Page 109 of Spies Don’t Fall for Their Best Friend

My phone vibrates beside my notebook. Like a good operative, I ignore it during the briefing.

We spend another fifteen minutes discussing vehicles, routes, and contingencies before the director dismisses us. Ledger heads toward the equipment room. Emerson remains behind to reorganize information on the screen. Nora returns to her station.

I pick up my phone and see there’s a message from Reese.

Reese: I’ve got an important relationship question.

I stare at it. The words are significantly more alarming than any combination of shell companies and covert aviation providers.

Miles: I’ve got an important relationship answer.

Miles: Probably.

Miles: Maybe.

Three dots appear. Disappear. Then appear again.

Reese: Are you ever going to kiss me?

Everything inside me stops.

The sounds of the operational floor continue around me. Nora is talking to someone in Technical. A printer starts behind Emerson’s desk. Ledger calls my name from across the room. None of it registers properly.

I read the message again. Are you ever going to kiss me?

I have spent years imagining kissing Reese. Not constantly—that would make functioning difficult. But often enough that I know several versions of it. A first kiss in the university library, before I witnessed her reaction to my Winter Ball question. One in my car after a late-night drive. One in her kitchen while she was laughing. One during any of the hundreds of moments when she stood close enough that I could see the tiny golden flecks in her eyes and had to remind myself that friendship was the only thing she wanted.

I almost kissed her on Saturday. I only stopped because I felt the moment deserved room. Apparently, Reese has decided the room is ready.

I type and then delete several responses.

Yes.

Absolutely.

I almost did on Saturday.

Name a time and place.

I can be at your house in twenty minutes.

I settle on When can I see you? and press send. Her answer comes before I can take another breath.

Reese: Tonight?

Miles: Yes.

Reese: You answered quickly.

Miles: I’ve had time to consider the general question.

Reese: How much time?

Miles: Years.

The dots remain on the screen longer this time.

Reese: Right. Still adjusting to that.