Page 48 of The Defender

Vincent kept his eyes firmly on my face. “Goodnight.”

I waited for him to turn his back before I sprinted to my room, closed the door, and locked it for good measure. I glanced at my reflection.

Yep, definitely a good thing I didn’t leave while he was watching. My butt was hanging out like nobody’s business.

I changed into pajamas and flopped onto my bed. I couldn’t stop replaying our hallway interaction in my head.

In hindsight, I should’ve used the towel situation to my advantage. If I couldn’t have gotten him to kiss me, I could’ve at least tortured him a bit. But the moment hadn’t felt right, and I didn’t want to win with something as obvious and heavy-handed as nudity. I had limits.

My phone pinged with a new text. I picked up my phone, grateful for the distraction.

Mason

What are you up to?

We’d been texting since the arcade, but he hadn’t asked me out and I hadn't encouraged him to. Casual, no-strings-attached flirting was way more fun.

Working on my ISNA application. Nothing exciting. What about you?

Mason

At happy hour with some coworkers

Mason

One of them just started singing Celine Dion a cappella, in case you’re wondering how this is going

See, this is why you ALWAYS say no to coworker hangouts outside the office. They always end with Celine Dion, resentment, and/or vomit. Not great either way

Mason

Haha I’ll keep that in mind

Mason

On the upside, one of them told me about this great Italian restaurant in Notting Hill

Mason

Want to go with me next Friday? My treat

My stomach twisted. I’d jinxed myself because that was, forsure,a date invitation.So much for no-strings-attached flirting.

I drew my bottom lip between my teeth. Mason was single, attractive, and easy to talk to. Best of all, he had no ties to or interest in football. He was honestly the best dating option I’d had all year…so why was I hesitating?

My thumbs hovered over my phone screen. I had to type three words. That was it.

I’d love to.See? Simple.

So why couldn’t I do it?

You giving me a pep talk, buttercup?

You should come with me.

So what you’re saying is, I’m special.

That’s exactly what I’m saying.