Page 18 of Catch a Tiger

Mark laughs. It would seem that’s all she’s going to say.

Mark: You’re blushing right now, aren’t you?

Maria: Are you outside my window watching me get ready for work?

Mark: I wish I was.

Maria: Creepy.

Mark: But you like it.

Maria: I’m beginning to think you know me too well.

Mark: Is that such a bad thing?

The text comes a little slower this time.

Maria: No. I like it.

Mark: Good. Go out with me tonight.

Maria: Two nights in a row? I’m beginning to think you like me or something.

Mark: And what would you say if I agreed with you?

Maria: My cheeks can’t possibly get any redder.

Sean hops off of the leg machine and heads to Mark. He peeks over his shoulder. “What are you two love birds saying to each other?”

Pressing the phone to his chest, he glares at his friend. “None of your business.”

Sean shakes his head and heads to the next machine. “I have a feeling I’ll be working out by myself today.”

Mark: I think it’s sexy when you blush.

Maria: I just think you’re sexy in general.

Mark grins wide. He has a feeling that she would have never told him that in person. As brave as she is, she’s shy when it comes to him. He likes that she’s teasing him now, even though there’s a screen between them and they’re miles apart.

Mark: Go out with me tonight, Maria.

Maria: Okay. What time?

Mark: I’ll pick you up when the sun goes down. Be ready.

Maria: Okay. Where are you taking me?

Mark: That’s a secret.

Maria: You’re not some serial killer are you?

Laughing out loud, Mark draws the eyes of everyone in the gym, but he pays no attention to them.

Mark: You know I’m not.

Maria: Stranger things have happened. What should I wear tonight?

Mark: Nothing fancy with a side of lace underwear.