The Real

Abbie’s Mac: You sure? Something I can help with?

Cameron’s Mac: Not with this.

Abbie’s Mac: That bad?

He shrugged.

Cameron’s Mac: Just a shit day. I need a vacation.

Just as he said it, his phone rattled on the table. He ran a business and I knew more than anyone how taxing it could be. He silenced his phone without looking at it and put it in his pocket.

Abbie’s Mac: Sure I can’t help?

Cameron jerked his head as if the question annoyed him and I paused my hands over my keys. It was the first time I’d seen that side of him and I sat idle. Uncomfortable and ready to make an excuse, I began to type.

Cameron’s Mac: I’m sorry. Don’t even think about leaving me here. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.

When I remained quiet he spoke.

“Abbie, look at me.”

I looked up over our Macs and saw his apology.

“I’m sorry.”

Abbie’s Mac: It’s fine. I shouldn’t have pushed.

Cameron’s Mac: It’s one of the things I like about you. I’m fond of Miss Fix-It. Okay? I’m sorry. I’m fucking stressed out and I’m tired and all I want to do is walk over there and ruin your lips.

I would have given anything to run my fingers through his hair and kiss his thoughts away. I said a silent prayer he could deliver a kiss. It meant life or death to me.

Abbie’s Mac: Are you a good kisser?

Cameron’s Mac: I’ve had no complaints. But why don’t you get that beautiful, jean-clad ass over here and find out?

Abbie’s Mac: You would kiss me for the first time in a coffee shop?

Cameron’s Mac: In front of God and everyone. At this point, I’d kiss you anywhere you let me. Are you ready for that, Abbie? Because once I get access to those lips, I’m going to suck them dry.

Abbie’s Mac: Sounds promising and painful.

Cameron’s Mac: A kiss can be an introduction, statement, and a promise. I plan to make all three when you let me.

I trembled inside at his words. He was coming on strong. But we’d been doing the coffee dates for over a month. I sometimes wondered if he was going to tap out. As if he could sense my thoughts, he sent another message.

Cameron’s

Mac: I can wait. I will wait. Tell me about your day.

Abbie’s Mac: Much of the same. Nothing to report. Numbers don’t lie—ever. It’s so cut and dry, sometimes I wonder what I was thinking with my career choice.

Cameron’s Mac: Bored?

Abbie’s Mac: I need a challenge. A puzzle I can’t figure out. I need to be engaged, and the project I’m working on is ending soon. I just need that fire that comes with a new job.

Cameron’s Mac: So, it’s coming. You just have to be patient.

He smirked because he’d gathered through our earlier conversations that patience was something I lacked. Cameron read me well, and I loved that fact.