Page 49 of The Perfect Love

Obnoxious buzzing on mybedside table threatens to pull me from the last threads of sleep.

I close my eyes and pull the pillow over my head. My brain is lost in a hazy replay of yesterday’s date and Chelsea’s smile. My dick is half hard and I’m enjoying the fuzzy, peaceful feeling like I’m floating back to dreamland.

Until my phone goes off again.

With a groan, I throw my hand out, fumbling for it. When my hand connects with it, I drag it to my ear, barely swiping the right spot to answer the call.

“Who are you and what do you want with my life?”

“Do you like scary movies?” Hyla whispers in a creepy voice.

“No. Goodbye.”

“You’d hang up on a serial killer? Really? Sounds dangerous.”

“Almost as dangerous as hanging up on your mother.” Mom’s voice cuts in, and I groan again.

“I’m here. Say things. Can’t promise not to fall back to sleep.”

“You’re very grumpy this morning,” Hyla says. “Didn’t your date go well?”

“Ugh. That’s why you’re calling? It’s barely been twelve hours since it ended.”

“Well, you didn’t call either of us last night. Not even a text,” Mom says dramatically.

“Yeah, for all we knew, she could’ve been some kind of succubus who stole your soul.”

“Hy, quit with the scary movies. It’s not even October yet.”

“But they’re the only things more horrifying than my life.”

“Hyla.”

“Ugh. Don’t use that tone.”

“He’s right,” Mom sings.

Good. Let them take on the conversation, and I’ll go back to sleep.

“Nope. No topic changes,” Hyla says.

So close.

“Come on, Mr. Grumpy Pants. Tell us what’s wrong,” she prods.

“The only thing that’s wrong is that you’re interrupting me reliving the date in my dreams—don’t make a sex joke—and I’d like to get back to it.”

“You really like her,” Mom says, voice warm and comforting.

I finally throw the pillow off my face and let the sunlight wash the last bit of sleep away.

“Yeah, I do.”

Hyla squeals. “Yes. I love it. Seriously, what’s her last name? I need to know if it has ship name potential.”

“And on that note, I love you crazy people. Bye.”

“You’re no fun,” Hyla calls.

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