Page 69 of Crave Me

“Yeah, taking a shower.”

“Great.”

“Thanks for helping to keep him calm and occupied while he had to rest.”

“No problem. It was nice spending time with him. Nice with him actually allowing me to.”

I smiled. “You guys are doing well now, I’m glad.”

“Thanks, Bluebell.” He looked down at his phone, seeming out of sorts all of a sudden as he took in whatever was on his screen.

“Everything okay?”

His eyes flicked back to mine. “I… yeah. I came in here to ask Seb his advice on something.”

“Anything I can help you with while he’s indisposed?”

“Actually, yeah, I think you really could.”

I sat down on the foot of Bastian’s bed and folded my arms across my chest. “Shoot.”

“So, Ashley finally texted me and we started up a conversation and—”

“Hold up… Bastian’s friend, Ashley?”

“Yeah. She came by to see him and there was a spark between us.”

“Wow.”

“It’s that surprising, huh?” he asked, all dejected.

Wow again. It was really rare to see this vulnerable side to him. “No, not because it’s you, just because the last time I saw her she was in really bad shape because of her ex-boyfriend. I guess I didn’t expect her to be in any state to connect with anyone else this quickly.”

“Actually, that’s part of what I need help with.” He held his phone out to me. “Here.”

Surprised that he was handing it over, I took it and found myself looking at a text conversation between them.

Ashley: Been thinking about you.

Damien: Feeling’s mutual.

Ashley: Is that right?

Damien: No doubt.

Ashley: What kind of things have you been thinking?

Damien: Things like what a ray of sunshine you are, how strong you are, how sexy, been watching some of your videos too. Maybe you can give me some tips?

I looked out at Damien. “Asking her for fashion tips?”

He winced. “I was trying to get on her level. It’s bad, yeah?”

“The intent is actually sweet. But you’re not being yourself.”

“Because I can’t, can I?”

“Why not?”

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