Page 45 of Axel

Nuff said

I totally shipped this

Told you he had rizz

You’re boo’d up

OMG you’re not 14 either

Right. We’re adults so

…

I know what she’s typing. I know what Rose worries about.

I have my meds and he knows

I’m fine

You TOLD him?????

Bish, you ain’t fine

You in love

ICYMI I don’t do love

Gotta go

I pause. I’ve never spent the night away from my sisters. They know the risks of my disorder. They worry about me.

Love you

I promise I’m okay

I end our texts, and after thirty minutes, I have a dangerous and dirty plan.

The judge bangs her gavel as I push the swinging door open to the courtroom. “This court is in recess,” she rules. “You have your continuance. We’ll see you in sixty days.”

Axel offers his hand, helping Ms. Simpson to rise. By the time he escorts her to a waiting SUV outside the courthouse, we have one hour before our vet appointment.

With a flourish, he whips around, flashing a rare smile and an even cuter command, “Let’s get Sparky.”

I swear when it comes to that cat, Axel forgets he’s a cold-hearted dickhead, and that we almost dry-humped this morning.

No complaints.

“Okay, but I’m kind of starving, too.”

He waits for me to stride beside him, which is odd. I’m soused to his chase, but now he flanks me. He walks on the streetside, protecting me while we walk back to his place.

“If I buy you dinner tonight,” he asks, “will a protein bar get you through the afternoon?”

I’m shocked. “Are you asking me on adate?”

He stops in the middle of the sidewalk, looming over me, but somehow, the dickhead makes it tender. “Ruby Jones, will you please have dinner with me tonight?”

Oh shit.

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