Page 32 of Not In A Billion Years

Thanks to you, I can’t move a single muscle in my body without hurting

My male ego is dented

I can’t help the smile that pulls at my lips.

My fingers fly over the virtual keyboard.

Only dented? I type, but then hesitate before sending.

I shouldn’t text back. The man is gorgeous, has a sense of humor, and can self-deprecate just the right amount. In short, he’s very dangerous. And resourceful if he could get my private number. Not to mention, relentless.

MGM is a man who can turn bones to Jell-O in bed and fry brains without breaking a sweat, but break hearts just as easily. Definitely not the kind of distraction I need in my life right now. My life will change too much already with the IPO. Even if Gabriel were a regular dude and not the owner of a fitness empire ten times the size of mine, now wouldn’t be the right time to start a new relationship.

And he’s probably not even interested in a relationship. I bet he just wants me to prove he can have me. That man should walk around with a warning sign strapped across his broad chest.

I erase the reply and close the chat.

Immediately, the phone pings again.

From Gabriel

Ghosting me, really?

I stare at the screen, still undecided until another text pops up.

From Gabriel

I can see the three dots flashing

I know you’re there

Damn messaging apps and their lack of privacy.

I wipe the dumb smile from my face and fight an internal battle not to reply.

Ping.

From Gabriel

If you keep the silent treatment going, you’ll force me to send a selfie from my bubble bath

I shake my head again, accepting defeat, and start typing.

13

GABRIEL

Three seconds pass from the selfie threat, and finally my phone pings with a reply.

From Blake

I hope that bath is full of foam and nothing gross is visible

To Blake

By gross, I suppose you mean my rubber duck?

From Blake

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