Page 131 of I Wanna Text You Up

Me:AGAIN?!?!

Caleb:Yes.

Me:And, pray tell, what is so damn important thistime?

Me:Huh?

Me:CALEB! You have two minutes to answer me and then I’m getting up and leaving this bed andand…

Caleb:Andwhat?

Caleb:Nothing? Yeah, that’s what Ithought.

Caleb:Nowhush.

Me:Caleb!

Caleb:SILENCE!

Ifume,but don’t text himback.

It’s not even thirty seconds later when I hear the door open. I listen as Caleb moves around the living room, setting his keys on the table. I hear something land on the counter in the kitchen and then the rustling of abag.

Whatthe…

Then the familiarthump thump thumpof bass blasts through the speakers in the livingroom.

A grin overtakes my face as the sounds of DMX filter through theapartment.

“There’s the beats…” Imutter.

“I am walking down the hallway!” Caleb shouts. “I am entering thebedroom!”

I laugh at the smartass announcements and am pleasantly surprised when he walks in holding a box of hot, fresh DuckDonuts.

He crawls onto the bed, moving until he’s resting against the pillows and headboard next tome.

“And there’s the breakfast,” Isay.

“There’s thebreakfast.”

I glare up at him, crossing my arms over my chest, just now realizing I’m only wearing a very thin white shirt. “I thought you had left me again. I woke up in apanic.”

He sets the box of donuts on the bedside table and turns to me. He pulls at my arms until he uncrosses them then leans in close. His hands cup my cheeks and he tilts my face, bringing my eyes to his, making sure I’m paying attention and soaking up every word he’ssaying.

“I told you, I’m done running back to them. I’m here now. They don’t have any hold over me anymore. I want this life, with you. I want to be here, to be your boyfriend, your roommate. Just…yours, here,now.”

“Here now,” I echo on a whisper. “Withbreakfast.”

“And beats,” heinsists.

“And beats. You’re something else,Caleb.”

“And you likeit.”

I lean into him, my lips hovering over his. “I do. I really, reallydo.”

Epilogue