Page 32 of Desire or Defense

Let’s face it, life is better horizontal.

The fact that the word horizontal instantly makes a fantasy of Mitch Anderson pop into my mind? Yeah, I’m probably going straight to the underworld for that.

As hard as I try, I can’t get Mitch out of my stupid head. Curiosity about his time with Noah today is eating away at me anyway, so I might as well just text him about it. It’s totally not a big deal. It’s like texting one of Noah’s teachers.

Except I don’t have his teacher’s cell phone numbers, and don’t picture any of his teachers horizontal. I’m contemplating sending him a message and lecturing myself for having a dirty mind, when my phone pings.

Big Man

Had to work today?

The tiny bubbles of satisfaction and giddiness that erupt inside of me are nothing short of mortifying. And here I was just convincing Ronda that Mitch isn’t my type, blah, blah. Yeah, she saw right through that. Mitch is everyone’s type. Except Ronda’s, apparently.

Andie

Yeah, sorry about that. Noah’s birthday is next week and I’d been trying to switch days with someone. How’d today go? Were you a bully? Do I need to come over there and pummel your ass?

Oh, the things I’d like to do to that man…

Big Man

It went fine.

Wow. That’s all I get? I should’ve known. A rock has better communication skills.

Big Man

What are you doing for his birthday?

My eyebrows shoot up to my hairline. I wasn’t expecting him to ask, or care.

Andie

There’s some lame team in town that my parents purchased season tickets for. Huge waste of money, if you ask me. But it’s Noah’s birthday, not mine. At least their ugliest player is suspended right now.

I snort with laughter then instantly sober and wonder if I went too far. Why do I always say too much?

Big Man

Funny.

Andie

*GIF of Ron Swanson giggling*

Big Man

I’ve seen those guys in the locker room, trust me, there are way uglier guys than me.

Andie

So who’s the handsomest one? I’ll keep an eye out.

Three bubbles appear and disappear several times before a response comes through.

big man

Colby Knight. #27.