Page 22 of Caught A Vibe

I know media days can

be intense.

I was fine with the interviews

and publicity. Honestly, it’s been

a godsend, so thank you for that.

It’s the being away from my team

right now that sucks.

I don’t mention the kiss I owe him, but I’m thinking about it. I don’t want to go there. It opens a door to physical flirting through text that I’m not comfortable with yet, so I keep it casual. Friendly but professional. Totally normal tone to use with someone you nearly suffocated between your thighs… Ugh, why am I overthinking this?

Dash:

I’ll bet.

Why are you awake?

Penny:

Can’t sleep. Too many thoughts

racing through my head. You?

New game release.

Got caught up.

More pulsing dots… I hold my breath.

Dash:

Do you want to talk?

Do I want to talk? It is one in the morning, and I won’t be falling asleep anytime soon. Is this going to calm me down or keep me wired? Also, is this weird? I have never called a one-night stand for emotional support in the middle of the night. But I want to. What the hell?

He answers on the second ring.

“Didn’t think you’d actually do it. I have you on my headphones, FYI.” I can hear his smile through the phone.

“Why are you whispering?”

“Trying not to wake up my roommates.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize…”

“Everyone in San Francisco has a roommate,” he teases.

“Should we go back to texting?”

“No! No, this is much better. I’ve been wanting to hear your voice again.”

“Oh yeah? Then why didn’t you call?”

“Thought you might still be slammed and wouldn’t want to talk for one more minute.” He pauses, and I wait, anxious to hear what he has to say. “If it makes you feel better, I was going to call you Friday. Figured I’d have a better chance at the end of the week.”

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