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1:50 AM: Alexander

???

Oh, now you’ve done it, you stupid lush.

I wished there was a way to un-send the stupid, made-up word. I was trying to think of how to respond when the phone started vibrating in my hand. Alexander Stone’s name popped up on the caller I.D.

Crap! Now what?

Pure panic set in as I stared at the ringing phone, trying to decide whether or not I should answer it. Talking to Alexander wouldn’t be very smart, especially considering my current state of mind. I had way too much wine in my system.

The phone continued to ring. I didn’t think I could handle him at that particular moment. But then I reconsidered. Maybe I could.

Okay, Stone. It’s time to have a little fun with you.

A sly smile formed on my lips as I slid my finger along the touchscreen of the phone.

“Hey, sexy,” I purred.

“Krystina?” he asked hesitantly.

“Yes.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m home, all by my lonesome little self,” I told him, trying to keep my words from slurring.

“Are you…ah, okay?”

“Oh, I could be better. But someone rejected me tonight,” I said in my best pouty voice.

“Have you been drinking?”

“Oh, come on now! Who drinks alone, you silly boy?”

“Hmm. You sound…off.”

Damn!

I thought I was doing a good job.

“It’s not my fault. You make me crazy, Alexander Stone.”

“I do, huh?” he asked.

“Oh, yes. You’re so myst…myst-er-ious.” I struggled to get the word out.

Note to self—use small words right now.

He was silent on the other end of the line. I could hear traffic in the background, and I absently wondered where he was at this time of night.

“Are you still there?” I asked him.

“I’m here, Krystina,” he answered patiently. He was talking to me like I was a child, and it was annoying.

“Why do you make me so crazy?”

“Trust me, Miss Cole. Crazy doesn’t even begin to describe the things you do to me.”