Can't Touch This (Can't Touch This #1)

Ignoring Fiona, I messaged back.

Me: An absurdity? Who the hell uses that word? Is it even a word? I might have to come over there and give you a grammar lesson.

Vesper: I have germs. Stay away.

Me: I was around your germs last night. I’m immune.

Vesper: Still…stay away.

Me: Can I ask you a question?

Vesper: Another one? I’m going to have to start charging.

Me: Yep.

Vesper: Depends.

Me: On what?

Vesper: On if this is another one of those truths that will lead me to doing bad things to myself.

I groaned.

Holy shit, this woman.

My mind exploded with images of her fingering herself and the sexy moans falling from her mouth.

Swallowing hard, I typed: It’s to do with germs and liking.

Vesper: Okay…

Me: We’ve already deduced that your germs don’t like me.

Vesper: And you had a go at me for using the word absurdity. Deduced? Did you just open a thesaurus?

Me: I’ll get you back for that smartass comment. Let me finish.

Vesper: Oh, by all means, continue.

Me: Do you like me? Germs I can deal with but you…I want you to like me. Like truly like me. Because I literally can’t stop thinking about you.

The phone didn’t vibrate.

I sighed heavily as a Dalhuahua licked my hand in sympathy.

Once again, I came on too fucking strong.

You’re a moron, Ryder.

Fiona had stood up and brushed dog hair off her black slacks. I hadn’t even noticed—too preoccupied with texting a woman I desperately wanted.

“You know, whoever she is, she’s a lucky lady. You can tell her I said that.” She waved, heading out of the kennel. “Everyone is cared for. Good night, Ry. See you tomorrow.”

“Night, Fi.”

After she’d gone, and my phone didn’t buzz, my temper heated along with embarrassment. I’d stupidly let our bantering take away common sense.

It was my fault I’d screwed it up.