Page 60 of Love You Madly

Or she’s just done with online dating. It happens.

Vince:

Find out next time on ‘The Bachelor:Blue Collar.’

I sigh, closing my messages and exiting out of the FlameFinder app. Callie is clearly moving on, and I need to figure out what I want before it’s too late.

twenty-three

BREATHE (2 AM) - ANNA NALICK

CALLIE - JUNE 12, 2013

The soft buzz of my phone pulls me from sleep, the early morning light slicing through the cheap curtains like a knife. I groan, squinting against the brightness. These damn curtains. I fumble for my phone, barely awake, when Owen's name flashes on the screen, a small smile creeping onto my lips.

We've been texting constantly for weeks now. He's become my emotional lifeline, always there with a kind word or a sarcastic joke to make me laugh. It’s frustrating how much I’ve started to rely on him, but here we are. If he were closer, I'd do more than just text him. It’s that kind of friendship—the kind that could easily tip into something more, if only.

Owen:

Good morning, sunshine! How’s your day so far?

I stretch, feeling the warmth of the sun on myface. Owen's sweet, respectful, and... a little oblivious sometimes–like a golden retriever. There’s a flirty tone in most of our messages, and while I know he wants to stay just friends, I can’t help testing the waters sometimes.

Still lying in bed, I snap a quick photo, letting the sun highlight my newly noticeable baby bump. It’s a full-body shot, and I notice—oh yeah, there’s a lot of cleavage there. Whoops.

Me:

Still in bed, so I can’t complain yet.

His reply comes almost instantly.

Owen:

Aww! You’re actually glowing!

Glowing? Seriously? I send a picture with my boobs nearly falling out and I get "aww"?! That’s it? I can’t help but laugh, but a tiny sting of disappointment slips in. Maybe it’s time to push him a little more.

Me:

Sorry for the boob shot. These freaking things are always getting in the way now.

I wait, my heart picking up pace. My phone goes off with the text tone I set for him–the sound of a better bottle cap being popped. The sound plays two more times in rapid succession, and I smirk. Hook, line, and sinker.

Owen:

Haha! No need to be sorry. It was a nice picture.

And I’m a boob guy so whether we’re just friends or not, you won’t get acomplaint from me.

I was just trying to be respectful and not draw attention to it.

Bingo. I bite my lip, knowing I’ve hooked him just enough. My mind churns. Why not take it up a notch? After all, he did admit he's a boob guy. I strip off my pajamas, leaving only my red lace panties on. The baby bump is there, sure, but I know I still look good.

Standing in front of the mirror, I snap another picture, this time strategically covering my breasts with one arm, letting just enough skin show to keep it fun. Damn, I look hot!

Me:

Sixteen weeks tomorrow!

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