AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nope. The number isn’t one I have in my contacts.
Unknown: I hope you don’t mind but I got your number from Gigi. I saw these and thought of you. R.
Riley?
A picture of a wolf in snow-covered woods appears on my screen, followed by a picture of a meerkat perched on a rock in the Serengeti.
These do not make good pets,he texts.
Laughter bursts from me. I can’t believe he remembered my answers from game night earlier. I add his name and number to my contacts.
Me: But they’re so cute.
Riley: These are cute and appropriate.
He sends a picture of a basket filled with kittens.
“Aw.” I finger pet the tiny furballs on my screen.
Me: You’re right. They are adorable. I think we should get one for the house. Gigi needs a pet. How about tomorrow we visit a local shelter and adopt one for her?
Silence. Little bubbles don’t even show on my phone, indicating he’s replying. Did my invitation offend him?
Finally, a text comes through.
Riley: I’d be happy to help you pick out a kitten but I’m not sure how I feel about leaving the property with you.
I try not to take the comment personally.
Me: With me or with anyone?
Riley: You attract a lot of attention.
Right. He said that concerned him when he came to my room and is worried about me drawing the paparazzi here. Still, his rejection hurts my already bruised ego.
Me: Got it.
Riley: Are you upset?
Me: Nope.
Riley: One-liners from a girl usually mean she’s upset.
Me: I’m fine.
I’m a baby.
Riley: I don’t mean it personally. I would hate for something to happen to you because of me.
That hits me in the heart. He’s concerned? For me? How sweet—and also a little scary. What could possibly happen to me? I want to ask him, but I don’t. If he wants me to know, he’ll tell me. Until then, I will practice patience, even though it’s getting harder by the second. Riley is too intriguing. It’d be better for me if we spent the rest of his time here apart.
Me: I’ll have some kittens brought to the house tomorrow. That way you can help me pick one.So much for taking my own advice.
Riley: You can do that?
Me: This is California. Anything is possible for a price. But don’t worry, I’ll make them sign an NDA. Gigi always has one around.
Riley: That seems like a lot of trouble just to include me, and I’d rather you not waste money on my behalf.
