Page 68 of When We Break

It’s Wednesday night. I’ve just finished putting the dishes away after dinner, and I’m curled up on the couch with Riley by my side, ready to read more Dom, but I’m missing Beckett. He replies faster than I expected.

Beckett: *photo of himself, no shirt, with a paperback copy of Dom open and lying on his stomach*

I drop my phone with a gasp.

“Holy fecking hell.”

Me: Did you seriously just send me a thirst trap photo?

Beckett: What’s a thirst trap photo?

Me: Exactly what you just sent me! Jesus, warn a girl, Beck.

Beckett: So you’re saying that you like my…book?

He’s funny. With a laugh, I settle deeper into the couch.

Me: Yeah, I like your…book. You bought it?

Beckett: Yes, from Bee. Are you still reading it?

Me: Of course. What part are you on?

I take a drink of sparkling water as the bubbles bounce on my screen.

Beckett: They’re married and at his penthouse. And it’s the following morning, and she just woke up.

He’s not too far behind me.

Me: Poor Val. He tricked her!

Beckett: Yeah, kind of an asshole move.

I smirk and sip more water.

Me: Would you ever tattoo your name on someone while they’re out cold because you drugged them?

Beckett: I’m intense, but I’m not THAT intense, Irish.

Me: THANK FUCK! Talk about red flags. I do like your level of intensity, though.

Beckett: I’m relieved to hear that. I’ll show you more intensity as soon as possible.

Me: Okay, you go read, and I will, too.

Beckett: Good night, beautiful.

Me: Good night.

* * *

“Well, don’t you look … happy.” Bee smirks at me and bites her lip, and I can feel my cheeks darken.

“Why wouldn’t I be happy, then?”

“Oh, I’m sure you’re thrilled, friend. Beckett looked pleased with himself when I saw him, too.”

“You saw him? Oh right, when he bought the book.”

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