The Perfect Shot

Chapter 12: New Friendships and Flirty Texts

 Stevie's POV

  I woke up with a start, my mind instantly drifting to the warmth of Jack's kiss from last night. The lingering memory of his touch made me smile as I stretched and slipped out of bed. I wrapped myself in a cozy robe and made my way to the kitchen, brewing a fresh pot of coffee. The rich aroma filled the air, and I savored each sip as I settled onto the couch with my laptop.

 While editing photos from the previous games, I put on a few episodes of Criminal Minds for background noise. I was absorbed in my work when my phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Jack, accompanied by a photo of him grinning widely. His playful smile lit up the screen:

 Jack: "Hey, Gorgeous! 😊 I hope your morning is as fantastic as you are. Here's a little something to brighten your day. Can't wait to see you soon. You've been on my mind all morning! 😘 -J.H"

I couldn't stop smiling at his sweet, flirty message. I typed out a response, trying to match his playful tone:

Stevie: "Good morning, Handsome! ☀️ Your message just made my day even better. I've been thinking about last night too. Can't wait to see you. Hope your morning's going as amazing as you are! 😘"

Just as I hit send, my phone buzzed again. It was Nico:

Nico: "Hey, Stevie! We're hanging out at my place today, and Devon's coming too. She's fantastic and works in marketing for the team. I know you two will hit it off right away. Come over when you're ready!"

Excited at the prospect of meeting Devon and spending time with friends, I finished up my editing and got dressed. I chose a comfortable yet stylish outfit—jeans and a soft sweater—before heading out the door.

When I arrived at Nico's apartment, I was greeted with his usual warmth and friendly smile.

"Hey, Stevie!" Nico greeted, pulling me into a hug. "Glad you could make it. Devon's already here. Let me introduce you."

Inside, I met Devon, who struck me as warm and welcoming. Her friendly demeanor made me feel at ease right away.

"Hi, Stevie! It's so great to finally meet you," Devon said, her smile as bright as her personality.

"Hi, Devon!" I replied with enthusiasm. "I've heard a lot about you from Nico. It's great to meet you too."

Devon laughed. "Nico's been talking me up, huh? Well, he's told me all about your photography and how you're a great fit for the team. I work in marketing, so I'm around a lot, but I'm also into movies and photography. I think we'll get along just fine."

"That sounds fantastic," I said, feeling a genuine connection. "I'm really into both those things too. What else do you like to do?"

Devon shared her interests, and we quickly bonded over our shared hobbies. As we settled into the living room with snacks and drinks, the conversation flowed easily, and laughter filled the room.

When we decided to play a few board games, the atmosphere was relaxed and cozy. As we got comfortable, my phone buzzed with more texts from Jack. His messages were playful and flirty:

Jack: "Hope you're having a great time today. Wish I could be there to see your smile in person. 😊"

Jack: "Just thought of something. When's the next time I get to see you? 😉"

I couldn't help but giggle at his messages. Devon and Nico noticed my reaction and exchanged knowing glances.

Devon leaned in with a teasing grin. "Ooh, someone's smiling at their phone. Care to share who's making you so happy?"

I blushed slightly but couldn't hide my amusement. "It's just Jack being his usual flirty self. He's been sending me sweet texts all day."

Nico's eyes widened with interest. "Jack, huh? As in my teammate Jack? Spill the tea! What's the story there? I have to know Stevie. Don't leave us hanging."

Devon chimed in, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah, we're dying to know! Have you two kissed yet? Give us all the juicy details!"

I laughed, feeling a bit shy but also amused by their excitement. "Well, we've definitely been spending a lot of time together. Last night, we had a really nice moment. We shared a kiss, and it was... pretty amazing."

Nico grinned. "Ooh, so you've had your first kiss! That's fantastic. I always knew Jack had a way with his charm."

Devon raised an eyebrow. "And what's it like being on the receiving end of that charm? Do tell!"

I smiled, enjoying the playful interrogation. "He's been really sweet and thoughtful. It feels like there's definitely something special between us."

Nico laughed and joked, "Looks like I'm officially one of the girls in this conversation. Gotta know all the details, right?"

Devon nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! And don't forget to tell us if he's been as charming in person as he is over text."

We continued to chat and enjoy each other's company. The conversation eventually shifted back to board games, and we found ourselves curled up on the couch, engrossed in the game of candy land.

As the game went on, my phone buzzed with more texts from Jack. I started giggling at my phone, causing Devon and Nico to glance over with interest.

"What's so funny? Is it Jack again? Let us see we're the board of this relationship now" Devon asked, leaning in.

I showed them Jack's latest message, which was even more flirtatious:

Jack: "I just saw something that reminded me of you. Can't wait to see you soon! 😘"

"Looks like someone's got Jack wrapped around their finger," Devon teased.

Nico nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's clearly smitten. We're all excited to see where this goes."

As the evening continued, we relaxed, watched more movies, and had a great time. Devon and I hit it off incredibly well, and I felt grateful for the new friendships forming.

When it was time to go, I felt content and happy. I left Nico's apartment with a smile, looking forward to what the future held with Jack and the new friends I had made.