Page 22 of Crossed Sticks

“When I can.”

“Want to be my running partner when you get back?” He narrowed his eyes. “We’ll both get sweaty, and I know how to make the most of that.”

“That sounds fucking amazing, but I didn’t call to get all… like this. I have an appointment to see a realtor.”

“Too bad. I was about to ask if you wanted to do a manual override.” Not knowing what he meant, I sipped my coffee while he tried again. “You know, shuck the corn and make some soup.”

Spraying coffee around the room, I laughed until I was clutching my side. After a deep breath, I smirked at him. “You mean ‘beat off?’ I’ve never heard it called those things before.”

His chuckle was nothing less than lascivious. “Now you get the idea. Down for it?”

“No chance. I’m in my deserted condo, and there’s not so much as a paper towel left here.”

“That’s unfortunate, but I can wait until you’re in more accommodating surroundings.”

While we chuckled, he reached for a towel, wiped his face, and dabbed at his throat and chest. Hopefully, I’d see him sweaty again before long.

“Having a good day?” I asked. “I spent this morning with my friends, then came here to see if I’d left anything.”

“One more look at the place? Will you miss it?”

“I guess. I lived here for four years, but I’m ready to move on.”

He nodded and guzzled some water out of a half empty bottle. “I slept in and went running as soon as I had breakfast.” After finishing the water, he lay down on his bed, a wreck of wrinkled sheets and a twisted comforter.

Trying to fend off thoughts of lying beside him, I took a long breath. “Wish I could’ve slept in. You doing anything this afternoon?”

“I’ll stay home and finish my book. Maybe play someElden Ring.”

“That’s a fantastic game. Can we play together when I get back?”

“Sure. Do you like fantasy games in general, or just that one?”

“I love anything to do with fantasy. Do you like fantasy novels, by any chance?”

His vigorous nodding rustled the pillow. “For sure. You know Marshall McKinley? HisDragons of the Shifting Starsseries?”

My heart was off at a gallop. “I love it. I’m finishing book four, so don’t tell me what happens.”

“Four is so good, but be prepared for a cliffhanger. I just read book six.”

“He’s written nine so far, right?”

Luca jumped up, and I only saw flashes of light and blurred objects until he pointed his phone at a bookcase. He moved closer to a shelf holding the entire McKinley series. “Nine so far, right here. I bought them all because I love the covers so much.” He turned the phone around so I could see his face. “You know book ten is coming out this fall? I hope he keeps writing forever.”

“Me too. I heard one of the cable channels is making a series out of the first three books.”

“Galactic Firewing.I saw a trailer on YouTube, and it looks kickass. Maybe we can watch together.”

Luca returned to his bed, and we compared notes on our favorite fantasy books until my phone vibrated with an incoming message.

MIRANDA KING: I thought we had an appointment at 2. Did I get it wrong?

Shit!I’d gotten so involved, I forgot about the time. It was 2:18.

HARPER: I’m so sorry. Running behind today. Could we reschedule?

MIRANDA KING: I’m booked solid tomorrow, but I’m free until 4 this afternoon. Can you still make it?

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