Page 15 of Jessica's Hero

No, I just stayed home by myself. It was fine. Just watched some TV and played some video games.

As soon as I hit send, I want to smack myself. And I frantically look for the unsend feature.

Why would I tell Kane about playing video games? Thirty-five-year-old women don’t spend hours completing complicated quests to obtain top tier armor. They go out with friends. Or out on dates. Or they’re already married with families of their own.

But before I can come up with something to make myself seem less nerdy, my phone chimes with another message.

That’s cool. What games do you play?

After a moment’s hesitation, I reply.

Tenebris Veil. I know it sounds kind of nerdy, but I got into it in college.

His response is immediate.

Not nerdy. I think it’s interesting. I’ve never played myself, but I’d give it a try.

Oh.

Is he serious? Would he actually want to see my character, an undead rogue named Jinx, who I’ve been playing for the last eight years? Or is he just being polite?

While I’m debating how to respond, he texts again.

Not that I’m trying to weasel an invite to your house to watch you play. Just saying it sounds cool.

My heart leaps again. And before I change my mind, I send back a reply.

You could come over to watch. Or you could use my laptop and I could show you how to play.

My face goes hot as I watch those darn three dots blinking. My pulse races.

Did I just make a fool of myself?

Then his message comes in, and all my breath leaves me in a rush.

I’d really like that. But actually. I was wondering if you might want to go out this week? Since the Chief is officially in charge of your case now, it wouldn’t be a conflict of interest. Maybe we could have dinner and then you could show me your game?

I’m so surprised, I just stare at the phone, completely at a loss for words.

Is he asking me out?

It sounds like a date, but could it be?

How could Kane—gorgeous, smart, kind Kane—possibly want to takemeon a date?

Another text flashes onto the screen.

If you don’t want to, that’s okay. Maybe it’s weird of me to ask. Or if it’s not a good time…

He thinksIdon’t want to go out withhim?

Crap.

It takes me three tries to come up with a response.

I’d really like to go out this week. The only night I can’t is Monday, since I have TV night at Shea’s. But dinner and showing you my game sounds great.

The instant I hear the little swoosh of the message sending, I cringe.