It’s the best I can manage when my nerves are whirling like an out-of-control carousel. The wording of my message makes me sound like an uncertain teenager. But I don’t care; I just want an answer. Before I try anything with him, I need to know for sure what he said wasn’t a one-off or his idea of a joke.

My phone buzzes with his immediate reply.

CALLUM: Every word, Nikki

My fingers fumble to form a coherent response, but I come up with nothing. So I simply send “OK.”

If I weren’t walking the perimeter of a public park, I’d be cradling my face in my hands and groaning at how pathetic my texting game is. I fight through the embarrassment, staring with interest at a red phone booth.

When my phone buzzes this time, I’m too nervous to look at it. What in the world do I expect Callum to say when all I send him is a pathetic “OK” as my reply?

I force myself to read his response anyway.

CALLUM: You’re awfully chatty today

ME: Sorry. I’m out of practice at this whole flirt-texting thing LOL

CALLUM: Ah, I see. Try this: Yes, please, Callum. I’d like nothing more than to do some very, very bad things with you

I chuckle out loud this time. With each text he sends, I’m more at ease, more comfortable at the thought of amping things up between us.

ME: LOL you are ridiculous

CALLUM: I am . . . but am I also right?

I step to the edge of the sidewalk to keep out of everyone else’s way. Staring at his words on the screen, I take a breath. This is it. Take a chance or blow him off. My fingers hover over the keypad for a second before I swallow and take the plunge. I type those three letters that I know will kick things off officially between us and hit “send” before my nerves can convince me to do otherwise.

CALLUM: Lovely. Free tonight? I’d like to see you.

With steady hands, I type my response.

ME: When and where?

Chapter 9

The moment I walk inside the Grazing Goat, I scan the room for Callum. It doesn’t take long to find him. Even in a restaurant packed to the brim with sharply dressed wedding guests, he stands out. His broad, tall, leanly muscled body cuts a dashing figure in the black fabric of his tailored suit. There’s just a peek of white from his dress shirt and the sheen of his silver tie. I was right. The Great Gatsby in all his West Egg glory would look downright slovenly standing next to Callum James in this suit.