Chapter 10
LIVVI
The door slammed behind us, and I finally let out my breath. Roxie was already flopping onto the couch, hands in her hair, a mix of exasperation and indignation plastered across her face.
“I can’t believe him,” she groaned, flinging a pillow onto the floor. “That guy is the worst. I don’t care what anyone says—he’s awful!”
I sank into the chair across from her, trying not to laugh. “Ledger really got under your skin, huh?”
“Under my skin?” she repeated, incredulous.
“Livvi, he practically invaded my personal space, tried to one-up me at every turn, and then had the audacity to smirk like it was cute!” She jabbed a finger toward the air, as if Ledger’s imaginary face was sitting right there.
“I don’t get it. How does someone think that’s charming? ”
I only shrugged, not sure how to respond.
Roxie leaned back, crossing her arms, not seeming to need a response anyhow. “I don’t know why people say he’s so great. He genuinely annoys me.”
I stifled a laugh, picturing Ledger’s cocky grin juxtaposed with Roxie’s fiery scowl. “Although you two are … interesting together.”
“Interesting?” she scoffed. “You mean obnoxious. And frustrating. And completely impossible. Honestly, Liv, I wish I could never see him again.”
I leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of me. “Okay … so why exactly do you dislike him so much? All Talon said was that you guys hadn’t gotten along since freshman year of college. That doesn’t seem so intense.”
Her eyes narrowed, and she let out a long exasperated sigh.
“Freshman year? That’s when it started, yeah.
We shared a class, and I made one measly correction to his answer, which I had no idea would start a whole thing between us.
Who could answer first, who could do better on tests, who could arrive first. Then it just escalated from there.
But it’s more than that. Ledger thinks he’s smarter than everyone else, always has to one-up people, and he never takes me seriously.
It’s like everything I say or do is a challenge to him.
He’s infuriating. I can’t even describe it.
I hate how, after all these years, he can still get under my skin. ”
I nodded, taking it in. It made sense, seeing how sharply he and Roxie had clashed at the bar. And somehow, it made me even more intrigued by their dynamic. There was clearly more going on under the surface than either of them wanted to recognize.
Roxie’s annoyance faded, and a sly grin tugged at her lips. “What about you and Talon?”
I blinked, caught off guard, my stomach doing a somersault at the mention of his name. “What about him?”
Roxie’s eyes sparkled. “He was practically glued to you at the bar. And before you start denying it, don’t even try.”
I shook my head, trying to keep my voice steady. “He’s … friendly. And curious. That’s all. Really.”
Roxie laughed, not unkindly, and leaned back, folding her arms like a detective who already had the answer. “Friendly? Curiosity wouldn’t make him hover over you like that. He’s interested. And from what I’ve seen? He doesn’t usually stick around for anyone. Trust me, I know the type.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous.” I waved her off. “You’re imagining things.”
She quirked a brow, not looking the least bit convinced. “Am I?”
Heat rose to my cheeks, and I looked down at my hands. “Yes. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She snorted. “Right. Sure you don’t.”
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed on the table, and I reached for it. The screen lit up with a new message from TheWriteGuy. My heart skipped a beat.
She leaned over my shoulder instantly. “Ohhh, what’s that? Is that Talon?”
I moved the phone away from her, shaking my head. “No, it’s not Talon. And it’s private.”
With the way she was looking at me, I knew those were the wrong words to say to someone like her.
“Like a secret?” Roxie’s grin widened, eyes now sparkling with mischief. “Ohhh, I see. This is juicy. Come on, Livvi. You can’t just tease me like that and not show me.”
I groaned, pulling the phone closer to me. “Roxie, it’s not like that. I just … don’t want anyone reading it.”
“Uh-huh.” She leaned back with a victorious smirk. “That’s exactly what someone would say if it was like that.”
I rolled my eyes, but my fingers itched to unlock the screen and see the message. My thumb hovered for a moment before Roxie’s voice cut through my hesitation.
“You know, you don’t have to hide things from me. I’m not going to tell anyone. But this—I need details. Right now. Is it cute? Flirty? Romantic?”
I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “It’s … complicated. But yes, it’s definitely flirty.”
She gasped, putting a hand over her heart. “Flirty! Ohhh, now you’re hiding something really good. I knew you weren’t immune to men. I want the details, girl.”
