Page 40 of Text Me Baby One More Time

“And all the ones in the room, too,” I add.

I don’t have to look at Shep to know he’s grinning victoriously.

I flip him the bird and he laughs.

Annabelle, unbothered by our antics, claps her hands together and says, “Splendid! I’ll get everything rung up.”

She disappears to the front of the shop again, leaving us drowning in the sexual tension.

Finally, after what feels like hours, I muster the courage to look at Shep.

He’s watching me, eyes still starving for me like I’m his prey, and I want to be caught so badly.

Before I do anything I’ll be sure to regret, I dart back into the dressing room, yanking the curtain closed between us.

He laughs, and for the first time in a long damn time, I hate Shepard Clark just a little bit less.

Nine

Six years ago, October

Shepard:I still can’t believe we pulled it off.

Denver:Dodged one hell of a bullet AND they’re both happy. We’re basically gods.

Shepard:Me, maybe. You, not so much.

Denver:You’re right—goddess.

Shepard:Of what? Nerds?

Denver:Shep…

Shepard:Kidding, kidding.

Shepard:I saw your photos from last night. I don’t think that dress was quite right for you.

Denver:Gee. Thanks so much.

Shepard:Don’t get me wrong, you still looked hot, but it wasn’t a perfect ten.

Denver:That doesn’t help.

Shepard:Fine, fine. I’d still bang you even in your horrible dress. Happy?

Denver:So happy.

Denver:^That was sarcasm, just so we’re clear.

Shepard:I figured.

Shepard:How was your evening otherwise?

Denver:It was fine.

Shepard:Fine? Just fine? Did your date not wine and dine you?

Denver:She did not, which isn’t surprising considering it was my sister.

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