Page 56 of Within Striking Distance
He presses his lips to my forehead.
“Good night, pixie,” he murmurs, his voice already laced with sleep.
“Good night, striker.”
Chapter 16
Blake
I’m still grinning three days after my night with Juliet. This woman has single-handedly taken my dark existence and given me hope that maybe my life isn’t as bleak and predetermined as I thought it was. She makes me believe that maybe the quiet punishment I’ve been carrying all these years was never a life sentence, and despite me thinking I don’t deserve happiness after what I did, something good has found me anyway.
I’m not delusional. Being with Juliet doesn’t mean being with just her. She and Tinsley are a package deal. I’m desperate to hold on to this—to hold on toher—and prove I can be the man she and Tinsley need.
Lying to my housemate isn’t ideal, especially when he’s so determined to find out who thefriendis that has me in such a good mood. It doesn’t help that I’m constantly checking my phone from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed, my heart skipping a beat every time I see ‘Pixie’ on my screen.
I’m glad we had the foresight to use our nicknames foreach other—I’ve left my phone unattended once or twice, and he’s been trying to figure out who this mysterious pixie is.
I half-expected Juliet to pull away after my sleepover, but we’ve been messaging non-stop, trying to outdo one another with random questions to learn more about each other.
With Everett out of the house, I’m enjoying a peaceful Saturday afternoon lying on the couch, watching the EPL highlights and texting Juliet.
Blake: If you could play a character in any television show, who would it be?
Pixie: Easy. Sandrina from Chain of Bones. Fern Davis is an incredible actress.
Blake: She is. Great choice. I love that show.
Pixie: Same! What season are you on?
Blake: I’m a late-comer. I’m only on season 3. My sister, Tori, got me hooked when I was visiting her over Christmas.
Pixie: Is she your older or younger sister?
Blake: She’s 4 years older.
Pixie: Are you close?
Blake: Not as close as we used to be.
Pixie: I’m sorry.
Blake: Do you have any siblings?
Pixie: Nope. Only child.
Blake: That explains so much.
Pixie: Hey!
Blake: Kidding, pixie.
Pixie: Okay, next question. If you had to communicate your feelings right now through one song, what would it be?
I hesitate for a moment, wondering how deep to go. There are so many songs I could choose, but I decide to go with my gut.
Blake: Too much to ask by gavn!
Pixie: Never heard it… but playing it now.
