Page 44 of The Match

Zachary: Spoiled Starlight some more?

I laughed.

Grace: You know it. That baby boy hasn’t had such shiny hair ever in his life, I bet.

Zachary: What are you doing tonight?

I took a picture of the TV.

Grace: Spending time with my best friend and trying to decide what to watch. You?

He sent me a picture of the Mississippi. My heart started racing.

Zachary: I left the office and ended up walking along the river because it’s less crowded, and now I can’t stop thinking of our little adventure here.

Our little adventure.That was such a nice way to put it.

“Why are you giggling?” Lais asked. “Why is your team even spamming you at this hour?”

“It’s not my team,” I replied.

“It’s Zachary!” she surmised.

“Why would you guess that?”

She laughed. “Your voice sounded a little bit coy. I’m your best friend. I know you.”

My phone vibrated again.

Zachary: Everything with you is unexpected, and I fucking like that.

I turned my phone to Lais, who grinned from ear to ear. “That doesn’t sound like someone who considers last night a one-night stand. I bet he’s going to try and flirt the pants off you.”

I licked my lips. “You think?”

I reread his message, then decided to reply with the truth.

Grace: I’m not even sure how these things happen. I promise I don’t plan them like that.

Zachary: I know. Are you going to hit the Quarter tonight?

Grace: No, I’m too tired.

Zachary: Even after the lazy morning? Then again, last night’s activities stretched until late.

I couldn’t help laughing.

“He’s starting to flirt, isn’t he?” Lais asked.

I nodded.

“And?” she inquired. “Are you going to flirt back?”

I grinned at her, pressing the phone to my chest. “I’m considering it.”

“Oh, hallelujah, hallelujah,” Lais started again.

“Don’t chant victory too soon.”

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