Page 138 of The Puck Stops Here

Her phone vibrated and she snatched it up.

Blake

You still up?

Her entire body pulsed.

Astrid

Yes

Blake

I can’t get you out of my head

Her heart thudded against her ribs.

Astrid

I can’t get you out of mine

Blake

Want me to swing by?

She shot up in bed.

Astrid

Now?

Blake

I’m right outside… all you need to do is buzz me in…

Ohmigod!

She slammed on her bedside lamp, sending Delia’s book skidding across the floor as she did so. Stared at her stunned reflection in the wall of mirrors. Devoid of makeup, her hair everywhere, and in her Metallica tee and shorts, she wasn’t fit to be seen!

Her phone buzzed again and she buzzed with it.

Blake

Or not. No pressure. I was just passing.

22

Blake hadn’tmeantto call by Astrid’s. He hadn’tmeantto text her. In fact, he’d done all he could to refrain from contact because he didn’t do the whole needy pursuit thing. He never chased a girl. They came to him.

And his brother had messaged to say she was coming to Massachusetts that week. It was perfect. Two nights in the same hotel. So much opportunity.

But driving past her building, knowing she was there, not knowing if she was feeling the same. Wanting to ask her. Wanting to see her. Wanting her.

He looked at his phone, at the three dots rolling. Maybe he should?—

The latch on the door released, his phone buzzing with it:

Astrid