Page 35 of Jessica's Hero

Desire coils in my belly.

I haven’t wanted to be with a man since that disastrous experience ten years ago. Not until now.

Before I can second guess myself, I send off an impulsive reply.

I’m thinking about it, too.

Seconds drag into minutes as I wait for his response. My stomach twists into a nervous knot.

Crap. Did I read him wrong? Are my flirting skills so out of practice that I screwed it up completely?

Then a message blinks onto my screen.

Sorry, just got back to the station and had to talk to the guys working next shift. But now I’m thinking about you in bed, wearing some cute PJs, thinking of me as you fall asleep…

Oh.

There’s that surge of desire again.

And my thoughts jump to the toy stashed in mynightstand; my only companion for more years than I’d like to admit.

But if I used it this time, I wouldn’t be thinking about some faceless version of the ideal man. I’d be thinking about Kane. I’d be thinking about his big hands roaming across my skin, his wicked lips exploring my body, my legs falling open to welcome him in?—

Jess. Was that too much? I’m sorry.

I blink at Kane’s text as I drag myself back to the present.

No. It’s not too much. I was thinking about what you might be wearing, too.

I’m almost shocked at myself for being so bold. Not bold for old Jess, who flirted without hesitation, but new Jess, who’s constructed so many walls it’s hard to know where to start taking them down.

Three dots blink. Stop. Blink again.

Shit, sweetheart. I wish I could see you right now. But it’s late and I know you have to get to sleep. I know we already have plans for Saturday, but how about a dinner and movie tomorrow? Unless that’s too soon?

I beam at the phone, feeling happier than I’ve been in a very long time.

Dinner tomorrow would be great. I saw there’s a new movie on Netflix we could watch.

His response comes back right away.

Absolutely. And I’ll pick up something to eat so you don’t have to cook. Around six sound good? Fortunately, I’m back on the day shift for the rest of the month.

Tonight is one of the rare times that Kane works the three to eleven shift, which is why I’m hearing from him so late. Normally he works days, but one of the otherofficers is on vacation this week, so Kane offered to cover for him. Selfishly, I’m glad Kane has the day shift because that means I get to see him more often. Even though I know it’s too soon to see him every night, if I’m honest with myself, I wouldn’t mind if I did.

Before I can reply, Kane texts again.

I have to finish up some paperwork before I leave. Text me if you need anything, okay?

Still grinning like a loon, I send a quick reply.

I will. Have a good night. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

And the unsaid part of it—I miss you.

As I run through my bedtime routine, the thought keeps spinning in my head.

I miss Kane.