Me: LOL. When?

Oz: Now.

Wow, that seems really fast. Here I was wanting him to text me and now he wants to do something right this second. It’s all a game, I tell myself. He’s looking to get laid. I decide to be blunt and to the point. I’m sure that’s what Paige would want me to do if I showed her the messages.

Me: I’m not going to sleep with you.

Oz: Sweet Mallory, sleeping is the last thing I want to do with you.

I clench my phone in my hand, hating that I was right. The disappointment is too strong for the short time I’ve known him. Hell, known isn’t even the right word because I don’t know him. How can he already be taking up so much of my head space? Head space that I should have somewhere else right now. Tomorrow is one of the biggest days of my life. That’s where my mind should be. Not here, flirting on the phone with someone who wants in my panties. His words irritate me, and I don’t like the presumption.

Me: Cocky much? I don’t like cocky.

Oz: It’s not cocky. It’s true.

I take a deep breath and think about my next words.

Me: Sorry, Oz, but I don’t think this will work. I’m not that kind of girl. You’re a hot guy. I’m sure you can dial someone up and get a hookup if you want.

I send the words with confidence. That’s that. But I can’t stop myself from staring at the phone, waiting for a message to come. Minutes tick by and nothing.

Frustrated with myself, I click the sound off my phone before getting up from the couch and scooping up my books and folders. I make my way to my room, tossing the phone and everything onto the bed before grabbing a pillow and taking it back out to the living room and putting it under Paige’s head. I cover her up more with the blanket and turn off the TV.

I go back to my bedroom, strip off my clothes and jump into the shower, running through my nightly routine. Trying to keep myself from checking my phone, I blow-dry my hair, then go and pick out something to wear tomorrow.

I’m worried that what I have won’t work. This seems like the one place I’m lacking at the moment and it’s driving me a little crazy that I might come up short here. I can study my ass off but do I look like I belong? New York City is so glamorous, and everyone seems to have the nicest things. I got all my work clothes from Macy’s, maxing out a credit card because I needed them. And here I stand, still thinking they won’t be up to par. Even the price tags at Macy’s made me cringe. If only Paige and I wore the same size. I could borrow some of her stuff. But she’s pint-size. Luckily, we have the same size feet, so I do get to steal her shoes.

After deciding on a gray pencil skirt and a soft pink blouse, I move to Paige’s room to dig through her shoes. I grab a pair of tan shoes with a lower heel, not knowing how much I’ll be on my feet tomorrow. Once I’ve got everything set out, I grab my laptop and take it to bed with me. I want to refresh myself a little more with the Osbourne Corp before tomorrow. I already know a ton about the company since they were the ones that gave me my scholarships, but I just want a quick update in case someone asks me something tomorrow about their current numbers.

Pulling back the covers, I climb into bed and grab my phone. I finally do what I’ve been wanting to do for the last hour. I unlock the screen and see three text messages and four missed calls. All from Oz. Holy shit.

Oz: So you think I’m hot?

I roll my eyes at the first text.

Oz: I want you because I know you’re not that type of girl. This might surprise you, but I’m not that type of guy. Like I told you. All I do is work. Give this a chance. I’ll show you.

Oz: Mallory, please answer me.

The calls came shortly after the text messages. I don’t know what to make of all this. He’s coming on strong. Part of me likes it, but another part of me is scared. Oz could probably steamroll right over me and my heart.

The phone vibrates in my hand, making me jump. Oz’s name flashes across the screen, and I debate answering it. After only a millisecond of hesitation, I cave.

“Hello.”

“Mallory.” He says my name like he’s utterly relieved.

“Oz.” I seem to only be able to speak in monosyllables. I’m not sure what else to say.

“Don’t do that to me.”

“Do what?” I ask, having no idea what he is talking about.

“Tell me you’re done, and then not respond. You didn’t even give me a chance to explain what I meant.” His voice is desperate.

“I’m sorry, it’s just...”

He cuts me off. “Promise me you’ll never do that again. You’ll give me a chance to explain.”

I laugh. “I didn’t say I was giving you a chance.”

“You answered the phone.”

He’s got me there. I did. I could have just ignored him and then blocked his number.

“Is this just about sex?” I push, wanting to know.

“No, Mallory, this is about so much more.”

Could he be telling the truth?

“Promise me,” he says again, and I give in. I have this need to give him what he wants.

“I promise.” For some reason, it’s like I’m promising more than what is being said.

I hear him sigh with relief into the phone. “Are you in bed?”

My heart does that stupid flutter thing again. Maybe I should get that checked out.

“Yes.” I blush and snuggle down into the blankets.

“My sweet Mallory.”