Page 4 of Until We Meet Again

When I open the app, I see that I've received a reply from a girl named Tessa. I know exactly who she is—the only woman I've messaged on here since I moved to Chicago—and as soon as I look at her picture again, I instantly remember what caught my attention in the first place—that smile. She's beautiful, but her smile is something else. And when I found out she's into books just like me, I had to make a move.

T: You had me when I saw that you're a book expert, and don't worry, I don't send dick pics either.

A burst of laughter escapes my lips as I swirl the glass of whiskey in my hand before bringing it to my mouth. The amber liquid flows through my veins, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.

Despite the age difference, I found myself extremely attracted to her. I typically stick to dating women within my age range, but something about her drew me in.

Once I place Gatsby back on the table, I relax into my chair and immediately hit the reply button on my phone.

Z: Good to know. The last woman I spoke to sent me a dick pic after two messages, so I've been terrified of coming back here. Tell me, Tessa, what's your favorite book?

It surprises me when her message comes back as fast as it does, especially since it took her almost two weeks to reply.

T: You sure you want to start with that question? Because this has the potential to make or break our relationship, and I'm not sure we're ready for it yet.

Z: Better to know these things early, right?

T: Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. It's Little Women. It sparked my love of books, and I always return to it.

Z: So, classics are your thing then? What are you reading now?

T: I'll read pretty much anything, not just classics. It's a romance called Forbidden Temptation. You should give it a try.

Z: That sounds like the title of a smutty book.

T: It's a little smutty. What about you? What are you reading?

Z: I'm about to teach The Great Gatsby to my students, so I'm trying to get a head start.

T: I'm guessing you teach English.

Z: Yeah, I saw that you're in college, so I'm going to assume you're majoring in it.

T: I am. I'd love to be a writer or a teacher one day if you have any tips.

Z: An important one would be not to message a beautiful woman the same age as your students, but here we are.

I amp it up to playfully flirty to see what else this girl has; however, nothing prepares me for her next message.

T: Very smooth, sir.

My jaw clenches, and I twist my neck to ease the tension that's building up within me. It's been a while since I've been with a woman, and now even the slightest thing is putting me on edge.

Z: Sir? Be careful with your words, Tessa. I'm trying to be a gentleman here.

T: I guess I assumed you were always a gentleman.

I feel her vibe through the way she replies. It's playful, and it stirs something inside me. I need this. I crave this in a person—someone who can keep up with my energy—and she's doing just that.

Z: I assumed you were a good girl, and then you called me sir. I guess we were both wrong.

I keep my eyes fixed on the screen, anticipating her reply. The passing seconds seem to drag on forever, putting my patience to the test. Maybe I pushed it a little too far, or perhaps she's just at a loss for words, but how effortlessly she has me in her grasp from one conversation and a smile that outshines the stars has me thirsting for more.

Chapter 4

Tessa

As I drop onto the couch, I grab the television remote and fire up Netflix. I scroll through until I findSupernaturaland hit play.

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