Page 39 of Shots Fired

I shrug, tingles racing down my spine. “Who knows? But I can’t wait to get my hands on it again.”

“Oh, I bet you can’t. When will that be?”

My attention falls briefly to the mobile phone sitting face down on the table, and I flip it over.

Thigh Boy: I have you pinned as a size four. I hope I’m correct …

I look over at Kendra. She’s busy on her phone, no doubt texting Jack.

Me: Do I dare ask what you’re doing now?

Thigh Boy: It’s not what I’m doing—aside from you. More what I’m buying.

Me: You can’t keep using my birthday as an excuse for whatever gift you’re buying me this time.

Thigh Boy: I don’t need an excuse to do what I want. When can I see you next?

Me: It’s been less than a day since I left your bed. And thank you for whatever you’re buying me.

Thigh Boy: Tonight?

Pure excitement sparks beneath my skin. I’d love to see him again tonight, but this is where I have to heed my own warning. Sex with Archer is every now and again and not a daily occurrence. Too much time together risks complications that I do not want or need.

Me: No can do, I’m afraid. I’ve got work to catch up on.

Thigh Boy: Are you playing hard to get, Doll?

Me: No. I’m playing out exactly what we agreed. I’m coming to the GM dinner, and I’ll see you then …

Thigh Boy: Nope, sorry. That’s the week after next and way too long away. I need to see you sooner than that.

I close out our message thread and open my Camera app. Quickly snapping a picture and sending it to him.

Me: Now you’ve seen me.

Thigh Boy: Stunning.

Thigh Boy: I’m coming over to your place tomorrow night.

Me: You’re intensely horny.

Thigh Boy: For you? Yes.

Me: I need to go; I’m out with the girls.

Thigh Boy: That was my next question since you didn’t tell me earlier—who you are having lunch with. Dates with your girls are the only ones I’ll accept. Aside from dates with me.

Me: Scratch that. You’re just intense. Period.

Thigh Boy: I’ll be at your place just after seven. We have practice, and then I’ll head over straight afterward.

Jenna takes a seat next to me, and I move my phone out of sight before throwing her a wink and grinning like a giddy teenager.

Me: I didn’t say yes to anything.

Thigh Boy: You didn’t need to. The smile I know you’re wearing right now is answer enough for me.

Thigh Boy: Speak soon. Stay pretty, A, x.