Page 73 of The Backup

Sloane: ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?

I laugh, imagining her reaction as I type back.

Me: How’s that for a cool off?

Sloane: You’re so mean.

Me: Mean? Or unforgettable?

Sloane: …both.

I smirk, tossing my phone back into my bag. The thought of her staring at that picture, biting her lip the way she does when she’s trying not to react, makes the corner of my mouth tug higher.

She might think we need to cool off, but I’m not about to let her forget me. Not even for a second.

twenty-two

. . .

Sloane

The soft buzzof my phone wakes me, the early morning light filtering through the blinds. I reach for it blindly, my fingers fumbling across the nightstand before I finally grab it.

Asher: Good morning nerd

I blink at the screen, a sleepy smile tugging at my lips. He’s sweet when he wants to be, and for a moment, I forget all about the whirlwind of sneaking around and staying under the radar.

Me: Oo a good morning text. To what do I owe this pleasure? And, Morning. You’re up early.

His reply comes fast.

Asher: Couldn’t sleep. I was thinking about you.

The butterflies in my stomach take off, and I chew my bottom lip as I type back.

Me: Dangerous thoughts this early in the day?

Asher: Always. By the way, what are you wearing?

I raise an eyebrow at the screen, stifling a laugh.

Me: Right now? Or for the library?

Asher: For study hour, obviously. I mean, I wouldn’t dare ask about right now. Not yet.

My cheeks flush, and I shake my head as I fire off a reply.

Me: Any requests?

His response comes quickly, and I can almost hear the smirk in his words.

Asher: A skirt. Something with easy access.

Me: Of course. And what about you?

Asher: What do you want?

I pause, thinking for a moment before typing back.

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