Page 21 of Love in the Darkness

his dude. Major crush.”

I laughed so hard I nearly choked. “I don’t even know him,” I finally said.

“I can hear it in your voice. You’re really into him.” Before I could reply, she quickly added, “Which is amazing. You’ve always been fussy about men, which is good. You’re particular, and won’t settle. That’s great. But you obviously have it bad for this guy, so I hope you’ll continue letting him in when you have your sight back.”

I could never hide anything from her. “He’s a huge, hulking wall of muscle, and I swear when he holds me, I feel my ankles twitch,” I nearly whispered.

Angie’s laugh was so loud I had to pull the phone back a little. “That’s amazing. So, he’s hot, I assume?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him.”

“Oh, shit. Right. Huh.”

“And he hasn’t seen me, so there’s that.”

“You’re gorgeous, Kayla,” Angie said quickly. “Trust me, he’ll go nuts when he sees your eyes.”

“Maybe if they’re straight this time.”

She sighed heavily. “They were a bit off, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as you seemed to think.”

“I’m a circus freak. It’s okay, I’m used to it.”

“You are not. Don’t you dare speak like that about my best friend. So what, your eye was a bit off. It was quirky.”

“Whatever.”

“Trust me, he’ll think you’re beautiful. Everyone does.”

“I still might not be his type. You never know – he might only be into tattooed punk chicks, or naughty librarians.”

I had to hold the phone away again until her laughter died down. “Okay, true. You can’t know what he’s thinking. But if he’s sweet to you, get to know him, and give him a chance.”

“I will.”

“And let him take care of you, even when you can see again. Girl, your independence is great, but people need people.”

“Funny, that’s what Liam said.”

“Smart guy. Listen to him,” Angie ordered.

“Yes, ma’am,” I snorted. “I’ll try.”

“Don’t make me come over there and kick your ass.”

I was hit with a wave of sadness as I realized her threat meant nothing now that she was no longer ten minutes away. “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. I have to go, but let the nice hunk care for you, and if he turns out to be hot, throw yourself at him.”

“Classy.”

“Direct. Take care, Kayla. Love you.”

“Love you too. Hug Matt for me.”

“Will do.”

Sprawling back across my bed, I tried to picture what Liam looked like from the sound of his voice. I had no clear idea. What was fascinating was that I didn’t care. I just wanted to be able to see his eyes so that I had a clearer idea of what he was thinking.

---