Page 13 of Heart Set on You

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Later that night I’m lying in bed, thinking about Rylee. It’s only been six hours and I already miss her. I miss her smile and the way her eyes sparkle when I say something that makes her nervous. I know without a doubt I want to see her again.

I ran 10 miles after I dropped her off, then lifted weights for half an hour in the home gym at my rental, needing to work off some pent-up sexual frustration. When that didn’t work, I took a cold shower and jerked myself, shooting all over the white-and-gray marble tile. After I cleaned up, I got into bed and picked up my phone, sending Rylee a text. Zero restraint.

Miles: I had a great time with you today. Is it too soon to ask when I can see you again?

I wait for her reply, tapping my phone against my chin. I wonder if she’s been thinking about me too. I hope so, but maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part. I sneak glances at the screen every so often, willing those bouncing bubbles to appear. Finally, after what seems like forever, she’s typing.

Rylee: Thank you for lunch. I had fun. You weren’t what I expected.

Miles: A conceited actor with a superiority complex?

Rylee: I wasn’t going to say that.

Miles: It’s okay. I’ve been around my fair share.

Rylee. I’ve seen enough of it too working on sets.

Miles: I’m not like that, Rylee. I hope I’ve never given you that impression.

Rylee: You’ve never. Every person on set seems to agree you’re one of the nice guys.

Miles: Then go out with me. I’m free tomorrow. Can I take you for dinner?

My grip on my phone is turning my knuckles white as I wait for her to respond. My heart beats a little faster in my chest. It feels like I’m coming unglued. How is she doing this to me already? I’m staring at my fucking phone praying for her answer to be yes. Her response appears.

Rylee: Can I ask you a question?

Her reply is unexpected. She has me curious.

Miles: Anything. Of course.

Rylee: Why me?

I hesitate for a second, wondering how much I want to tell her. How honest I want to be with her. The truth is always the best policy, my mother taught me. She always tells us to say what we feel. So, that’s what I do.

Miles: You’re beautiful. And I can’t get you out of my head. I want to get to know you.

Rylee: My life isn’t that exciting. I would hate to disappoint.

Miles: So is that a yes to dinner tomorrow?

Honestly, I don’t remember the last time a girl told me no. The perks – or drawbacks, depending on how you look at it – of being famous. No one says no to me, ever. But I can already sense that Rylee may be the exception to that rule. It makes me nervous as hell, but it’s also refreshing and exciting.

Miles: Nothing fancy. Just dinner. Don’t overthink it. Say yes.

The three dots bounce around on my screen, then they’re gone. I anxiously wait, wondering if I’ll need a plan B to get this girl to go out with me. My phone lights up with a text a second later.

Rylee: Yes :)

Thank fuck. I blow out a breath.

Miles: I’ll pick you up at 7. I’m looking forward to it. Night, Rylee.

Rylee: I am too. Night, Miles.

Dropping my phone to the bed, I’m grinning like an idiot. Like I won some sort of prize. I wore her down. I’m going to dinner with her tomorrow and that’s fucking exciting.

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