The Phoenix Prophecy: Nova
: Chapter 20

INhen I wake, I expect Tanner to be lying next to me. All night, he swam through my dreams. Literally. I saw him swimming under water, droplets running down his toned shoulders as he stood up and waded toward the shore. It was a lake. A dark, shimmering lake.

I brush my fingers over my neck, touching the spot where his lips teased my skin. It took every ounce of willpower I possessed not to invite him inside when he drove me back to the Cross.

After insisting on walking me all the way to my apartment door, we said goodbye in the stairwell. I thought he might kiss me, but he didn’t. Instead, he reached into his pocket and took something from it. “Brought you a gift.” Pressing the object into my hand, he smiled.

I looked at it and frowned. “A cellphone?”

“Already programmed with our numbers. Mine and the guys.”

“Tanner, you shouldn’t have done this.”

He shook his head at me. “It’s nothing.” As he turned to walk away, he added over his shoulder. “Besides, how can I text and ask you out properly if you don’t have a cell?”

Remembering the fluttering sensation in my stomach as I watched him jog back down the stairs, I smile and turn over onto my side. The phone is on my bedside table. I pick it up. It’s midday and I have two unread messages from Tanner. Shit, I must have fallen asleep before he sent them!

3:33 a.m.: So… how about it, little star? Will you go on a date with me? 

3:46 a.m.: Okay, you’re either rejecting me or sleeping. I hope it’s the latter. Sleep tight. X

Still bleary-eyed, I lean on my elbow and write a quick reply. I’m so sorry! Just woke up. The answer is YES, of course.

Within moments, Tanner has replied. Thank fuck. I thought maybe those neck kisses were a deal breaker.

A smile curves my lips. Ah. No. Those kisses are the main reason I’m saying yes. Except, next time, I need more of them. A little lower…

There’s a longer pause this time. My heart is beating hard in my chest.

Careful, little star, or you might find a horny mage on your doorstep *runs to truck*

I laugh hard, pretty certain he’s joking but, at the same time, my hand goes to my chest. I close my eyes and trace the shape of my raised, scarred flesh. It’ll never leave me, will it? Johnny’s mark. It will stay with me forever.

Don’t worry, I’m kidding. I’m still in boxers, drinking coffee with Kole.

I bite my lower lip. Whatever the situation is between Tanner and Kole, it’s clearly not enough to stop Tanner asking me out. But I can’t help wondering how open they are with one another? Are they talking about me right now? Has Tanner told him what’s going on between us? Is Kole in his underwear too? Suddenly, I’m picturing both of them semi-naked, discussing me over their coffee. Talking about the things they’d like to do to me…

I shake my head and reply. Boxers? Now, that’s a sight I’d like to see.

Little does he know, I’ve seen much more than that!

Quick as a flash, Tanner texts back. Come join us. 

I hesitate. I’m hungry. I haven’t got any food in the fridge, and I’m a terrible cook. The memory of Kole’s pancakes dancing on my tongue. If I come, will there be breakfast?

Little star, you can lick maple syrup off my stomach if it gets you up here. But I think it’s technically brunch, not breakfast.

I’m grinning now, so wide it’s making my jaw ache. Little star? I have no idea where that nickname came from.

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I shake my head. I have no transport. The Hollow is right on the outskirts of town. But before I can ask how long the walk is, Tanner texts again.

I’ve ordered you a cab. See you soon. I’ll be waiting with the syrup.

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