Page 29 of Your Play to Call

Her sarcasm is my favorite. We both laugh, feeding off each other, wiping tears from our eyes. She looks at her phone.

“I may not be a good dancer but damn I’m good at this!” Emilie shows me her screen. It’s pictures of me at the lingerie shop. Someone even gota photo of me texting Tripp, judging by my smile. The headline readsWhat’s Got Willow All Smiles?

“You really are.”

My smile almost matches the one in the photo. Today turned into a great day and I’m hoping tomorrow is even better. The lingerie bag sits on the bench next to me, the pieces I bought wrapped in blush pink tissue paper. I think of the lace, dark and delicate.

I press my lips together, trying not to blush.

I’m unsuccessful.

Chapter 18

Tripp

I’m about to walkout the door to go to Willow’s. It’s later than I’d hoped, but better late than never. There was an opening for a private session at the Pilates place I like and couldn’t pass it up.

Now, all I can think about is that photo she sent of the lingerie.Fuck. The smile I’m wearing is only for her. I can’t get out of here fast enough.

As I reach for the door, someone knocks.

I swing the door open to see Bailey, with a duffle bag.

“Surprise!” she yells before wrapping her free arm around my neck and kissing me on the lips. A standard Bailey greeting.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m in town for work. Thought I’d surprise you!” She pushes herself into my apartment. “I called your mom, and she didn’t think you had anything going on tonight.”

Note to self: revoke my sweet mother’s access to my online calendar.

“Are you going somewhere?” She looks at the bag, my sneakers, and the tiramisu I’m holding.

“Umm, no. Just getting home,” I lie and shut the door.

“Thank god. I just flew in and I’ve been stuck in airports all day. I’m going to take a quick shower. Down the hall I’m guessing?” Bailey is walking towards my room before I even have a chance to register what’s happening.

The water turns on.

Fuck.

Bailey is in my shower. In my apartment. With an overnight bag. Maybe it’s not a hookup thing? Maybe it’s a hang out thing? I take my shoes off, put the tiramisu in the fridge, and sit down on the couch.

I did not think this was something I’d have to deal with today. The excitement that flooded my veins is now replaced with anxiety, rugged and choppy. Willow and I have only been on the one date, but I feel like this is bad news, especially because I’m supposed to be going over there tonight. I pull my phone out to text her.

Me

Going to need a raincheck for tonight

I’m sorry. Something came up.

Willow

Okay

That’s it. Nothing else.

I think back to my message and cringe. Why didn’t I take a minute and think about it? Nope. That would make too much sense. The dreadedokay. No one is ever okay when they text that. She must think I’m blowing her off.