Page 26 of Sexting the Cowboy

Try harder.

You eating lunch, cowboy?

Only if you’re on the menu.

I choke on my water, coughing into my arm until a passerby gives me a worried look. I glare at my phone.You’re incorrigible.

Big word. I like it.

You’re impossible.

That’s two times today. Must be true.

Stop making me laugh.

Never.

He sends a selfie—sweat-slick hair, sun catching on his jaw, that grin that makes my knees remember what they’re for. The caption:Miss me yet? Send me a pic to show me.

I roll my eyes, take a quick picture of my half-eaten sandwich, and send it back with the caption:This is my current relationship status.

He answers,Jealous of the bread.

I can’t even. You’re the worst.

And yet, I appear to be your favorite.

I want to tell him he’s not. I don’t. The truth is, he’s been living rent-free in my head since the second I texted him by accident. And now he’s across the damn field, smiling like he knows it.

The afternoon stretches long and hot. When I’m not tending to the injured, I’m replaying our conversation. Each message has me warmer, lighter, a little more reckless. When the events finally end and the fairground begins to quiet, my phone buzzes again.

Still alive?

Barely,I reply.I think the sun tried to kill me.

I could help you cool down.

That’s a bold claim.

I keep my word.

I laugh into my palm.You’re incorrigible.

Nah, you used that one already. One more and there’s a penalty.

What kind of penalty?

I get to surprise you.

You’re infuriating.

And yet…

I toss the phone onto the cot and start packing up supplies. The laughter sits behind my ribs, though, warm and persistent.

Later, when the sun drops low and Jaden waves goodbye, I take the long route back to my apartment. I need to clear my head.My phone buzzes again before I can turn around and lock my front door.

You never answered my question.