Page 18 of Stuffed

Zane

Because it makes me want to break every rule I've made. Every wall I've built.

Me

Then break them.

The typing bubbles appear and disappear multiple times.

Zane

Tomorrow. Nine a.m. Let me do this right.

Something warm unfurls in my chest. Because maybe that's even better than a late-night visit—the idea that Zane Mercer wants to "do this right" where I'm concerned.

Zane

Now go to sleep before I lose what's left of my self-control.

Me

Good night, Mr. Mercer. Sweet dreams.

I fall back onto my pillows, grinning like an idiot. I don’t want to get my hopes up because I know I’ll only have myself to blame if they get dashed but it’s too late. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve just been given a second chance with my teenage crush and I’m not screwing it up this time.

Zane

Still awake?

Me

Maybe.

Zane

I can't stop thinking about those glasses.

Me

Just the glasses?

Zane

You're dangerous, Miss Marlow.

Me

You have no idea.

Zane

I'm starting to. Get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be interesting.

I hug my phone close, unable to wipe the smile off my face. Because tomorrow is going to be more than interesting—it’s going to be the start of something. I fall back onto my bed, my heart thudding against my ribs with the hope that Ivy's right. Maybe the Ice King is melting after all. And maybe—I'm exactly the fire he needs to thaw him out completely.

Chapter 6

Zane

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