Page 6

SCOTTI: Tired of us, sure. Mystery woman, though? Hmm.

Kara smirked, shaking her head as she set the phone down. Her friends were relentless when it came to prying into her life, but she couldn’t deny that their teasing often gave her the nudge she needed.

She picked up her phone again and opened her messages. There was one other new message from an unknown number. It had to be Mallory.

Hey.

That was all it said.

The thought of last night resurfaced—Mallory’s sly smile, her beautiful long red hair and big dark brown eyes, the way she’d leaned just a little closer when their banter turned more personal. Kara felt that pull again, stronger now.

Without overthinking it this time, she opened the chat and typed:

Hey, mysterious stranger. Hope the coffee this morning wasn’t your best trick—I might expect more next time.

She hit send before she could second guess herself.

The coffee maker beeped, and Kara poured herself a mug, the warm ceramic comforting in her hands as she took a long sip. She leaned back against the counter, her phone still in her other hand, and waited.

It didn’t take long for a reply to come through.

That depends—are you calling the coffee mediocre, or are you already angling for another cup?

Kara chuckled, the tension in her chest easing as the exchange flowed effortlessly. Whatever this was, she liked it.

Mallory was sharp, warm, and full of surprises—and for the first time in a while, Kara felt like she might want to stick around to see what came next.

Kara grinned, the words lighting a flicker of anticipation in her chest. Her fingers moved almost of their own accord, firing back a response that carried just enough tease to match Mallory’s tone.

Kara: Angling? Nah, I’m not that subtle. Consider this a direct request for a second round—coffee optional.

The reply came quickly, the typing bubbles barely disappearing before Mallory’s message appeared.

Mallory: Bold. Do you always cut to the chase like this?

Kara laughed softly, setting her coffee mug down as she leaned her elbows on the counter, fully immersed in the exchange now.

Kara: Only when it’s worth it. You’re not holding that against me, are you?

The next message took a little longer to arrive, and Kara could almost imagine Mallory smirking as she typed.

Mallory: Not at all. I appreciate the honesty—it’s refreshing.

Kara felt a spark of satisfaction. Mallory wasn’t pulling away from her flirtation, and that made her bold enough to lean in further.

Kara: Glad to hear it. Now, be honest with me—last night. Fun enough to make you think about me today?

Mallory’s reply was almost immediate, her sharp humor cutting through the text like a blade.

Mallory: Fun enough to make me wonder if you always ask leading questions.

Kara laughed again, shaking her head at the way Mallory turned her words around.

Kara: Only when I know the answer is “yes.” So, what’s your go-to for unwinding after a long day?

Mallory: Depends on the day. A good book if I’m feeling ambitious, bad TV if I’m not. You?

Kara: I’ve got a couch that’s seen more takeout and Netflix than I care to admit. But I’m not above dragging myself out for a drink or two if the company’s right.