Page 44 of Against the Clock

KELSEY

When I woke up this morning, I was still wearing Daniel’s jersey. My jersey, really, considering it’s brand-new—but his all the same. His name on the back.

I like you wearing my name.

His voice echoes in my ear, his praise still in the back of my mind. I don’t know what it says about me that I liked it so much, that I want him to say it again.

I swallow hard, not believing that the woman in the mirror is the same one who was horny enough to send a half-naked selfie to him last night. I raise my chin at my reflection. He made me feel good. Twice now.

I’m wearing his jersey again. I washed it this morning while I worked on a few pieces for work, following up with leads and tweaking paragraphs.

It smells like my laundry.

I close my eyes. I wish it smelled like him.

I tug my phone out of my back pocket, my mouth screwed to the side as I try to figure out if I should even text him.

It’s been so long since I’ve been in a relationship, and even though I’m not sure what he and I are, it sure feels like I need some kind of rulebook.

I haven’t had a serious boyfriend since college, since four or five years ago, now.

I’m going to text him.

I type something out, then delete it. Type something else, delete it. Daniel beats me to it.

I see you trying to type something

good luck today

My message comes less than half a second after his, and I twist my lips to the side in amusement.

I don’t need luck.

sorry! You’re right. Go kick ass

no, you misunderstand

I don’t need luck because I have you, wearing my jersey

That’s all the luck I need

I stare at my phone because there’s something ridiculously romantic about seeing that written out on my screen. My chest feels tight and happy, about to burst.

you are being good and wearing it, right?

My cheeks get hot at the reminder of him calling me his good girl last night, and my entire lower half clenches.

Oh yeah, there’s chemistry, alright. Enough to set my entire apartment complex on fire.

I’m wearing it

I would ask to see a selfie, but I’m in a locker room full of guys and I can’t stand the thought of them seeing your bare legs.

I’ll see you tonight

I reread his last message, letting it wash over me.

“He’ll see me tonight?” I say it out loud, but my reflection in the mirror doesn’t answer.