Egged On
If Hong Gi looked at Steph like she was his world much longer, Mom would think she had lost the ability to speak. If that happened, she would find Mom on her doorstep before she could blink twice. That would be almost as bad as Luke making a return visit.
"What are you thinking about, Steph?" Hong Gi's tenor was deeper, his words warmer than she had ever heard before.
She held a hand over her phone's speaker, hoping Mom hadn't heard and yet wanted to stall for time. Time to formulate a response. Time to find rational thought from all the exhilarating feelings that threatened to carry her away.
Mom's words filled her ears, but it was Hong Gi who held her attention. Slowly, as if she were a scared kitten, he took her phone from her and held it to his ear.
"Jessie, Steph and I are on a date. She'll answer all your questions next weekend. Mm. Yes, I'm hanging up now." His words softened to almost a whisper. "I must kiss your daughter now."