Page 49 of Captured Love

Knox: I try.

There's a pause, and I can see the little three dots appear, disappear, and appear again. It looks as if I’m not the only one who is having issues figuring out what to say to the other person. I can almost picture him hesitating as he debates his next words.

Knox: But seriously, thanks for the offer. Rain check?

Me: You’re planning on making another mess?

Knox: You never know. There might be other messes I’d like you to help me clean up.

I stare at his last message like I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Is he... flirting with me? Nope. There’s no way. I chew on my bottom lip, fingers hovering over the keyboard as I think about what I should say back. Do I flirt back? Shut it down? Ignore it altogether?

After a long moment, I find something to say.

Me: I think you're perfectly capable of cleaning up your own messes.

There. Friendly but firm. Establishing boundaries without completely icing him out. I set my phone down, determined to get back to my book and not let myself get sucked further into this...whatever this is.

But seconds later, my phone buzzes again. I groan, grabbing it against my better judgment. I might be better off turning my phone off at this point.

Knox: Ouch. And here I thought we had something special.

He ends the message with a winking emoji, letting me know that he actually meant what he said, but he wants me to think he’s being chill about all of this.

Me: In your dreams, Sanchez.

Knox: Every night, Davis. Every night.

I roll my eyes but can't suppress the grin that appears on my face. This back-and-forth banter feels so natural, so effortless.It reminds me of how things used to be between us before everything got so complicated.

I set my phone down, still smiling to myself. As much as I hate to admit it, I've missed this, but now it’s time to shift gears. I pick my book back up, determined to get lost in its pages once more. I manage to read a few sentences before my mind starts to wander as Knox's words echo in my head.

Every night, Davis. Every night.

I know he meant it as a joke, but I can't help but wonder...does he really think about me that often? The idea sends a little thrill through me, even as I try to squash it down.

I'm just getting to an exciting part of my book when my phone vibrates again. I already know who it is.

Knox: What are you wearing?

I nearly drop my phone. He did not just ask me that. What. The. Hell?!

Me: Excuse me??

Knox: I meant to read! What are you reading? Damn autocorrect.

I stare at his response for a second and raise an eyebrow. Autocorrect my ass. He knew exactly what he was saying.

Me: Just something short and lacy. You know, my typical bedtime attire.

I hit send before I can change my mind. I can't believe I just sent that. I stare at my phone, waiting for his response. The three dots appear, disappear, then reappear.

Knox: Damn. Warn a guy before you go putting images like that in his head.

I smirk, feeling a rush of satisfaction. It's nice to know I can still keep him on his toes.

Me: You asked.

Knox: Touché. But seriously, what are you actually reading?