Did he flirt with me at that team dinner last year? He was definitely staring at me during the ESPY awards, but perhaps that was a coincidence?

No. Surely not.

Right?

I press a hand to my chest, trying to calm the sudden thudding of my heart, this new revelation sending my mind into a tail spin.

My phone pings again, pulling me out of my spiral.

Luca: Still there? Or did I scare you off?

Me: Scared? Please. It takes more than that to scare me.

The dots pop up immediately, and I swear my heart skips a beat.

Luca: Good. Coz I’ve got plenty more to say…

Oh, God.

I glance at Gio the dog, who’s now staring at me with those big, judgmental eyes. “What do I do?” I whisper, holding the phone up for guidance. “Little dude, help!”

Me: More to say? Do go on.

Sorry. I had to ask.

I’m a thirsty bitch, what can I say…

This is bad. Dangerous. Completely reckless.

But damn if it isn’t fun.

Luca: I have 8 words for you, Nova.

He makes me wait, not giving them to me.

Me: What 8 words?

I am holding my breath.

Luca: I want you, if only for one night.

1

nova

One week later…

Ihave three rules when it comes to dating:

Never waste time with a man if you know it’s not going to work. Cut them off before date 3.

Never date Gio’s teammates.