Page 21 of More Than a Hero
Angie snatched up her phone and fired off a text before she could second-guess herself.Are you busy?
The moment she hit send, she cringed, her nose scrunching in regret.Oh God. It’s Saturday. What if he’s on a date?Her stomach twisted at the thought. Ugh.Fine. If he is, then I don’t mind interrupting!Before she could spiral further, her phone dinged.
No. Just chilling at home. What’s up?
She hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. Should she just say it? Before she could decide, another message popped up.
And if you must know, while I’m chilling at home… I was thinking of you.
A slow, giddy warmth spread through her chest, and before she could stop it, a smile broke free. For a moment, she felt like a teenager again when the cutest guy in school had smiled at her. Not that it happened often, but when it did, it was the best feeling.
She quickly typed out a response.I had an idea I wanted to talk to you about.
As soon as she hit send, she winced. That was vague. Too vague. She should’ve given him more. But before she could fix it, his reply appeared.
Any idea you have, I’d love to hear. Anytime you want to talk, I’m ready.
Her heart skipped. She inhaled, fingers hovering over the screen.I know we said we’d see each other tomorrow, but is there any chance we could chat this evening?
Three dots appeared, then his reply filled her screen.Text? Email? Phone call? Video chat? Visit?
She laughed, shaking her head as she typed.I’d love to see you, but I’ll take anything.
His reply came instantly.Tell me when, and I’ll be at your door.
Her breath caught. The thought of seeing him again had her stomach flipping in excitement.I’m home for the rest of the day.
I’m coming now.
Angie shot up from her chair, an uncontrollable grin taking over as she did a quick, ridiculous happy dance in the middle of her living room. He’s coming now.
Her phone pinged again.What do you like on your pizza?
She paused, brow furrowing as she stared at the screen.
You don’t need to bring pizza! You bought dinner last night!
His response was immediate.What do you like on your pizza?
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at her lips.Any kind of meat, no mushrooms.
I’ll call it in, pick it up, and be at your door.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed back.See you soon.
She bolted upstairs, her mind racing.Okay, not panicking. Just making myself look… not like I was hanging out in the house.
She swapped out her lounge clothes for a pair of soft leggings and a bright, off-the-shoulder peasant blouse, something comfortable yet just cute enough. Tugging her hair free from its messy bun, she ran a brush through it, letting the waves fall over her shoulders. A touch of blush. A bit of mascara. And her favorite flavored lip balm.
Throwing open her closet, she grabbed her ballet flats and slipped them on before darting back downstairs.
With a glance at the clock, she headed into the kitchen and pulled out what she had for a salad. Might as well make something fresh to go with the pizza. She chopped crisp lettuce, diced a tomato, and tossed everything together with a light vinaigrette.
Just as she set the bowl aside, a knock sounded at the door.
She sucked in a breath. Then exhaled too fast because her lungs threatened to stop working. Throwing open the door, she found herself face-to-face with Pete. The sight of him nearly knocked the air from her chest again.
Dark jeans. A fitted gray Henley. That easy, almost-shy smile that made her heart trip over itself. And in his hands were two pizza boxes.
