Page 56 of Play On

Clean up the mess.

The anxiety in my stomach spreads to my chest, causing it to grow tight. That’s how everyone sees me, isn’t it? Someone who makes a mess that others have to clean up.

That’s worse than being a butterfly.

“Now don’t be so dejected,” Mum chides. “You’ll forget all about those books and be on to something else by breakfast tomorrow. And then be on to the next project shortly after that.”

Buzz!

I glance over at my phone and see that Noah has texted me back. I pick up my phone and tap on his message:

Please tell me you got off TikTok and took a nap.

I smile and text him back:

I did take a nap, but not before spending hours upon hours watching TikToks devoted to your body. #LoveMyDaddyNoahDarby

Saucy Shorts is typing …

STOP IT.

Joy replaces my feelings of anxiety and I send him another message:

How are you feeling? Do you have any signs of sickness?

Saucy Shorts is typing …

My throat is scratchy, and I feel like an anvil has dropped on my head.

Oh no! Noah got my crappy cold! I quickly begin to respond, but another message drops in before I can finish mine:

JK. I’m fine. I told you I would be.

Whew! I reply:

You had me panicked, Saucy Shorts. That wasn’t nice.

Saucy Shorts is typing …

You are NOT going to call me that.

I grin and send him a flirty response:

Looks like you’ll have to come to Dorset and find a way to convince me not to call you that.

Saucy Shorts is typing …

This sounds like my kind of challenge. You’re on.

Saucy Shorts is typing …

Are you up for a film when I get into town? I found the perfect cinema for us. I’ve confirmed it has pick and mix, which should allow you to determine if I can pass your test. #FingersCrossedYouLikeMyPickAndMix

My heart dances happily as I read his words. Noah is not only coming to Dorset, but he’s already planning a real date night for us. The one I told him I wanted on the night we connected here in the garden.

Noah has no idea, but he’s already passed my test a million times over.

Determination fills me. I want to be the woman who passes any tests he has in his head, too.

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