Page 171 of The Encore’s Crown

“That doesn't make this less insane.”

I step outside into the cold Seattle night.

“All I’ve thought about is every part of you, all over me.” I lower my voice. “So yes, Nat. I’m coming to get you. Better hurry, I'm already in the shuttle to the car.”

“You're not.”

A door closes behind me as I get in.

“I am.”

I hear movement on her end. Fast now. A drawer opening. Something falling.

“What're you doing?” I ask.

“I’m panicking.”

“You’re getting dressed.”

“Same thing.”

“You can't come to the front door.”

“I wasn’t planning to.”

Another pause.

Her voice drops. “Where am I supposed to meet you?”

“Corner of your block.”

“In thirty minutes?”

“Twenty-five now. Wear something easy to take off.”

She makes a sound somewhere between a gasp and a laugh.

“You’re disgusting.”

“You missed me.”

“I did.”

Something in the way she says it reaches deeper than I expect.

“I missed you too.”

Neither of us says anything.

Then she whispers, “Twenty-three minutes.”

I grin into the night.

“That’s my Kroppy.”

Chapter 59

Catnip