Page 78 of Let's Get Textual

He crosses the room and wraps one arm around my waist, the other going to his mouth. I’m too lost in his eyes to pay attention to what he’s doing, but I do feel the wetness when his finger collides with my face.

“I think you’re cuteandexhausting, even when you have dried drool on your face.”

I drop my head to his chest. “Why couldn’t you ignore that?”

“And miss the chance to embarrass you? Never.”

“You’re so good to me, Zach.”

“Was that sarcasm I detected, Delia?”

I pinch my fingers together. “Only a little.”

He places a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Morning, by the way.”

“Morning. What are you doing up so early anyway? It’s not even nine yet.”

“Some of us have to work, you bum.”

“Aren’t you allowed to take days off? You owned the company.”

“See what you did there? Past tense. I’m a regular ol’ employee now.”

“Here.” Zoe shoves Marshmallow between us, the hair around his mouth dripping with milk. “You can have him back. I fed him for you.”

“Uh…thank you, I guess.” Zach takes Marshmallow and sets him in his cage, then begins throwing all the toys spread around the living room inside.

Sadness washes over me.

I don’t want Zach to leave. Last time we did this, I didn’t see him for over a week. I don’t want that. I want him here, close to me.

“What are you doing Thursday?” he asks, reading my mind. “Do you have work or class?”

“Nope. I’m free.”

“Want to try for that third date?”

I smirk. “Third? Already?”

“We’ll see how you feel at the end of the night.” He winks.

“It’s a date then.”

“Good. I really hate to do this but…”

“You need to be going. I understand. Here, I’ll walk you down.”

I slide a hoodie on and open the door as he puts his shoes on and lifts Marshmallow’s cage.

“Marshy, say goodbye to your new girlfriend.”

“I’ll miss you, handsome!” Zoe calls from the kitchen counter, sending a flirty smile Zach’s way. “You too, stud.”

I roll my eyes and wave a chuckling Zach out the door.

Once we’re at his car, I give Marshmallow goodbye pets, promising to see him soon. He nuzzles into my hand and I want to weep at the sweetness.

“I’ll give you a call on Thursday to set up a time, but I have the coolest place we can go.”

---