Page 1 of Next Level Up
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Haven
[GROUP CHAT]
Carter:don’t judge me for this, the lighting was weird[image sent]
Tate:you look pathetic
Carter:it’s called smoldering
Me:andddd I saved it, for reasons :)
Tate:since we’re apparently sending pictures, guess I’ll contribute to the collection[image sent]
Carter:WHY WOULD YOU SEND THAT IN HERE
Me:oh wow I just remembered I have zero self-control and a free mouth
Tate:My mouth, pretty girl
God, he says shit like that like it’s nothing. Like it doesn’t immediately short-circuit every functioning brain cell I have. Like I’m not sitting here fully aware that if he said it inperson, I’d fold so fast it’d be embarrassing. Actually—no. Not embarrassing, dangerous.
Cassie glances up from where she’s curled on the other end of my couch, one leg tucked under her. “What’s so interesting hmm?”
“Group chat stupidity,” I say, setting my coffee down on the coffee table before I accidentally drop it. My hands are still sweaty from the caffeine or the conversation, I’m not sure. Tate’s photo is imprinted into my brain. Mask on, shirt off. The angle is absolutely sinful, starting at the waistband of his sweats and ending just under his throat, he knows exactly how to short-circuit my soul. Which, of course, he did. The man sends thirst traps like they’re tactical strikes. And then Carter’s. Fully clothed, lit by soft glow of his desk lamp.The kind of smirk that says he knows he’s hot, but still hopes I like it anyway. God, he knows exactly what he’s doing too. Different flavor, same problem.
.“Carter and Tate are having a hot twin-off.” I say before I lose myself too deeply in the moment.
Cassie raises a brow. “Which one’s winning?”
I pretend to think about it for a second too long. “Me.”
She laughs, shaking her head. “You’re disgusting.”
“You love me.”
She hums in agreement, leaning over to grab the last donut off the plate between us. My phone vibrates with another message.
Carter:so… any chance your weekend’s free?
Me:depends, is this a come over and behave or come over and cause chaos?
Typing… stops. Starts again…
Tate:both. obviously
Carter:mostly behave
Tate:speak for yourself
Carter:I’m trying to make us sound respectful
Me:you failed. both of you. miserably but I’ll let you know
Cassie is watching me now. I can feel it. “What?” I ask, eyes still on the screen.
“You’re glowing,” she says flatly. “And trying to hide it. Which means you’re either sexting or plotting a murder.”
