Page 24 of Burning Obsession

“Nellie, no. I’ve got to go.” I don’t really, but I need to get off the phone with her.

“What? No!” she pleads.

“I have work.”

“Wait! I want to hear what you say!”

“I'll tell you later,” I finally say, knowing I’m just going to hang up. “I love you, sis.”

“Don't you dare hang up—”

I end the call.

I sit there for a moment, staring at the screen.

My heart’s beating so fast, I feel lightheaded. My thumb hovers over the screen as I read the message again. Then my fingers start moving.

Me: I’m glad I asked to sit down. The day’s been good. I had the meeting, did some more work and then my sister called.

I stare at it. It isn't too eager or too cold that he’d think I didn’t want to talk to him.

It’s a safe message. I hit send before I can change my mind.

Then I set the phone down on my desk, and I wait. Immediately, two checks show up, and I know he’s gotten it and read it.

Jake: I'm glad you did too. It turned my whole day around.

I can’t help but smile. Because Jake’s sitting somewhere holding his phone in his hand and hopefully smiling just as much as I am.

Chapter 7

Victor

Jake: I'm glad you did too. It turned my whole day around.

Istare at his message for so long that the screen dims. I turned his day around. If I didn’t think my neighbors would start pounding on the wall or call the cops, I’d be screaming.

Me: I’m glad I could do that for you. Mine was better after too.

After hitting send, I pick up my Alani and head to the living room. Work is done for now. I don’t need to make any calls and will put in some extra hours later finishing anything that needs to be done.

I sit down in the corner of the couch, pulling my feet up under me and wait to see if he responds.

Jake: Big plans for today?

Four words. That's all. Four completely innocent words that somehow manage to make my pulse jump.

What should I say? No, I’m a loser. That I’ve been obsessing over him since I saw him sitting in the café.

Me: Wow, smooth. Are you prying for some information?

I hesitate. Then I send it.

My heart starts beating faster.

Almost immediately, the three little dots appear.

He's typing. I can’t believe just a simple text has me this worked up. Both nervous and giddy at the same time.