I sighed, finally letting my curiosity win over embarrassment. I tapped the message, and the screen lit up with TheWriteGuy’s name at the top, his latest message waiting.
TheWriteGuy
Hey, just wondering if you made it home safely.
I’d told him before I’d left tonight that I was being dragged out with a friend.
Roxie practically lunged for the phone. “Livvi! This is so cute.”
I snatched it back, laughing despite myself. “Roxie!”
“I had no idea you were not only crushing on Talon but also messaging a guy online.” She wagged two fingers at me. “Who is this guy?”
I groaned. “He’s … someone I’ve been talking to online. That’s all. I don’t even know what to call it yet.”
Roxie’s face lit up. “Talking online? You have to tell me everything. What’s he like? Flirty? Mysterious?”
I resisted the urge to grin too much. “He’s … mysterious. And definitely flirty.”
She practically squealed, bouncing a little on the couch. “Your life is officially way more interesting than mine.”
I laughed, trying to hide my fluttering excitement. “It’s not that exciting, I swear.”
“Sure.” She gave me that unmistakable Roxie look I’d become accustomed to. “Keep telling yourself that while you grin like an idiot at your phone.”
I shook my head, smiling despite myself. Somehow, Roxie had a way of making the complicated feel a little lighter. And for a moment, I let myself think that maybe it was okay to feel a little excited about both worlds—messy, flustering, and unpredictable as they were.
I wasn’t used to having a man in my life, let alone two, so I might as well let myself enjoy it.
I typed out a quick response.
ReadToLiv
Made it home safely, thanks. How was your night?
Roxie gave me a quizzical look. “And you really don’t know who he is?”
“Nope.”
“How did you two start talking?” she asked, pulling her feet up on the couch.
I tucked some hair behind my ear, wondering if she’d think how we met was odd. “Well, as you know, I like to read, and he is the author of a story I’ve been reading.”
“Oh, my gosh!” she practically shouted. “Are you serious? This is, like, the cutest meet-cute ever.”
“We started talking about his book and characters, and then the next thing I knew, we were talking everyday about anything and everything.”
Her mischievous grin made me nervous. “You’re literally glowing. You really like him,” she stated. “You actually have a similar look on your face to the one you had with Talon tonight.”
I froze, caught off guard by her observation. “I … what? No, it’s not the same,” I stammered, feeling my cheeks heat up. “It’s different. Talon is … real life. And TheWriteGuy … well, he’s just—different.”
She cocked her head to the side, clearly unconvinced. “Different, huh? Sure, sure. But the sparkle in your eyes? That’s the same one I saw tonight. Livvi, you’re smitten with two different guys, and I’m not letting you deny it.”
I buried my face in my hands, a small laugh escaping me. “Fine, maybe a little. How did things get so complicated?”
I wasn’t used to talking about this kind of stuff with anyone other than Cali, but I found that I enjoyed talking to Roxie. It was surprisingly easy and fun.
Roxie and I both perked up when my phone buzzed with another notification.
TheWriteGuy
It ended up being better than I thought, but I’m glad to be home. Especially since now I’m talking to you.
My heart did a little happy dance at his words. I typed a quick reply, fingers hesitating over the keyboard for a moment.
ReadtoLiv
Smooth line, I’ll give you that. But now you’ve got me wondering—what made your night better than you thought?
I hit send, standing and tucking my phone into my back pocket. “I’m going to get ready for bed.”
“And text TheWriteGuy all night?” Roxie teased.
A slow smile creeped out. “Maybe.”
We both laughed, and I hurried to get ready for bed so I could keep talking with TheWriteGuy.
Once I was in bed, I pulled up his latest message responding to my question.
TheWriteGuy
Let’s just say I started the night in my usual mask. But something changed, and suddenly I didn’t feel like I had to keep pretending so much. That doesn’t happen often.
ReadToLiv
Interesting … so someone got the rare, unfiltered you tonight?
I smirked at the screen, teasing, though my heart squeezed a little at the thought, surprising me with the soft undertones of jealousy.
TheWriteGuy
Maybe. Or maybe talking with you has made me feel like I don’t have to hide as much.
The sting of jealousy slipped away, replaced with a warmth that curled low in my chest and tugged a smile to my lips.
ReadToLiv
So you’re saying I hold a lot of power. Just like Raelle.
TheWriteGuy
Exactly.
My pulse jumped. He’d compared himself to Cassemir before … and now he was comparing me to Raelle again. In the book, Cassemir was falling harder for her with every chapter. Was he hinting at the same thing with me?
