Page 12 of Don't Leave Me

Jumping out of bed, I grab my jacket and fish out the business card he gave me. I compare the numbers and smile when I realize it’s him. After adding his contact information, I return to the text to find he sent another one.

Pecker: 263 Spruce Road.

Sophia: What’s with the random date and address?

Pecker: I wanted to make sure your contact information was complete. You needed my address and birthday.

I grin as I add the information to his contact. He’s such a goofball and I love it.

Pecker: This is when you’re supposed to give me your address and birthday.

Sophia: My daddy always told me not to give strangers my address. Stranger danger and all that.

Pecker: Smart man. Though I don’t think I'm a stranger anymore. We shared a meal.

Sophia: And you kissed my cheek.

Pecker: We’re practically dating.

Sophia: January 8th.

Pecker: You’re going to make me work for the address, huh?

Sophia: I need something to make you stick around and keep texting me.

Pecker: I don’t think you need to worry about that. I like talking to you.

Sophia: Good. I like talking to you too.

Pecker: Thanks for accepting my friend request. I wasn’t sure if you would. Stranger danger and all that.

I bark out a laugh before slapping a hand over my mouth. I could get way too used to talking to someone like Pecker.

I think I was right earlier. He’s normally calm and confident with women, but I make him nervous.

Sophia: You’re welcome. I decided it’s no longer a potential.

Pecker: Potential? What are you talking about?

Sophia: Well, I scrolled through your photos and found some shots of you at the beach. I no longer have to say you’re potentially hot.

Pecker: Ahh. Are you going to share the verdict with me?

Sophia: Not yet.

Pecker: You’re wounding my confidence, woman.

Sophia: I’m sure you’ll survive.

Pecker: Why won’t you tell me?

Sophia: Doesn’t the mystery make this more exciting?

Pecker: This? What is this?

Sophia: I guess that’s another mystery too.

“Hello?” I pin the phone between my ear and my shoulder as I rifle through my bag, looking for my sweatshirt.

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