Page 22 of Not Dating Material

You’re talking to the wrong person if you’re going for the guilt trip.

Me:

True. Madden can never resist that.

Seven:

Too bad I know that curiosity is good for the soul.

Me:

Mine is shriveling up.

Seven:

Something that bright? I doubt it.

A tickle of nerves crosses my stomach. Sure, I could get up and go over to his desk, answering my questions at once. I could take off his headphones and have a proper conversation instead of typing away and distracting myself, but talking to him like this is different. Seven’s intimidating. I know he’s not as scary as he looks, but it’s not even that. He’s … a force. Gravitational. I can’t help but get distracted by his presence.

And he thinks I have a bright soul.

I’m not sure if that’s something he’d ever say to me out loud, but I’m reluctant to break this little conversational spell.

Me:

Can you be bribed?

Seven:

Nope.

Me:

Bought?

Seven:

Sure. You buy me a new car and we’ll talk.

Me:

Hot Wheels, okay?

His huff of a laugh comes again. It’s a nice sound.

Seven:

Sorry, Tiny. No dice.

Me:

Tiny, huh?

Seven:

Hate to tell you, it’s stuck now.

Me:

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