Page 60 of Third Strike Smitten

Me

Three. Including you.

The three dots appear and disappear several times before his response comes through.

Killian

Three? That’s it? How is that even possible?

Me

What do you mean, how is that possible? Not everyone is Killian Haynes, star pitcher and professional heartbreaker.

Killian

I’m not a heartbreaker. I’m just very up front about what I want.

Me

Which is?

Killian

Right now? You. In my bed. Making those little sounds you made when I kissed you at the stadium. Not gonna lie, Coach, they kind of turned me on.

Heat floods my face and spreads down my neck. I should shut this down. I should remind him again about our agreement. I should be the responsible one here.

But also, I don’t want to do any of those things.

Me

I’m sorry to be the cause of what I can only assume will be an impressive case of blue balls.

Killian

LOL at least you admit it. Can I ask you a question?

Me

Let me guess. You want to know how you compare? To the other men before you?

Killian

Maybe I’m curious. Maybe I want to know what I’m competing against.

Me

You’re not competing against anyone. There’s no competition because we’re not real, remember?

Killian

Hmm. Felt pretty real to me when my tongue brushed yours. You got a fake tongue in that pretty little mouth of yours?

I can feel my face flush brighter as I read Killian’s message. There’s something about the way he texts that feels like he’s right next to me, whispering these things directly into my ear.

And I don’t hate it.

Me