still smiling when her next message appeared.

Ma Belle: What if I already found him?

Every trace of humor left me, and I sat straighter against the headboard and read it again.

What if I already found him?

There were only so many ways to interpret that after months of what had been happening between us, and for once, I didn’t try to invent another one.

She meant me.

At least I fucking hoped she did.

Fiona had taught me that certainty on my end didn’t mean I got to put words into her mouth. If she wanted to tell me, I wanted to hear her say it because she’d chosen to.

Me: Then he’s the luckiest bastard alive.

Her answer took longer.

Ma Belle: What if he’s too stubborn to notice?

I smiled slowly. Well, hell. Maybe she was getting tired of subtle.

Me: Then maybe you should give him a reason to notice.

I stared at the screen while the three dots appeared.

Ma Belle: I plan to