ReadToLiv
So if I’m Raelle, does that mean I can make you do whatever I want?
I smirked at my own words, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Teasing him was easier than letting this get serious.
I wasn’t exactly well-versed in … whatever this was—talking, flirting, letting someone in.
But with him, it felt strangely natural, like slipping into a role I hadn’t realized I could play.
TheWriteGuy
Careful. Power like that could be dangerous in the wrong hands.
ReadToLiv
Guess you’ll just have to trust me.
The butterflies in my stomach tangled into knots. What was I doing, tossing lines like that back at him? But instead of freezing me out, he answered quickly—like he was enjoying it as much as I was.
TheWriteGuy
Trust isn’t something I give easily. But with you … it doesn’t feel as risky.
My breath caught. Dangerous was right. Suddenly my teasing didn’t feel quite so safe anymore.
At a loss of what to say next, I typed the first thing that came to mind.
ReadToLiv
Trust me, if you saw me, you’d definitely think I’m safe.
Instantly I regretted my response and wished I could take it back, but the bubbles had already appeared, and he was typing back. Covering my face with one of my hands I waited to see what he thought of what I had said. I didn’t even know what I’d meant by it.
Of course he’d never actually see me. And if he ever did, I wasn’t the type people noticed. I was always in the background, blending into the scenery. He probably wouldn’t look at me twice if he saw me on the street. Although a small part of me hoped he might.
A whisper of a voice in my mind said, Talon notices you.
But I hurried to shut that thought down before it could turn into something it wasn’t.
TheWriteGuy
Safe, huh? That’s … interesting. I’m not sure I believe you.
I grinned at the screen, grateful for his playful response, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure how far I dared to push.
ReadToLiv
Well, you might be surprised. Appearances can be deceiving.
A pause. Then the typing bubbles appeared again.
TheWriteGuy
Hmm … that makes me wonder what you actually look like.
I froze for a moment, caught off guard by the question. Teasing him had felt easy, but now my cheeks warmed at the idea of revealing even the smallest hint.
ReadToLiv
Wondering that could be a risky thing. You might not like the answer.
TheWriteGuy
Somehow … I doubt that.
ReadToLiv
Maybe the mystery makes it more fun.
The typing bubbles danced, my insides fluttering.
TheWriteGuy
Or maybe we’re both enjoying this newfound connection where we can be completely ourselves.
ReadToLiv
Completely ourselves, huh? Is that the temptation that keeps us coming back for more?
TheWriteGuy
Maybe. I think it’s just easier to be ourselves when no one knows our real names.
I bit my lip, heart fluttering.
ReadToLiv
Sounds like you’re admitting you like this.
TheWriteGuy
I’m admitting I like you. The rest is just a bonus.
Heat rose to my cheeks, and I quickly looked away from the screen. Teasing him was easier than letting this get serious, but somehow that only made the conversation more addictive.
ReadToLiv
I like your bold honesty.
TheWriteGuy
And what about me? Do you like me?
ReadToLiv
Messaging really does take down the barriers. I highly doubt you would have asked me that in person.
TheWriteGuy
I’d definitely ask you that in person.
ReadToLiv
LOL. Yeah, you probably would.
TheWriteGuy
Maybe one day we’ll see if I’m brave enough in person.
That had my fingers freezing as I stared at the words he’d sent. Maybe one day we’ll see if I’m brave enough in person.
The thought had butterflies swarming around in my stomach in a way I wasn’t expecting. Brave enough … he wanted to meet me. Me. Not just the version I showed online, not just the words I typed—but the real person. The idea made my body tighten with nervous excitement.
At the same time, the thought was thrilling. Scary, yes—but thrilling. There was a strange comfort in the fact that he wanted to take this beyond the screen, that he wanted to see the person behind the words.
But it was way too soon for that. Besides, I didn’t even know where he lived. Not like I was going to travel somewhere to see him.
Except there really was something about him that drew me in. Almost the exact same way that Talon lured me in.
Two very different men, two very different worlds, but both eliciting the same nervous anticipation and fluttering warmth—Talon with his piercing gaze that saw past the walls I’d built, and TheWriteGuy with words that made me feel safe enough to let myself be heard.
Each of them lingered in my thoughts like a flicker of an ember I couldn’t put out, leaving me torn and restless long into the night.