Page 54 of Lucky Shot
The relief in his smile is enough assurance that it was a good idea. “Okay.”
Just so he can bypass having to talk to anyone who might be hanging around the lobby, I walk him all the way to his room. I’m surprised when he hugs me tightly at his door. “Thank you,” he whispers. “I really think I might have lost it tonight if you hadn’t rescued me.”
I tell myself that I hug him a little tighter and longer than necessary because it’s been a long time since I’ve held someone. He fits perfectly in my arms so for the next minute or so, we just stand there, wrapped up in each other. The image of Pretty dances before my eyes and I pretend that it’s him. Noah feels a lot like how I imagine Pretty would.
“You’re welcome,” I say after a while. “Get some sleep.”
He nods and disappears behind his door. When the extra locks click into place, I turn and head back to my hotel room. I take out my phone along the way and log into the game. Pretty still hasn’t been online. I type one more message, this time leaving my phone number. I follow it up with ‘no pressure,’ and then log off.
The first thing I do when I open my eyes the next morning is reach blindly for my phone. The message from the unknown number that pops up makes my stomach dance. I tap on it and there are two messages.
5628
Yay! We advanced to phone numbers!!!
I mean, hi. This is PrettyInLace. *big eyes*
I chuckle and close my eyes for a minute. Fuck, this guy! He’s so goddamn adorable. After saving his number in my phone, I respond.
Me
Good morning, Pretty Boy.
It’s still far too early to be up after traveling all day yesterday and then having to people for so long last night, but when the sun comes up, there’s no staying asleep for me. Granted, it’s eight, so that’s considered a decent hour.
When Pretty doesn’t text back immediately, I head for my bathroom and shower. I don’t take my time exactly, but I also don’t allow myself to rush through my morning routine. He’s probably still asleep. Though I think he’s said he’s on the East Coast, right? That means we’re in the same time zone at least.
Back in my room, I pack the few things I’d taken out of my bag. Only then do I allow myself to check my phone. I’m not disappointed this time. The excitement that shoots through me is borderline pathetic teenage stuff.
Pretty Boy
Good morning!! You have no idea how much I love waking up to your text! *heart eyes*
Yes, I do. The smile on my face will not be removed.
Me
Good. This is much better.
Pretty Boy
So much!
Me
How was your night? Did you sleep well?
Pretty Boy
Dreamed of you.
No, wait. Don’t read that message.
He’s too fucking cute. I chuckle as I type back.
Me
I think I’ve been dreaming of you for ages. You just didn’t have an identity until now.
