Page 73 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

He could let me hold his hand, though.

Now he’s blushing at the idea of holding hands. Fantastic.

He starts typing out a reply.

Ellis:Maybe nothing too fancy? Anything else is fine with me.

Ellis:No other allergies but I hate sea monsters.

The response is instantaneous.

Gabriel:LOL do I strike you as a fancy person? Were you expecting a Michelin star restaurant?

Gabriel:Did you mean sea creatures?

Ellis:No. I meant sea MONSTERS. That’s what they are.

Gabriel:You’re adorable. Got it. No sea monsters. <3

Biting his lip to hide a stupid grin, Ellis lifts his gaze from the phone. Jordan is spread out on the sofa, his arms folded behind his head and expression salacious.

“What?” Ellis demands irritably.

“You’re blushing. Did Gabby say something that made you flustered?”

Ellis is really starting to hate all nicknames coming from Jordan. “No.”

Jordan makes atsksound. “Is it my turn to fight you for your phone?”

Ellis sighs in resignation. “He called me adorable.”

“Aww.”

“Shut up.”

“I definitely agree with him.”

Before Ellis can commit a murder, another text comes through.

Gabriel:Okay. I have an idea you might like. Can you meet me at six at the café?

Ellis:Sure. What should I wear?

Gabriel:Something comfy that you don’t mind getting messy.

Ellis must stare at the text for quite a while, because another one comes through.

Gabriel:That sounded a lot better in my head. Please ignore.

A sudden laugh bursts out of Ellis. Jordan gives him a questioning look.

Ellis:Something comfy. Got it.

Gabriel:<3

His stomach flutters at the heart emoji, making him feel like a teenager. Except he was never this smitten with anyone as a teen.

“What’s the verdict?” Jordan asks.