Zack stood up a bit straighter. “Okay, shoot.”

John bit his lip. “You had fun today, right?”

“Of course.” Zack took his hand. “I had a great time. Did you?”

“Definitely. I’m glad I took the day off. It made lying to my professor totally worth it.”

Zack chuckled. “You’re lucky I was also free, or you would have played hooky for no reason.”

John looked suspiciously innocent, and Zack frowned. “What? That was a coincidence, right?”

“Well . . . not quite. See, Alexa sort of told me you weren’t working today.”

“How could she have possibly told you? Did she send you smoke signals?”

“Actually, we’ve been texting.”

Zack gaped. “What? Since when? When did you two exchange numbers?”

“She got my number from your phone the day I showed up at your work. I would have said something, but she threatened me on pain of death not to tell you. She’s very intimidating for such a small person.”

Zack had to concede that point. “What did she say to you?”

“Well, when she wasn’t threatening me, she was really helpful. She told me you had today off if our date ‘ran long,’ and then she sent me a frankly alarming number of winking emojis. She also gave me some suggestions for where to take you, which was how I settled on this place. She’s a good friend, and she and that Kira girl seem very cute together. The way she talked about how Kira would help her hide my body if I ever hurt you made me think they’re getting serious.”

Zack smothered his laughter with a hand. “Now I know you’re not kidding. That was Alexa through and through. I hope she didn’t freak you out.”

“Quite the opposite. I’m more certain now than ever.”

Zack tilted his head. “Of what?”

John smiled in a slow, sexy way that made Zack feel weak. “That I definitely want to see you again.” He let his eyes trail down Zack’s body. “All of you, again.”

Zack gulped. “I am so down for that.” He hesitated. “Is that all, though?”

“Hmm?” John took one of his hands and raised it to his lips. “What do you mean?” He started kissing his fingers, openmouthed and hot, and Zack lost the ability to think.

“Uh,” Zack sputtered. “I guess I’m asking if sex is all this is to you? I mean, if it is, I understand. We met through a hotline, after all. But, um, I just wasn’t sure what you wanted.” He turned bright red.

John released his hand, watching him warily. “Is that what you want?”

Zack blinked. “I . . . don’t know.”

To his surprise, John looked crestfallen.