Page 45 of Take the Plunge

Kian: No. But I appreciate your concern.

Me: You were going to stop texting.

Kian: Was I?

Me: I’m going to stop replying.

Am I? Yes. We both have work to do. I’m distracting him as much as he’s distracting me.

Me: Figure out your research project.

Kian: Yes, boss.

Me: Bye.

Kian: Don’t work too hard.

Me: Thanks.

Kian: I thought you were going to be good and work.

Me: I am.

Kian: What are you thanking me for?

Me: Making me laugh. I needed to.

Kian: You’re welcome. I am the king of stress relief.

Me: You are.

Kian: And hey, call me if you ever want me to help you relax.

Me: I will.

Kian: I’d better make that text exchange disappear. Dozens of emoji incoming.

I groan. I do not want my phone screen to be polluted with emoji.

Me: You don’t have to send that many. You don’t have to send any.

Kian: Yes. Yes, I do.

* * *

Before I know it, it’s Friday night. I scroll through the text conversation I had with Kian on Wednesday evening as I eat a microwave meal in my tiny kitchen. My laptop is open, but I need a break from staring at code. Kian must think I’m an arsehole. It’s been almost a week since we hooked up, and I haven’t called like I promised I would. I could call him now, on the off chance he hasn’t made plans. The thing is, I’m not sure what I want.

Okay, that’s not true. I want to recapture the atmosphere of the weekend. Knowing we were alone and that we had nothing else to do or worry about except exploring desires I’d ignored for a long time. But we’re home now, and despite our silly text conversation on Wednesday, everything feels different.

Do I regret the things I did with Kian? No. Do I think it’s fair to invite him over for more exploration? Also no. Do I want to? Yes.

I call him and put the phone on speaker mode so it’s easier to keep eating.

“Hi, sexy.”

Hearing his chirpy voice makes me want to hold him, kiss him, and be with him.

“That’s your cue to say something,” Kian says. “Unless this is a creepy stalker call, but in that case, I’d expect more heavy breathing, likewise if this was a sex call. If it’s a booty call, you’d better hurry up and invite me over before I get a better offer.”