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I jumped as my phone buzzed again.

Sleep well, Flora.

CHAPTER21

Ryan

Maddie was asleep,the house quiet, when I finally succumbed to the urge I’d been fighting all evening and texted Flora.

You were right, I typed, and waited for a response.

I tossed my phone onto the couch beside me, telling myself I wouldn’t look. My patience went untested, however; it wasn’t long at all before I heard a soft chime. I tried not to snatch for the phone.

?, her text read.

Your book was not for beginners.

Of course not.A moment later:I told you, I’m experienced.

I adjusted my position on the couch, trying to ignore the way my cock was swelling in my lounge pants. Was I really getting hard from a couple of suggestive text messages, like a high-schooler?

Yes. Yes, I was, I had to admit as my fingers hovered over the keyboard.

Did you leave that there for me to find?I asked the question that had been plaguing me since I noticed her novel lying on the backseat.

If I had, do you think I would have started with such an advanced text?

I don’t know what to think, Flora,I said.If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to tell me something, leaving that kind of book around.

I don’t have to leave books around if I want to tell you something,she said, and my cock was undeniably hard now as I stared at the screen, at the three bubbles that told me she was typing. They stopped, then started, then stopped again, and then–

“Hello?” I asked, picking up the call.

“I don’t have to leave books around if I want to tell you something,” Flora murmured. Her voice sounded very close over the phone, and I closed my eyes. “I know you’re a very,verygood listener.”

Fuck.

“Want me to tell you something now?” she asked, and I nodded before remembering she couldn’t see me.

“Yes,” I said.

“I’m in my bedroom,” she whispered. “Are you?”

“Living room,” I said, already standing, moving toward the light switch, which I flipped off. I checked the patio doors–locked–and headed upstairs. I wasn’t in my bedroom yet, butnothingcould stop me from being there in the next thirty seconds.

“Are you alone?”

“I am,” I said, reaching my room and my bed at last. I closed the door behind myself with a gentle click.Flora slept here, just two nights ago. “I’m in my bedroom now.”

“In bed?” she asked, just as I was settling back against the pillows.

“Mmm.”

“Ryan, I…” she started, and I held my breath, listening to the quiet through the phone. “I haven’t read that scene you marked for me.”

“No?” I asked.

“No,” she said. “I was just going to, when you texted me, but now… I’m too busy, I think. Talking to you on the phone.”