Page 14 of Fractured

Exiting the shower, I pat dry before slipping into my robe. Toweling my hair dry, I walk to the edge of the bed and notice my phone has a message present.

9:35 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: Would it be okay to tell you I’ve missed you?

I take a gulp of air. Wow. Did he really text that? This guy.

9:47 p.m.

Kat: Yes. It’s more than okay. Thank you for saying that.

9:53 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: The ER isn’t the same when you’re not there.

Not sure what to make of these texts, I just let them continue. He really can be sweet sometimes.

9:59 p.m.

Kat: You’re very kind. I can remember a time when you felt quite different.

10:05 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: I’m sure you’re mistaken, Ms. Kelly. I may have made a terrible first impression with my rude behavior, but I assure you, it had nothing to do with you. Just my reaction to you.

10:10 p.m.

Kat: I’m not sure what you mean.

10:13 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: I’ve been fighting an attraction to you since the moment you pulled that Mario Andretti move in the parking lot. You weren’t in my game plan.

I can’t believe this is happening. I literally need to pinch myself. I sit and reread the texts. This isn’t the playful teasing, near sexting from before. It feels genuine, heartfelt.

10:20 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: Kat? Am I making you uncomfortable?

10:23 p.m.

Kat: No. I’m flattered.

10:25 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: I tried to walk away, esp when I didn’t hear anything from you. But I can’t stop thinking about you.

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