Page 116 of I Think They Love You

“We didn’t have—”

“Oh, you definitely did.” Jamie laughs. “Your clothes are wrecked, you’re obnoxiously giddy, and you keep watching your phone like Juliet waiting to hear from Romeo.”

It’s not true. Denz can’t help if the aunties are feuding in the family group chat. Or that his notifications have been out of control ever since posting that morning selfie.

But, like,maybehis eyes go there once or twice, expecting a text from Braylon.

After leaving the hotel, they shared a light breakfast. They ate in an easy silence, ankles brushing, eyes lingering a second toolong. Denz kept waiting for the awkwardness to appear. It never came. Not even when the car service dropped them off at the botanical gardens.

They didn’t kiss goodbye. But Braylon’s pinkie remained curled around Denz’s until they were forced to walk in opposite directions toward their cars.

So, it’s not Denz’s fault he’s anticipating anI’m homemessage from Braylon to pop up on his screen. He’s simply being thoughtful.

“You’re doing itagain.”

Denz snaps to attention, almost knocking over his mug.

Jamie leans forward and says, in a conspiratorial voice, “Was it good?”

“No, stop.”

“I knew it!” Jamie’s grin widens. “British dick is amazing.”

“He’s fromhere. Dunwoody.”

Jamie pushes his wavy bangs back. He’s in a tight-fit black V-neck and skinny jeans. He reaches for one of Denz’s muffins as he says, “Irrelevant. You two finally boned. You’re happy. What’s there to complain about?”

Wow. For once, Denzdoesn’thave anything to complain about.

The sexwasgood. And it wasn’t weird afterward. His family’s still buying into the whole fake relationship. The company’s trending, whether from Kami’s successful event or his photo with Braylon, Denz doesn’t care. He’s content.

“Well?” Jamie prompts.

Denz smiles fondly into his coffee. “It’s… nice.”

His phone chimes on the table. It’s not another social media alert. Or an update in the group chat. It’s also not theI made it back to my apartment safely, thanks for the great nighttext he’s forecasting in the most nonchalant, zero-fucks-given way.

But it is a message from Braylon:

Is your name Earl Grey?

Because you’re definitely a hot-tea!

This time, Denz snorts so hard, he sees stars. Another text bubble appears under the last. Denz bites his lip, watching the floating ellipsis.

I’m home by the way, Braylon sends.The party was wonderful. You looked great.

He fights off another stupid grin.

you werent a bad date,he texts.8 out of 10.

Braylon’s response reads,You’re too kind. I’ll do better next time.

Denz starts to type out athank you for the body-tingling orgasm in the shower earlierbut thinks better of it. Some thoughts should stay in the drafts.

“Ohmygod,please stop,” Jamie begs, startling the phone from Denz’s hands. He locks the screen before Jamie can read anything.

“Hmm?”

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