Page 22 of Tailored for Them

Adam’s face almost looked bored, which was normal for him. However, I noticed that one eyebrow was slightly raised as he studied me. Beck’s eyes were wide; she had a mouthful of food she had paused chewing as she stared at me. Courtney’s lips were parted as she furrowed her brows at me.

“You’re acting so weird,” Courtney said with a shake of her head, “You’re never this nervous about texting people.”

“I know, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” I rested my hand on my chest, “My heart is racing like a mile a minute.”

“Huh,” Beck hummed to herself after swallowing her bite, “I remember feeling like that about Adam.” She took another bite and chewed thoughtfully before adding, “It’s important to keep in mind that I have an anxiety disorder, though.”

Adam leaned over to kiss the crown of her head before focusing back on his meal.

“I think you were justreallyinto me,” Adam murmured.

“Were?” Beck asked with a grin.

Courtney and I both shared a look and pretended to choke back vomit.

“Over a decade later, and you’re still gross and in love,” I shook my head, “Though I am wondering if I’m justreallyinto Nicole.”

“That’s exciting,” Courtney wiggled her eyebrows now as she added, “The butterflies in the stomach stages are the most fun.”

“I don’t usuallygetbutterflies,” I replied, “I’m known togivebutterflies, though.”

“Maybe Nicole is different,” Beck lifted a shoulder with her words, “Maybe—oh my god she responded.” She cut herself off when my phone buzzed on the table again.

I kept the phone on the table but swiped the notification so all three of us could read her message.

Nicole: Hmm. What kinds of things should we practice on? To get things “just right,” as you said.

“Alright,” I snatched my phone off the table, out of their sight, “That ends your friend privileges.”

Beck and Courtney both whined at that, pretending to be put out by no longer being allowed to read my texts with Nicole.

Also,holy shit, Nicole was playing along!

“Why were your privileges revoked?” Adam asked since he wasn’t leaning on the table to read off my phone.

What would be sexy to respond with, but not too sexy?

“It was getting a little heated,” Beck explained, “To the point where Nicole might start sending messages she didn’t consent to others reading.”

“Ah,” Adam nodded, then furrowed his brows, “…You don’t show spicy text messages to each other?”

God, I couldn’t wait to feel Nicole’s lips on mine again.

“Oh, we do,” Courtney clarified, “But the circumstances need to be justified.”

“Exactly,” Beck responded, “If you want a second opinion on how to interpret the text message. Or if you’re asking for advice on how to respond to keep it going. Or, obviously, if you’re feeling unsafe.”

“But in T’s case,” Courtney jutted a thumb toward me, “They never need advice on how to sext someone. Or how to interpret a spicy text. Therefore, there’s no good reason for Beck and me to read all the filthy things they’re about to start sending Nicole. That’s private between the two of them.”

“Ah,” Adam nodded his head, “I was under the impression that you three just shared everything, but I guess these boundaries make sense.”

“Beck has shared more than enough,” I replied as I held my phone in my hands, still brainstorming my response to Nicole, “But also,” I winked at Adam, just to make him uncomfortable, “You’re a dirty dog.”

Adam didn’t act uncomfortable, because he’s known me for over a decade now and was used to me trying to rile people up for the thrill of it. Instead, he just nodded and said, “Thanks.”

Beck giggled.

“I strive to be as unbothered as Adam Hall.” Courtney sighed to herself, “If Josh were here, he’d demand a whole detailed analysis of his spicy texting over the years.”

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