Page 99 of Can't Text This

Python:Candy. Lots and lots of candy.

Me:Of course.

Python:And my charm. I have a lot of it.

Me:Yes, I’ve noticed.

Me:Go ahead and screenshot that too.

Python:Oh, I did.

“You have a beautiful smile, Monty.”

Brandon slides onto the stool next to me and I quickly tuck my phone back into my purse sitting on my lap.

“Um, thank you, Mr. Donahue.”

He grins, and it pales in comparison to Robbie’s.

Robbie.

My mind begins to drift to him and I have to redirect myself before I let my imagination run too wild, something that’s easy when it comes to the sexy-as-sin single father whose bed I’ve been occupying night after night.

“I’ve told you, call me Brandon outside of school.”

“Right. Sorry. Just feels weird to not maintain the same level of professionalism outside the classroom as we should inside the classroom.”

My words are a dig at him and his inappropriate comments.

He doesn’t catch it.

Which isn’t surprising. Maybe I should ease up on him some. I mean, all he did was compliment my smile. That’s not too bad, right? Robbie sayswayworse stuff to me daily.

But Brandon isn’t Robbie.

“We’re friends outside the classroom, not coworkers. We have to let loose and have fun some time.”

“Very true.”

He nods toward my half-empty glass. “Need another drink?”

“No, I—”

“I’ll get you one,” he interrupts, heading down the bar to the bartender.

I pull my phone from my purse once he’s turned his back.

Python:Why are you texting me if you’re supposed to be at lunch?

Me:Oh crud. Am I bothering you?

Python:You never bother me, Monty. I was just curious why you weren’t enjoying hanging with your coworkers.

Python:Wait, is Mr. Can’t Take a Hint there?

Me:Yes. He’s why I’m hiding—keeps scooting closer and closer to my chair and into my space. Well, he’s why I was trying to hide. He decided to follow me to the bar. He’s buying me a drink right now.

“Here you go. I got you that sweet tea you’ve been drinking.”

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