Page 84 of Can't Stop Watching
I ignore her and type.
Lila: Free tonight? Could use some company after this internship prep session.
"What, no sexy text?" Tessa tries peeking at my screen.
I angle my phone away. "None of your business."
Truth is, Dane's texts have gotten increasingly explicit these past few days. Last night, he sent one describing exactly what he wanted to do to me that had me crossing my legs behind the bar. The man has absolutely no chill, and I'm completely into it.
My phone buzzes with his reply.
Dane: My place tonight? I have something I want to try with you.
Heat spreads through my body. It's ridiculous how three dots on a screen can make me feel like I'm already in his bed.
"From that look on your face, I'm guessing he's available," Tessa laughs.
"Maybe." I type back.
Lila: Can't wait. Wear those tights boxers I like.
"God, you're disgusting," Tessa says, but she's smiling. "You've got it bad."
"Yeah, well." I shrug, trying to sound casual despite the warmth pooling low in my stomach. "The sex is phenomenal. Like, rearrange-your-internal-organs phenomenal."
"TMI, but I'm here for it." Tessa refills our glasses. "So it's just sex?"
"No." The word comes out too quickly. "I mean… we talk too. Like, really talk."
"About?"
I twirl a strand of hair around my finger. "His family. Why he became a marine, and other stuff." What he's shared with me—it's not for me to divulge. I take a sip of wine. "He acts all tough, but there's this... vulnerability to him. Like he's spent his whole life afraid to care about anything."
"Until you," Tessa points out.
My phone vibrates again.
Dane: Wear your hair down, and a dress and nothing underneath.
"Jesus Christ," I mutter, feeling my pulse quicken.
"What?" Tessa demands.
"Nothing." I quickly stuff my phone in my pocket. "Just Dane being... Dane."
"So are you ditching me for him, or what?"
"Maybe." I check the time. "Probably. Definitely."
Tessa sighs dramatically. "Fine, abandon me for your hot detective. But before you go—" Her expression turns serious. "About Langford. Promise me you'll be careful if Veritas offers you that internship."
"I promise." I stand and collect my notes, trying not to rush too obviously. I need to get to my place and find a dress. "But honestly, after what you've told me, maybe I should look into him for my first investigative piece."
"Lila..." Tessa's voice carries a warning.
"Kidding. Mostly." I grab my jacket. "Thanks for the prep session. And for the Langford intel."
As I head for the door, my mind splits in two directions—half racing toward Dane and whatever he has planned for tonight, half circling around Brian Langford and the girl from Yale who vanished without a trace.
