Page 25 of The Backup

Me: Just tell me one dark desire.

Asher: You first, Hot Nerd. Bet you have a whole list somewhere.

Me: lol I don’t. The list is in my head. But yeah, I fully admit that was insanely hot. And so are you.

Asher: I’m getting crushed with these mixed signals right now.

Me: Well, you’ll just have to deal with them. Enjoy the library. I’m getting sleepy. Night!

Asher: Night, Nerd.

I set the phone down, determined to sleep. But my mind spins with thoughts of him. Screw it. One last text.

Me: Fine. Library. That’s all I’ll say.

Asher: Come again?

Me: I want to fuck in the library. Is that clearer?

Asher: Fuck me. That’s hot as hell. Funny you mention that…That’s on my nonexistent list too.

Me: What a coinkeydink.

Asher: Okay, now I’m both turned on and laughing that you used the word “coinkeydink” in a text.

Me: Doesn’t take much to get you turned on, does it?

Asher: Considering last night, it’s easy to picture you, in a skirt with no panties, bent over against the attic stacks where no one ever goes…

Me: Ah, yes. The attic stacks. I’ve heard legends. Apparently, there are some giant books there no one ever reads.

Asher: You’re a fan of big books? I’m not surprised. Really living up to your nickname, Nerd :)

Me: Nerd and proud of it.

Asher: Maybe you should try no panties next time you’re in the library and see what happens.

Me: Maybe it’s better to stay a fantasy. Just like those big books no one actually reads because they don’t have the attention span anymore. Or maybe not.

Asher: True. Most people can’t handle big books. But I have a feeling you can.

Me: Oh? Why’s that?

Asher: Because you already handled this.

Attached to his message is a photo. It’s from his point of view, in the library, conceivably right now, wearing gray athletic sweatpants like he was last weekend.

There is no mistaking the outline of something big and thick through the cotton that is definitely not a book.

Something coils inside me.

Dear God almighty. I’m going to need to dip further into my spare reserves of panties at Grandma’s.

Asher: You okay?

Me: Doesn’t seem like you’re getting much studying done tonight.

Asher: Doesn’t seem like you’re getting much sleeping done at Grandma’s house.

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