Micah: On?
Peyton: Mood. Food. Booze.
Why did I press send? It isn’t only my brain that forgets how to properly function around Micah Reed. Obviously, my fingers have a mind of their own as well. Swell.
Micah: Really?
Peyton: Yep.
Micah: Best get your ass here after you say good night to the trivia BOYS.
I laugh out loud and Gina shoots me a that good, huh? With a shake of my head, I wave her off and resume texting.
Peyton: They are definitely MEN. Who knew nerds this good-looking existed?
Now, this is fun. Something about banter with Micah makes my chest lighter. Tugs at the corners of my lips. Makes my heart stutter. My breathing stammer. I dish it out and he gives it right back. It’s who we are, only the context has morphed over the last two months.
Micah: You want nerdy?
Peyton: I mean…
Micah: Be here after work ??
The urge to drag this out further tempts me, but I cut the conversation short. If I head into the office, paperwork will occupy me long enough for the night to end soon.
Peyton: I like it when you’re bossy ?? Later.
I stow my phone in my pocket and ignore the final buzz. Passing Gina, I signal toward the office and she nods. Behind the closed door, I slump down in the desk chair and eye the stack of work. Most of it is menial, but necessary. Never expected to be a number cruncher. Someone who sits behind a desk and fills in spreadsheets. But here I am, squeezing the armrests on the chair while tucking myself closer.
And I love it.