Page 16 of Riptide

Walking across campus toward my office for afternoon office hours, I slip my phone into my pocket, determined to ignore the fact that I’ve checked it an embarrassing number of times today. Finn isn’t obligated to text me, but he has a couple of times. Sometimes he’s flirty, sometimes he’s curious but doesn’t ask too pressing questions, more like “what’s your hot sauce level,” which is wholly random, and always mild.

Maybe that’s what makes the buzz of my phone in my pocket feel more satisfying than it should, hoping it’s him again. I don’t have to check it right away, but I do.

Finn

So I hear you’ve got a hot date tomorrow night?

I huff a quiet laugh, pushing open my office door.

Foxx

With some random guy I’ve never met before.

Finn

Randomhotguy you’ve never met.

I drop my bag on the desk, still smiling as I sink into my chair. The grin’s doing something traitorous to my face, and I don’t even try to stop it.

Foxx

Of course, can’t forget the hotness. Or the modesty.

Finn

I’ve heard he’s great in bed and has decent grammar, most of the time.

I laugh into the quiet of my office at his boldness, then something ignites beneath my skin, a buzz that he brought on the first night we talked, and it’s back at the idea of spending a night with him.

Before I can type something back, another text rolls in. This time, it’s a picture. A café with warm lighting, plants in the background. I recognize it as Mug Life on campus. Shit, he’s close right now; I could easily find him. Walk across campus and see if he’s still there, accelerate this whole process…but that’s not what we agreed. I focus on his hand in the frame, wrapped around a black coffee. The silver ring on his thumb catches the light.

Finn

I know we haven’t talked about where we live, but if you happen to know where I am, you can come find me and blow off your date tomorrow night.

I settle into my chair in my office and type my reply. It would be far too easy to go get him now, but I also like to exercise control for myself. So, instead, I move some of my CLU headed paper away from my desk, then send a picture of my hand hovering over the mouse pad on my laptop with a caption.

Foxx

Tempting offer. But unfortunately, I have a very full day. Looks like I’ll have to stick with the date as planned. Fortunately, he’s pretty easy on the eyes.

The reply comes before I even put my phone down.

Finn

Yeah, that picture isn’t working for me.

I frown, unsure what he means.

Foxx

It’s not?

Finn

No. I don’t like thinking about you sitting trapped behind that desk for the next half a day.

Foxx