Page 20 of Deceptive Desires

I open it and stare at his contact.

Hero.

It’s been a few days since I last saw him, and despite it being unreasonable, I miss him. I know he gave me his number and instructed me to reach out when I was better, but I also know it was an empty offer. He doesn’t want to hear from the girl he saved.

Gracie grunts next to me. Next to my ear to be exact.

“Have you seriously not texted him yet?” She sighs from over my shoulder. She’s hovering next to me, staring at my screen displaying his number.

“He doesn’t actually want me to reach out. He was just being nice,” I explain.

“You don’t actually believe that, right?” When I shrug, she rolls her eyes. “Girl, he wouldn’t have helped you then come by to check on you then demanded you text him when you’re better if he wasn’t interested. That was not an empty offer.”

“But why would he want me to reach out to him?”

“Don’t be dense. He wants you. He’s so interested, it’s not even funny. Give him a chance. Text him,” she pushes, and I know I need her to.

“What do I even say?” I need help. I have no idea how to talk to men. But I also don’t think Gracie does either. I’ve never seen her interact in a non-hostile manner to one.

“Start with ‘Hi! This is Cecilia. The damsel in distress that you saved. Let’s get together and roll around in the sheets all night. Oh, and I’m a virgin, so teach me your wicked ways, my sexy God of Darkness.’” Her tone switches to an airy, high-pitched voice when she speaks as me, and I’m almost offended.

“I am not saying that!” I gasp in horror. “I’m not going to sleep with him! I don’t even know him!”

“Semantics,” she defends. “Fine, just reach out and see if he’s busy tomorrow night.”

“But I’m busy tomorrow night,” I say, confused. “We’re going to that club, remember? For Leo’s birthday.”

“Exactly. Invite him to come with us. That way it isn’t exactly a date, but if he comes, that means he’s interested. And it’s a controlled environment. And I’ll be there to protect you.”

“Oh… That actually makes sense. Maybe–” I’m cut off by the oven timer going off.

I take dinner out of the oven and plate everything. When I sit back down, I try to change the subject.

“So, what class is the exam in?”

“Nope. Take out your phone and text him now,” she orders, leaving no room for argument.

“Okay. But what do I say?” I ask sheepishly. I’ve never done this before.

“Just text him ‘Hey, it’s Cecilia. I’m no longer concussed and wanted to thank you for helping me.’”

“Yes! That’s great!” I type it up and just stare at the words.

“Now press send,” she instructs slowly.

I take a deep breath and hit send.

Me: Hey, it’s Cecilia. I’m no longer concussed and wanted to thank you for helping me.

I turn off my phone and start to place it face-down on the counter, but it buzzes, signaling a call.

Hero.

My heart skips a beat then starts racing.

“Answer it!” Gracie says. “Cecilia, answer the phone right now, or I’ll answer it for you.”

But I can’t move. I just stay frozen. Gracie shakes me, snapping me out of my stupor.