And Christ—I don’t want to.

“Ready for dinner?”

She attempts a nod and I grin.

I’m riding this roller coaster all the way to the fucking end.

Jameson: I don’t know if I told you, but thank you for the tickets to the match. And thank you for dinner.

Oz: You’re welcome. Knowing you were in the crowd tonight gave my adrenaline the biggest rush; I can’t believe how fast I pinned McPherson.

Jameson: Who’s McPherson?

Oz: The kid from Wisconsin. I was on fire tonight, and it’s because you were there watching me.

Jameson: You really were incredible.

Oz: You know what else is incredible? Your lips. I could have stood on your porch tonight and made out with you forever.

Jameson: That was really sweet…and hormonal.

Oz: Hormonal? Nah, that’s not it at all. It’s you. If you said ‘Oz, get in your car and come climb through my bedroom window’, I would do it without hesitating.

Jameson: My bedroom is on the second story…

Oz: Exactly.

Jameson: LOL what else would you do?

Oz: The better question is, what wouldn’t I do?

Sebastian

Oz: Hey sexy.

Jameson: Sexy? You talking to me?! *points to self*

Oz: Who else would I be talking to?

Jameson: Hmmm, good question…

Oz: What are you up to?

Jameson: Just getting ready for girls night. My roommates want to Netflix and chill.

Oz: You’re definitely staying home tonight?

Jameson: Yeah. Hayley wants to watch Ten Things I Hate About You. She’s hating on men right now—some guy won’t text her back. Why, you asking for a reason? ;)

Damn. I was hoping maybe…

I palm the phone in my hand and stare down at it, oddly disappointed that she’s staying home with her friends. It’s been days since I’ve seen her; work and school and wrestling have driven a wedge into my social calendar, not to mention whatever obligations she’s had, and—

I miss her.

I miss her like fucking crazy.

Jameson: Now that we know I’m having girls night, what does Oz Osborne have planned for tonight after his big WIN against Princeton?

Oz: Looks like I’m staying in, too. Roommates are gone and I have the place to myself tonight. Maybe I’ll watch the MMA fight on HBO. Maybe I’ll study. idk

Jameson: Must be nice having the house to yourself. What does that feel like?! The only time I’m ever alone is during the day when my roomies are at class.

Oz: Freakishly quiet. Zeke is usually pre-gaming on a Friday night before getting completely plowed; he went home to see his cousin. Or maybe it’s his…who knows. I’m not sure where he’s been lately, but he’ll be back tomorrow for a party.

Jameson: lol. I’m not so sure about him. Yeesh.

Oz: Yeah, he’s kind of a dick.

Jameson: Kind of? ;)

Oz: Hey James?

Oz: Are you sure you can’t

Jameson: Am I sure I can’t…what? Did your phone die again?

Fuck it. I’m just going to put it out there.

Oz: Are you sure you can’t ditch your friends? LOL

Shit. It sounds really insensitive after I hit send. I should have added a goddamn wink face or something.

Jameson: I’m looking at Hayley and she’s shoving Ben & Jerry’s into her face with a shovel at an alarming pace. I’d say for the time being, I’m stuck here.

Oz: When can I see you again?

Jameson: Honestly? Not soon enough.

Jameson: I can’t believe I just sent that. Groan.

God, this freaking girl.

Oz: I really fucking miss you.

Jameson: I miss you too. Is that weird? It’s only been a few days since I’ve seen you.

Oz: Doesn’t matter. Not seeing you is making me slightly unstable. I should probs go run a few miles to burn off some of this nervous energy.

Jameson: Oddly, I find that very sweet—I find YOU very sweet. And charming.

Oz: You are…the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.

Jameson: Stop it! You’re making me blush and giggle, and now my roommates are all staring at me.

Oz: I fucking love that about you.

Jameson: What? What do you love about me? (trying to be modest and blushing like crazy over here)

Oz: Everything. I fucking love everything.

Jameson: You can’t say things like that in a text message!

I laugh out loud and tap out a quick Why not?

Jameson: Because! Don’t you know anything about girls? That’s something I want to hear in person. That’s like…panty dropper material right there.

My eyebrows shoot straight into my hairline and I stare at the words on my screen, stunned that they came from her. Panty dropper, panty dropper, panty dropper.

Jameson: My point is—that was really sweet and unexpected.

Oz: Did it make you wet hearing I love everything about you?

Jameson: I’m not sexting you right now! I’m in a crowded room!

Oz: Come on—give me something! I’m cold and alone and it’s Friday night.

Jameson: Yes. It got me wet. And “excited”.

Oz: EXCITED, excited?

Jameson: Yes (Yes! Yes!)

Oz: I’m beginning to think you’re naughtier than you look.

Jameson: Remember what I said to you the first time we met?

Oz: Something about being curious to sleep with me because of my incredible body?

Jameson: LOL, no! (but also yes) Never judge a girl by her cardigan.

I’m in my bedroom, stretched out across my bed, the latest episode of The Walking Dead playing in the background on the TV, when I hear the faint knock. Tipping my head to make sure my ears aren’t playing tricks on me—I’m not expecting anyone—I hear it again: several soft raps to the front door.