Page 3 of Love Off-Limits
I’d tried that. And apparently earned myself a reputation that screamedliabilityinstead of responsibility. In my mind, it didn’t make sense. So I was one to live in the moment. I was passionate, maybe sometimes a little impulsive. But I always got the job done. I didn’t juggle collegiate athletics and make the dean’s list because I was irresponsible. But I guess my family saw me differently.
Rosie bumped my shoulder with hers. “Why not just see what happens?”
Marley pulled up to the curb and honked her horn, and Rosie climbed into the passenger seat while the rest of us tumbled into the back.
My phone buzzed in my bag seconds after I’d settled into my seat. I pulled up my notifications to find a text from an unknown number.
Hello. Just wanted to confirm that I am, actually, still thinking about you.
Another message immediately popped up.
Got your number from Rosie,it read.Hope you don’t mind.
“Rosie!” I yelled to the front of the SUV. “You gave him my number?”
“Of course,” she said simply.
“Who, Tyler?” Marley asked. She made a noise somewhere in between a growl and a moan. “He can have my number,” she said. “He can have my anything he wants.”
I laughed with everyone else even as I pondered Rosie’s advice.
Maybe, just this once, I could have a little fun.
After all, my dad was not at Rosie’s wedding.
Nor were any of my brothers.
In fact, there wasn’t anyone around, outside of Rosie and her parents, who knew anything about me.
I could be as un-serious as I wanted to be. At least for a couple of days.
I grabbed my phone and used my camera to check my appearance, pulling my red hair forward so the loose waves cascaded over my shoulder. I took a quick selfie, my expression thoughtful, and texted it to Tyler.
Likewise,I typed before sending him the photo.This is my “I’m thinking of you” face.
You . . . have no idea how happy you just made me,he messaged back.
I aim to please,I texted back.So where are all the guys hanging out?
Tyler: Back at Isaac’s. You?
Olivia: At the Francis Marion Hotel.
Tyler: Oh fun. That place is good and haunted. Have a nice night.
Olivia: WHAT. You’re kidding.
Tyler: I mean, I’ve never seen the ghost. But my sister says she has.
Olivia: I can’t decide if I want you to tell me this story or not.
Olivia: No. You have to tell me. I can’t not know now that you brought it up.
Tyler: You’re welcome. ;)
The little winking emoji after his text made me grin. I loved a good ghost story. But mostly I just loved that our conversation was flowing so easily.
Isaac’s twin sister, Dani, sat beside me in the back seat. She nudged me with her shoulder. “What are you grinning about?” she asked.
