Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 102607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Her head is bobbing up and down as if she doesn’t hate the idea. “Not a horrible idea. Also, not the best.”
I shrug. “Just trying to be creative.” I pause.
Her laugh bubbles out, the kind that makes her lean back in her chair and throw her head slightly. It’s completely unguarded, and I feel it punch me right in the chest.
God, I like her.
“Hey, Nova?”
“Hmm?”
“Clause eight: no falling in love with me before date five.”
She freezes for a split second. It’s subtle, but I catch it. Her fingers pause on her glass, the smile faltering for half a beat before she recovers.
“You think highly of yourself,” she says lightly.
I shrug. “I’ve got charm, killer instincts, and a jungle baby cup with giraffe ears. Irresistible combo.”
She snorts. “Let’s not forget your humble nature.”
Humble.
I am, actually, but she’ll learn that in time.
“No worries. I won’t fall in love with you by date five.” Nova plucks at the calamari in the center of the table and dips it in sauce. “And can we not do anymore rules? I’m losing track.”
“So I’m not allowed to add one more?”
Her brows raise as she chews. Licks her fingers. “Depends on what it is.”
“Clause nine: I want you to break every rule, but I want you to do it slowly.”
9
Luca: How much trouble would I be in if I asked to move this conversation from this app, to texting?
Nova: Never any harm in ASKING…
Luca: Would it sweeten the deal if I told you…I’m a phenomenal texter?
Nova: Any proof to back that up?
Luca: You give me your number, I’ll send a preview.
Nova: If I do that it better NOT be a picture of your dick.
Luca: I WOULD NEVER do that. Never have, never will. I was talking about my dog.
Nova: Oh.
Nova: Of course you were. I saw him on your profile.
Luca: His name is Nugget. He’s got a snaggle tooth and a superiority complex. You’d love him.
Nova: Sounds like he takes after his owner…
Luca: Wow. You wound me.
Luca: Seriously, you’re terrible for my ego.
Nova: Sorry, this is how I flirt. My best friend Poppy has warned me dozens of times to dial it down a notch.
Luca: I think it’s adorable that this is your “dialed down” version—and you still haven’t given me your number.
Nova: 555-892-9010 <3 **blows kisses**
Luca (text): Saved you as Starshine OFF-LIMITS in my phone on the off chance your brother is breathing up my asshole in the locker room.
Nova: So romantic.
Luca: Only the best for you, Starshine.
Photo Attached: picture of a hot dude hiking taking a selfie with his dog
Nova: You look like an REI model who moonlights as a retriever dad. I can’t decide if I find that unsettling.
Luca: That’s the sexiest insult I’ve ever received.
Nova: That was a compliment!!!
Luca: Do you blame me? It’s hard to tell when you’re flirting or not! Not my fault…
Nova: Sorry. I’m going to do better. I have a tendency to push people away.
Luca: I gathered. But I get it. Walls up, sarcasm sharp. Classic defense system.
Nova: It’s easier to laugh things off than actually…feel stuff. But I’m working on it. I want to be a good partner to someone someday.
Luca: You don’t have to be perfect to be a good partner. Just be real. And honest—which you’re already doing.
Nova: Even when I’m emotionally constipated?
Luca: I like the messy, complicated parts. They make you, you.
Nova: Stop or you’re gonna make me cry.
Luca: Too early in the night for that, but nothing ice cream can’t fix.
Nova: Well now I’m blushing and hate it. How dare you see through all my sarcasm and emotional landmines and still want to talk to me? WHO DOES THAT?!
Luca: Someone who likes the way your brain works. I don’t scare easy.
Nova: Ugh. Why are you like this? Supportive and good-looking? Pick a lane, Babineaux. You can’t do both.
Luca: Can’t help it. I’m gifted. But if we’re being honest, and I think we can both agree we have been—brutally so…
Luca: I have no interest in being someone you keep at arm’s length.
Nova: Do you think that’s what I’m doing?
Luca: I think you’re used to doing that with most people—yeah. But with me? No. I don’t think that’s how you want to be acting. I think you're testing the water to see if I'll back off.
Luca: Spoiler: I won’t.
Nova: I’m not used to guys who are not massive douchebags…
Luca: You’ll get used to it LOL I’ll do my best not to be an asshole.
Nova: If I said you’re making this really hard to keep pretending I don’t like you back… would you promise not to get cocky about it?
Luca: Of course not. That would be boring as fuck.
Nova: Okay. Switching gears before I start writing sonnets about your emotional availability. Tell me about your people.
Nova: My people??
Nova: You know—your best friends. I think who a man surrounds himself with says a lot about him.