First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)

by B.K. Borison

“I think we’re all a little lonely.”

I can be a confident, independent woman and still want someone to hold my hand.

I’ve become so many versions of myself and so has he, but we’ve found a way to fall in love with one another over and over again. Every time.

“Who the fuck made you cry?” I snap.

“How can I help?” Aiden asks, his body almost curved around mine. Protective.

“Nah, Lucie.” In my dream, he brushes a kiss against my forehead. “I think you’re the magic.”

“You’re bossy.” “I certainly can be,” I tell her.

I’m drunk on her smile. Desperate to know more about her. I want to know her favorite pizza toppings. What sort of toothpaste she uses. If her blush disappears once it reaches the top of her chest or if her whole body flushes pink. I’m buying mint chocolates at CVS because I can’t quit the craving.

Kissing her won’t lead to anything good. But I’ve never claimed to be all that good to begin with, and I’ve been on my best behavior for weeks.

Aiden kisses me like he’s mad about it.

“Nothing I want to do to you is very nice, Lucie.”

“You have a pineapple pizza?” I nod, annoyed with myself. “I do.” “You said pineapple on pizza is disgusting.” “It is.” “Then why do you have it?” “Because you said it was your favorite,” I admit. “And I want your favorite to be my favorite.”

Comment from Balti-Moron96: I don’t want to listen to Piano Concerto in F, I want to listen to Aiden flirt with Lucie.

“So polite,” she says, fumbling with the box. My hands squeeze. “I’m about to be really rude, to be honest.”

love isn’t always sunshine and daisies. Sometimes it’s hospital beds and shaved heads. But I wouldn’t trade any of it. Because all of it is with her.”

“And if I mess up?” I ask. “If I do the wrong thing?” “Then you try again. You keep trying until you find the right thing.”

Fuck, Lucie. I think I could let myself love you too.

I read it once and then again. It’s a list of—it’s a list of my favorite things. Things I’ve mentioned on the show and things I haven’t. Things he must have noticed.

“Long-time listener, first-time caller,”

Wish me luck, Baltimore.

“Do you keep a list of her favorite things in your glove compartment?” He makes a short, amused sound. “Yeah. Yeah, I do. So I don’t forget.”

“I know what falling in love feels like because I’ve been falling in love with you.”