Page 224 of By His Play

A photo of him is one thing, but before anything else happens, we need to have that chat.

I need to know where his head is at. Hell, I need to firmly figure out where mine is, too.

As much as I like to think this could be the beginning of us coming back together, there is also the fear that it could still rip us apart.

He was meant to be heading back today, but he decided to stay another night. The group of kids he’s been working with this week has stolen his heart, by the sounds of it, and he wants to see their game in the morning.

As much as I’d hoped he might surprise me with a late-night visit when he got back into town, it’s clearly not going to happen.

Stop thinking with your pussy and start using your head.

A delirious laugh erupts as I pull into the parking lot outside the dance studio again.

I thought Kieran was good at edging before, but this week is really testing my patience.

I arrive early. I’m not surprised.

I had a couple of appointments this afternoon to ensure I’m ready for the weekend.I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I think big things are going to happen…

After abandoning my bag and slipping on my new dance shoes, I pull my cell from my purse.

Kieran: Is it tomorrow night yet?

Effie: I can’t wait to talk…

Kieran: Me too. It’s gonna be a hot and steamy…talk…

Heat rises, turning my cheeks red.

I’ve booked a table at my favorite Italian. It’s quiet and intimate, but I’m hoping it’s busy enough that anything other than talking will be out of the question.

That’s not to say that I’m hoping the rest of our night will be as subdued...

Assuming we’re on the same page with where we go from here, of course.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach.

Sure, I thought about what it might be like over the years. But it was never a serious thought, just a silly teenage girl musing over things that’ll never happen.

Effie: Be good.

Kieran: Never. The only one here who needs to follow orders is you.

Those butterflies return, but they’re lower this time.

I don’t hear the door open, or anyone enter, but I do sense the shadow that falls over me.

“There can only be one man who makes you smile like that,” Brax teases.

Putting my cell to sleep, I try to smother my grin, but the moment I meet his eyes, it spreads even wider.

“So, things are going well?” he guesses.

Kieran hasn’t been the only one I’ve been messaging this week. Brax is aware that we’ve reconnected, although I haven’t dived into the dirty details. Those are between the two of us.

“Things are…developing.”

Brax raises a brow.“I see.”

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