At family dinner the next night, Heather texts Jenna from the kitchen while everyone else has cocktails.
Jenna
Doesn’t that describe every dinner with your mom these days?
Heather
This is even more intense. Mom and Tom are ignoring each other.
Heather
I think they had a fight.
Heather
Plus Connor hasn’t stopped watching me this whole time.
Heather
Do you think it’s because I jabbered too much last night?
Jenna
Maybe he’s thinking of a smooth way to ask you out for a drink again.
Heather
You’re a load of laughs, Jen.
Heather
All I know is that he’s got me kinda squirmy.
Heather
YES, IN A GOOD WAY.
Heather
Satisfied? I’m totes horny for two guys, and it’s driving me up a wall…
Heather
Should I fantasize about Connor, who’s got a bit of sexy stubble on him?
Heather
Or Nightwing, who’s all clean shaven and yummy?
Heather
Stubble or no stubble?
Jenna
Wait — Adam just finished moving his stuff back in and he’s now reading your texts.
Jenna
He says to go for both!
Heather
But does your boyfriend know that I ditched Nightwing last night?
Heather
And that Connor isn’t even a possibility?
Jenna
Adam says to put on your big girl pants and get movin’ either way.
Heather
OMG, Mom and Tom are arguing in the corner now. HIGH TENSION.
Heather
Looks like Mom is ready to move on from Boyfriend #1002.
Heather
Shit — they just excused themselves to “chat” in another room.
Jenna
Is Connor still leaving you alone in the kitchen?
Heather
He wandered off by himself while his brothers went out to the patio.
Heather
Weird. It’s like Connor doesn’t want to talk to me tonight…
Heather’s phone dings with a text.
Heather’s pulse tangles as she debates answering.
Connor is somewhere in the house, but Nightwing is right here for the texting.
She can’t resist, even if they parted on odd terms after the bar meetup.
Nightwing
I didn’t hear from you, so I just wanted to apologize again for coming on too strong last night.
Huh. He hasn’t written her off yet.
Tentatively, she texts him back.
Heather
No worries. I really should apologize for freaking out on you.
Nightwing
So I’m forgiven?
Heather
Only if you forgive ME.
Nightwing
Then it sounds like we’re even.
Nightwing
Would it be a bad thing to tell you that I’m already missing all the fun we’ve had?
Heather
Fun. I really miss having some of that too, especially tonight.
Heather
Right now I got a time out from my intense family dinner, so I could use some fun.
Nightwing
Why is it so intense?
Heather
Mom’s relationship with her new boyfriend is imploding right on schedule. That’s all.
Nightwing
Well, luckily, I’m pretty skilled at saving the day.
Nightwing
Why don’t you go someplace private, Cap?
Nightwing
I can help you take your mind off of all the intensity.
Nightwing
Consider it an apology gift.
Steam is already chugging through her veins.
But she feels a bit guilty — and turned on — texting with Nightwing while Connor’s around.
But dammit, she can’t help herself, and so she goes to her old bedroom and shuts the door.
Heather
You always seem to know just what I need.
Nightwing
Please remember you said that, Cap.
Nightwing
Just follow my instructions, okay?
Heather
Ooo. I have a feeling that something wicked is coming…
Nightwing
Something is coming all right.
Nightwing
I hope you’re ready for it.
Nightwing
Do you have something around that can serve as a blindfold?
Heather
A blindfold? How will I read your texts?
Nightwing
I’m going to call on you, so be prepared to answer.
Heather
Call ON me? Typo much?
Heather
Oh, here. I’ve got old scarves in my drawer I can use…
She fetches a scarf, sits on her bed, covers her eyes, and holds the phone for his call.
At the feeling of such blind powerlessness, her body palpitates all over.
Still, this will definitely put Connor out of sight and mind while she’s with Nightwing.
When she thinks she hears the door to her room open and close, she startles.
LowSexyMale Whisper
Don’t take off that blindfold. It’s just me — Nightwing.
Nightwing
Stay on the bed, Cap. Keep that blindfold on.
Heather
But how the hell are you HERE?
Nightwing
I’ve got superhero skills. Remember?
Nightwing
That’s right…just sit there and listen to me, okay?
Blinded by heat, robbed of oxygen, and pounding with curiosity, she shuts up.
Nightwing
I’m not here for sex.
Nightwing
And I know you said you didn’t want me to be unmasked.
Nightwing
But I can’t hold back anymore from telling you…
Nightwing
Shit, I’m so damned tired of trying to find something that makes me FEEL.
Her mind is spinning, trying to catch up.
She starts to pull off her blindfold, but he gently grasps her wrist, stopping her.
The contact burns a trail of need through her.
Nightwing
Before a few nights ago, I never felt much of anything, except physical pleasure.
Nightwing
Then I met a girl.
Nightwing
And now all I want is to find something real with someone.
Nightwing
You’re that someone, Cap.
Her blood rushes all over the place, making her dizzy.
OH. MY. GOD. Is he really saying this to her?
Heather
I can’t be that someone! I’m not ever ANYONE’s someone.
Nightwing
Wrong. I’m pretty sure you’re mine.
Nightwing
You recognize things about me that no one ever has.
Nightwing
Weren’t you the one who told me that I might be a slut, but you’ve never met anyone who can listen like I do?
A memory sifts through Heather until it ends in a flash of clarity.
She said that to CONNOR, not Nightwing!
As panic rains through her, he slowly draws off her blindfold.
Holy shit, it IS Connor, and he’s got a look in his blue eyes that takes her breath away.
Heather
Why are you messing with me?
Heather
Never mind — I get it. It’s a challenge to try and get into the panties of a difficult girl.
Heather
You’re not used to difficult, right?
Heather
That’s why you’ve been pursuing me.
He stands back, loosely crossing his thick arms over his wide chest.
His calm attitude infuriates her.
Instinct tells her to alienate HIM before he alienates HER.
Connor
Can we talk about this rationally?
Heather
NO. Because this whole thing isn’t rational.
Connor
Really hot. And really honest.
Connor
Come on, Heather, you’ve opened up to me before.
Connor
Tell me what’s stopping you from taking a chance with me now?
No way. Never. He HAS to be messing with her.
Before he can talk her into anything, she wildly grabs her phone and barges out of the room.
She’s NOT going to look back.
As she rushes toward the front door, she hears her mom and Tom arguing in another room.
Another happy ending for Mom…
Tears start to flood Heather’s eyes, and she begins to run down the sidewalk, away from reality.
