Page 64 of Bleacher Report
Peyton.
Peyton: Good game tonight. Your shoulder looked solid out there.
I can’t stop the smirk that tugs at the corner of my mouth. It’s such a simple message, but it hits harder than it should.
Hunter: It felt solid. You watch the post-game interviews?
The typing bubbles appear almost immediately…then disappear.
They pop up again. Then vanish.
I watch, amused, knowing she’s probably overthinking every word.
Finally, her message lands.
Peyton: I did. Looked like you handled yourself well. Even with all the “relationship” questions.
I lean back against the pillows, thumb hovering over the keyboard.
Hunter:We’re the new "it" couple of the Hawkeyes. How do you feel about that?
There’s a pause before her reply.
Peyton:I feel like you owe me royalties for how many headlines my name’s in today.
That makes me laugh for the first time all night.
Hunter:You want royalties, Collins? I’ll pay up when I get back. Dinner’s on me.
Three dots appear.
Disappear. Then her reply:
Peyton:Fine.
Peyton:By the way…the bed was delivered today.
Hunter:How do you like it?
Peyton:I love it. It’s gorgeous but it takes up half the room, and you shouldn’t have spent that much.
Hunter:You’re sharing your bed with me. It’s the least I can do. And the pillow walls need more room to grow.
I tease, staring at the blank space, anticipating where I know her text will come up soon.
But she’s stalling…the dots appearing again and then disappearing. Did I say something wrong? Why is she having trouble coming up with a response?
Peyton:So the bed is to keep me further away?
Fuck no. The last thing I want is her further away. If it were up to me, I’d be waking up every night to her sneaking over the pillow wall to be closer to me. Though it’s probably best that I don’t tell her that.
Hunter:I just thought you’d be more comfortable. And a queen bed is small even when I’m all alone in one.
Peyton:True. Well, thank you. I’m looking forward to testing out the bed tonight.
Hunter:You’re welcome.
I set my phone on the nightstand, but I don’t fall asleep right away.
