Page 35 of Against the Clock

I hit the green call button and hold the phone to my ear, trying to slow my racing heart.

“Hello?” I say, like I have no idea who’s calling. I grimace.

“Kelsey Cole,” Daniel’s smooth, low voice, as rich as black coffee, fills my ear. Goosebumps spread across my skin. “For a second there, I thought you were going to screen my call. I have to say, it’s good to hear your pretty voice.”

“Hi,” I say.

Cameron rolls her eyes, laughing at me across the table.

“I can’t talk long, but I wanted to let you know we just touched down in Florida.”

“That’s good,” I say, and the knot in my stomach loosens slightly, replaced by a warm, intoxicated feeling. “I’m glad you got there safely,” I add, and I’m surprised to find I mean the platitude.

“Makes me smile to hear you say that,” Daniel says, and I can hear the grin in his voice. The warmth explodes into butterflies, and I’m smiling right back at the phone, like he can see me.

“I wanted to know your address, if that’s okay. I have something I want to send you,” he says. “If that’s alright. I know… you didn’t seem sure about me this morning. So if you say no, I understand—”

“I’d like that,” I interrupt. “I would like that.”

Cameron’s clapping her hands in excitement, only witnessing one side of this awkward conversation. I point at her, then draw a slow, meaningful line across my throat.

“You want to text it to me? I have to get off the phone, but I promise I’ll make it worth your while.” His voice turns low and suggestive, and I fan my face.

“Yeah, I can do that,” I say.

“I’ll text you tonight, if that’s okay.”

God, I love how sweet he’s being. I love how he’s asking for permission with every single thing he does. It makes me feel good. It makes me feel safe.

Maybe I should just let Daniel make me feel good for a little while, without worrying about all the what-ifs.

Cameron’s right. Talking to him, hanging out with him doesn’t mean I have to expect anything else.

“I would like that,” I finally answer.

Cameron squeals, doing a little shimmy in her chair.

Guess I’m not the only one feeling the effect of the bottomless brunch mimosas.

“That makes me happy, Kelsey Cole,” he says after a beat, and I believe him. “I gotta go, but text me your address. I’ll talk to you tonight.”

“Okay. Tonight. It’s a date.”

“A date.” He laughs. “I like that. Bye, Kelsey.”

“Bye.”

The call ends and I stare at my phone for a second, in a state of slight shock.

“What did he say? What did he say?” Cameron chirps, and I realize with a start my mimosa has magically refilled itself.

The phone lights up again, and it’s Daniel.

Address please? I promise it will be worth it

I tap out my address, then put the phone face down.

It vibrates against the table and Cameron grabs it, staring at the screen.

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