Page 17 of Wrong Number

“Of course,” I said, tossing my hair while sticking my nose in the air. “As the head information consultant at this practice, it is my duty to keep everyone well informed.”

He laughed, giving me a wave as he went back to the examination rooms.

When I was first hired, we had joked that the position would be a lot more than the usual receptionist. I scheduled, shifted, and confirmed appointments, while managing everyone’s schedules. I kept everyone in the loop, from the patients, to the cleaning staff, to his wife. Our titles for my job had included everything from ‘Official know-it-all’ to ‘Princess of knowing all things.”’

Sneaking another look at my phone, there was another photo from Tyler. This one featured shredded cheese laid out on a sandwich wrapper, arranged in a heart.

Tyler: Too cheesy?

Me: Never.

The rest of the day passed quickly, and I went home to make dinner. I found that everything I thought about now had Tyler attached to it.

I wondered what I would make him when he came to dinner someday. If my old couch would creak when a man that big sat on it.

If he’d want to stay over.

That thought filled me with an indescribable heat. It was clear that we truly wanted each other. There was no question that I was ready, now that I knew in my heart that he was going to be the one. It was just a matter of when.

After cleaning the kitchen, I heard my phone beep. Checking my texts, sure enough, there was a note from my brand new probably-boyfriend.

Tyler: I’m in your neighborhood. Can I come over?

Me: Sure.

Tyler: Cool – I’ll be there in five.

The next four and a half minutes were a whirlwind of tearing around trying to find something cute but casual to wear, brushing my hair, throwing on a bit more eyeliner, and making sure that the apartment was tidy.

When I buzzed him up, I noticed that my fingers were shaking slightly.

The second I opened the door to see his unbelievable smile, I knew in my heart that he was absolutely the one. I also knew that if he wanted to, tonight was the night.

I didn’t care about waiting for six weeks, or ten dates, or whatever systems other women used. I’ve always believed that people should do what’s right for themselves, and I wanted Tyler to do absolutely anything and everything he wanted with me.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, instantly taking hold of me, rocking me in his arms. He kissed me lightly, then locked the door, kicked off his shoes, and led me straight to the couch as he looked around.

“It’s so funny,” he said almost sheepishly, “I didn’t even know your last name. I had to look it up on the apartment directory in the lobby.”

“It’s a super common name,” I shrugged, trying to think of a way to change the subject immediately. “How was your day?”

“Not bad, but not as good as it could’ve been.”

“Why?”

“You weren’t there,” he grinned, pulling me so that I was sitting across his legs, curled into his shoulder.

He kissed me softly, his lips barely brushing mine as his hand slid up the back of my shirt to caress my skin.

“I’m sorry I can only stay for twenty minutes. I have to take the company van across town. But I needed to see you. I’ve been thinking about touching you all day, sweetheart,” he said softly, kissing down the side of my neck.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day too,” I said, trying not to blush.

It turned out that the couch did creak a little with both of our weights on it.

“You know, you were very cute in those crazy blue glasses,” he murmured, kissing along the edge of my chin.

“Do you like them?” I asked, winding my arms around his shoulders and stroking the back of his neck.

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