Chapter 209

He couldn't help himself he had to text her back right away.

[What's going on?]

A second later, she sent him a new contact card.

[Add me with this account.]

Steven hesitated for a split second, almost sending a question mark, but then it hit him. She probably wanted to keep things just between the two of them, so she was using a secret account. That thought made him smile. He added her immediately.

The moment she accepted, his phone lit up with a flurry of cute emojis a blowing kiss, a shy face, and big, sparkly star eyes.

Just like that, all the heaviness in his chest disappeared.

She was still thinking about him. She couldn't really let him go. Honestly, just

being able to keep in touch like this made him ridiculously happy.

[Were you missing me?] he asked.

[Mhm.]

[I'll be in Westbrook the day after tomorrow. If you're free, I'd love to see you.]

[Definitely!]

[How's everything? Are you settling into Westbrook okay?]

[It's good.]

[Glad to hear it. Take care of yourself, okay? If you run into any trouble, promise you'll let me know.]

[Hehe, I will!]

They kept texting, messages bouncing back and forth, neither of them wanting to stop. He replied to every single message right away, his heart racing even more than it did when they first started dating. If he could have, he would have gotten on a plane to Westbrook that second, just to wrap her up in his arms.

He missed her all the time, especially at night. There were so many nights he couldn't fall asleep because all he could think about was her.

Meanwhile, in Westbrook-

At the Waterfront Spa, Lucie finished her shower and decided to do a

quick steam. When she stepped out

of the sauna, she spotted June,

ouinginte

the poor in her b

feet up on a lounge chair, grinning at her phone as she typed away.

"June, what are you up to?" Lucie asked.

June jumped up a little, looking guilty but cheerful. "Oh, nothing! Just chatting with

a friend. Here, your phone."

Lucie blinked in surprise. She was sure she'd put her phone in her locker. "Wait, why do you have my phone?"

"Oh, you accidentally left it in the changing room, so I grabbed it for you."

"Oh. Thanks, I guess."

"Come on, let's go find Elio in the lounge. I bet he's already getting impatient." "Yeah, let's go."

A few minutes later, they headed out

of the locker room and into the

lounge to look for Elio. This place was easily the fanciest spa in Westbrook-Karaoke rooms, every kind of sauna and massage you could think of, a beauty salon, a seafood buffet, golf simulators, billiards, bowling, even a private movie theater. If you had the cash, this was the best spot to unwind and treat yourself.

June shot Elio a text: [Where are you?]

He replied: [Billiards room.]

"Elio's in the billiards room," June said. "Let's go."

"Okay."

When they got there, Elio was already at the pool table, focused on lining up his shot with the cue.

June grinned. "Wow, Elio, your skills are getting worse every time I see you."

Elio

and waken

over to Lucie.re

you hungry? Want to grab

Something to eat?" content belongs.

"Yeah, that sounds great."

June playfully punched Elio's arm. "Hey, why didn't you ask if I was hungry?"

Elio rolled his eyes. "Do I even have to ask? When you're hungry, the whole room knows."

"Excuse me? Who are you calling loud?" June shot back, giving him a few more light punches.

"Seriously, keep your hands to yourself," Elio laughed, dodging her playful attack.