Page 39 of He Knows When You're Awake

Cole:Very subtle.

Me:I’m just concentrating on this piece.

Cole:Is that why you keep looking at the camera?

I smile to myself, enjoying the edge in his texts.

Cole:You’re playing a dangerous game.

Me:I have no idea what you mean.

The three dots appear, disappear, then appear again. He’s choosing his words carefully.

Cole:You’re changing the rules.

Me:I don’t like rules. You should know that by now.

Cole:You don’t know what you’re asking for.

I shouldn’t push this further. But something about the edge in his texts makes me want to see how far I can go.

Me:Then show me.

His response is immediate this time.

Cole:Careful what you wish for. Last warning.

I hesitate, then decide to push one more time.

Me:I’m not afraid of you.

A full minute passes. Nothing. Just when I think I’ve gone too far, my phone vibrates.

Cole:You should be.

I feel my pulse in my throat as I read his words. Another text follows immediately.

Cole:I’ve been watching you. Learning what makes you tick. What makes you nervous. What you want.

My fingers hover over the screen. Is this a threat or a promise? Maybe both.

Me:And what exactly do you think I want?

Cole:Things you’re too afraid to admit. Even to yourself.

I swallow hard. He’s right, and we both know it.

Me:Try me.

I stare at my screen, shocked at my own daring. Did I really just send that? I’m practically daring him to cross the line we’ve been dancing around. There’s something about the way he watches me, the way he always seems to be in control, that turns me inside out. The good girl who always aimed to please shouldn’t take risks. Shouldn’t want this so much.

His response makes my mouth go dry:Dinner. 8pm. You’ll find what I want you to wear on your bed later. Bring yourcompletedbracelet design as well. And Sloane? I won’t ask twice.

I grin and set my phone down. So much for getting any work done today.

Professional boundaries be damned. I’m done fighting this.

Chapter SixteenSloane