Page 101 of If By Chance

Me: Yes, Sir.

Jake: Careful, Claire. I might make it a requirement for you to call me Sir from here on out.

Me: Careful, Jake. I might enjoy it.

Are we flirting?

I’m on the brink of too many orgasms today.

I text again, putting an end to whatever the hell we just jumped into.

Me: Tell Jay-Jay to have lots of fun. Give him a hug from me.

Jake: Give the kid a break. He’s still blushing because you kissed his cheek.

Me: He’s adorable. Okay, got to go. Amy is staring at me because I’m ignoring her and texting you.

Jake: Don’t forget to text me when you leave.

Me: Yes, Sir.

The bubbles on my screen bounce around for a long minute before he replies.

Jake: I’m changing your name on my phone to Trouble.

Me: I didn’t think you’d know how to do that at your age.

Jake: Trouble and infuriating.

Me: What’s my middle name?

Jake: You don’t want to know.

Chapter Nineteen

“Jake?” I call from my room.

My phone has disappeared.

Or I’ve left it somewhere, and I don’t know where.

I walk to the other end of the landing. His bedroom door is partially open, so I knock.

I’ve been in this room before, but somehow, I still giggle under my breath when I step inside.

I’m a teenage girl.

Everything in this room is dark—his bedding, the walls, the oak wood furniture, and the grey padded headboard.

It’s Jake.

Floor-to-ceiling windows make the trees swaying outside look like a moving picture.

“Jake?” There’s a wobble in my voice, and I cough to clear it.

The shower shuts off, and I think about leaving, but I need my phone.

“I’m out here, so don’t walk out naked.”