Page 164 of The Rookie

I raise a hand, laughing nervously. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. I just—I really want to tell you all about him with no distractions. So can we please chat tomorrow? I’m so spent tonight.”

Cassie tilts her head, studying me for a second before her face softens. “Of course. I can’t believe you’ve been holding out on me, but okay. Coffee tomorrow. It’s a date.”

“Thank you,” I say, my shoulders sagging in relief.

Later, I collapse onto the bed in my room, the sound of muffled laughter and chatter drifting up from downstairs. The second my head hits the pillow, my phone buzzes on the nightstand.

I grab it, my stomach flipping when I see his name.

Griffin: what are you doing?

Me: Sleeping. You?

Griffin: Just touched down. 1 hour to the Airbnb. And how are you texting if you’re sleeping? Liar.

Me: You’re hilarious. I made a coffee date with Cassie tomorrow. I’m going to tell her about us

Griffin: That’s good. About time she knows you’re mine.

Me: Yours? Bold of you to assume.

Griffin: Bold of you to deny it.

Me: What if I like my secrets? :P

Griffin: Then you’re in trouble, Sinclair. Because I’m not good at keeping my hands off you when everyone’s watching.

Me: We’ll see how well you behave tomorrow.

Griffin: Oh, I’ll behave. Until I get you alone.

I bite my lip, the heat of his words spreading through me. My fingers hover over the screen before I type back.

Me: And then?

Griffin: And then? I’m going to make you tell me exactly how much you’ve missed me while I’m inside you.

Me: Griffin…

Griffin: That blush you’ve got right now? I want it all over your body.

I pull the blankets up to my chin, trying to steady my breathing, but the buzz in my chest is impossible to ignore.

Me: Goodnight, Knox.

Griffin: Sweet dreams, Sinclair. Don’t forget who you’re dreaming about.

I set the phone down, my heart racing, my body buzzing with anticipation.

The phone buzzes once more.

Griffin: Hey. One more thing. I know we haven’t gotten a chance to talk about this enough, but…I love you. I really do. I don’t know what it means yet. But I’m here for the journey of learning about what this all means.

I stare at the screen, Griffin’s words blurring slightly as my eyes well up. I blink quickly, wiping the corners of my eyes as a smile stretches across my face.

Me: I love you too, Griffin.

The response feels small compared to the weight of his confession, but it’s the truth. Simple. Real.

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