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I quickly typed, “I’m not sure” then hit send before I could overthink it.

I tried to convince myself the only reason I was even considering it was because I wanted to learn more, not because I wanted to see Jack. As usual, I didn’t believe me. It was a little of both. I rolled my eyes, grateful Jack couldn’t see me or read my mind.

Please. I’ll be lonely if you don’t come with me.

He’s definitely flirting, at least I think he is. But why? Never mind, it doesn’t matter. I should say no. Spending too much time with him could be dangerous.

What time?

My fingers betrayed me.

I’ll take that as a yes. What time works for you?

I didn’t actually say yes.

But you will. What time should I pick you up?

I chuckled. He was awfully sure of himself.

Um, how about I meet you there. Is ten okay?

It’s a date.

I laughed as I typed, “Not a date.”

Crap, he’s not responding.Did I offend him?

And Thanks. How much will I owe you for the lesson?

I saw the dots appear, disappear, and reappear. What was he trying to say?

Not a lesson.

Good night. See you Sunday, unless I need a caffeine fix before then.

Good night Jack. Thanks.

I picked up my book but couldn’t concentrate. My thoughts kept drifting back to the texts. After re-reading the same paragraph three times, I gave up and put the book down. I reached for my phone, hesitated, then picked it up.It’s ridiculous to read his texts again, right?Right. I agreed and read them anyway. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t reading too much into them. Was he really flirting with all those winking emojis? No, no way, I told myself, he’s just being friendly. Successful, good-looking guys like Jack don’t flirt with girls like me. Which is probably good, because I can’t get involved. It’d never work out. I can’t risk him finding out about my past, besides I’m sure he’d run for the hills if he ever found out how damaged I am.

Chapter 9

Jack

Iwas grinning like a teenager after his first kiss when I put my phone down. I never would have known if AJ hadn’t called me out on it with a smug smile on his face.

“What’s her name?”

“Who?” I put my phone down, feigning ignorance.

“The woman who’s got you grinning like the Cheshire Cat?”

“No one.”

“Right.” Jamie said as he reached for a slice of the house specialty Meats Pizza, from our favorite pizza joint.

Not realizing Jamie and AJ had been watching me, I hadn’t controlled my facial expressions. They were making me regret it.

“Beer?” AJ got up and walked to the fridge, making himself at home in Jamie’s house, where I was currently living. “So… who is she?” He asked again as he handed us each a cold beer. AJ was two inches shorter but a lot broader, and solid muscle. People often misjudged him as being all brawn, but I knew better. Sure he could kick your ass without breaking a sweat, but he was also perceptive and clever.

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