Page 34 of Fight
I fight my grin and tap out a reply.
Will do! Don’t get in to too much trouble tonight.
Callahan
How can I when you’re not around?
My smile grows, and I flip my phone closed in my lap.
“I thought for sure you were bluffing that time.” He laughs. When his head cocks to the side, he’s got a quizzical expression. “Hey… is there something between you and Callahan?”
I furrow my brow. “What do you mean?” I stuff my phone in my pocket and mentally chastise myself for the jumpiness.
“I dunno, I just feel like I should caution you that he’s kind of a flirt.”
Shit! Did he see—or worse—hearsomething at the dorm?Shrugging, I glance out the window and bring it back to the poker table. “He was just shit talking to win over my caramel corn.”
“Yeah, maybe. Just wanted to make sure you know in case he tries anything. Not to be a creep, but you’re attractive, and he’s… well, he’s Callahan.”
He’sCallahan? What is that supposed to mean? I’m afraid ifI ask, it’ll make me appear even more guilty than I feel. Matt will see it all over my face.
“What, is he a dangerous criminal or something?” I feign boredom, inspecting my fingernails.
“No! Nothing like that. He’s a good guy, just keeps himself unattached. Some women think they can fix him and end up disappointed. He’s a charming guy but has a reputation. Ya feel me?”
“Gotcha.” I swallow. My guts twist more than I thought they would. I want to turn back time to before he said that. Where I could simply daydream about what good things could come of this. When it was fun and exciting. Matt’s version of him carves out an ugly hollow pit in my stomach.
Yet, I find myself holding onto Cal’s words from the ambulance: “No, it’s not always like that.”
It’s the last night in Oregon. Between working on the Mahonia fire and sneaking around with Prescott, I had an awesome fucking week. She and Matt were already sent home to Sky Ridge this morning. Matt was itching to get back. Can’t blame him; it’s no fun sitting around and waiting for something to happen.
As is tradition, we’re celebrating the end of our assignment by throwing back a few at the nearest establishment with a liquor license. I’m about three beers deep and feeling terrific. I can sleep on the ride home tomorrow, something I desperately need more of.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out of my pocket. I hope it’s Scottie. I’ve been waiting for her reply; she should have texted me back by now.
Scottie
Sorry I didn’t text earlier. Fell asleep.
We’ve had some late nights.
Scottie
That we have.
It’d be a tragedy if we didn’t have more.
I didn’t tell her Dixon caught me slipping out of her dorm that last night when he got up to take a piss. He’ll keep quiet, but he gave me a stern look to remind me I was being reckless.
He’s presently sitting to my left and leans over to peek at my screen.
I roll my eyes and lock my phone. “Need something?”
He shakes his head but leans his shoulder into mine and lowers his voice. “Kinda surprised you’re hooking up with her.”
“What do you mean?”
Yeah, it’s usually not my style to have multiple hookups with the same person. I’ve learned to withdraw when things start to feel toorealbecause if I don’t, the other person will. It’s not a good quality, I’m aware, but I’m working on it…