Page 16 of Too Freaking Hot

When we’re back at the station, I shower and head straight for my phone, dripping and half-dressed and oblivious to the guys’ smirks. She’s a stubborn woman. I’m an even more stubborn man. Her phone rings and eventually goes to voicemail. Fuck.

When my phone buzzes with a text, I glance down at the screen.

Sage

You were a jerk

Maybe so, but I was so goddamn worried about her. She has no idea the living hell I went through thinking she was hurt.

Before I’m able to stop myself, I text back.

Me

I was.

A jerk who fucking loves you.

I half-expect silence, half-expect her to materialize and punch me, so when my phone rings, I’m caught completely off guard. The hesitation between rings is unbearable, but there it is. The light at the end of my dark, smoky tunnel.

“Hello?”

“You’re still a jerk.”

“But?”

I hear her take a breath. I hear her wait it out, letting me know she’s still got the upper hand.

"But," she whispers, her voice like a gentle caress, "I guess jerks are my thing because I love you, too."

Damn. My heart slams back into its rightful place, steadying itself for the first time since that gut-wrenching call from Riverbend Elementary shattered my peace.

"I’m the only jerk who’s going to be having anything with you.” I get that straight right away. “I'm glad to hear you love me, too," I say, my eyes darting around to ensure no unwanted ears are eavesdropping. Then, with a low, fervent promise, I add, "And I'm going to show you just how much when I get off shift."