Page 51 of Kane

Ryder: omg lol stop

Kane: Are you counting?

I can’t help the smile that forms on my face as I stare at his text.

Ryder: Yes.

Another string of sheep emojis comes through, and I send him a string of sleepy emojis.

Kane: What number are we on?

Shit. I didn’t think he’d actually ask! I try to hurry up and count, but then the phone rings.

I nearly drop it.

I glance at the caller ID, my heart skipping a beat when I see the name on the screen.

Kane.

I carefully pick up the phone and swipe to answer, keeping my voice low.

“Liar,” he says, his voice seductive and warm; yet tinged with a bit of humor. “You were counting them just now.”

“Technically that means I am counting them. Like you said.” I bite my lip.

“Uh huh.”

There’s a silence that falls between us, but it isn’t awkward. I hear his breathing, and it’s strangely comforting.

“Did you really call to give me shit about the sheep?” I ask carefully.

“No,” Kane says, his voice low and sleepy. “I just wanted to apologize and…”

His voice fades.

“And what?” I whisper.

“I just wanted to hear your voice.”

My insides turn to mush and I can’t help but swoon.

Is he for real right now?

“Really?” I ask, worried somehow I’ve imagined it.

It’s quiet for a moment, but I hear his breathing.

“Yes, Sir,” he says, a loud yawn cutting him off.

“Sounds like the sheep are getting to you,” I say.

“Maybe.” I can tell he’s relaxed.

“What number are we on?” I ask.

“Twenty-nine,” he whispers.

My lips turn up in the corner.