Page 227 of Josephine and Clay

At four o'clock, another text arrives.

Clay: What are you wearing?

I stop walking. Then stare at the screen. Then stare some more.

My pulse jumps hard enough to make me reread the message.

Josie: Excuse me?

Clay: Professional question.

Josie: I don't believe that.

Clay: Scrubs?

Josie: Yes.

Clay: That's disappointing.

Heat crawls into my cheeks.

Josie: Why?

The reply comes almost instantly.

Clay: Been thinking about that sweatshirt from yesterday all day.

I nearly walk into a supply cabinet.

Fantastic. Exactly what I needed in the middle of a workday.

Josie: You need hobbies.

Clay: I had hobbies.

Josie: And?

Clay: Turns out I prefer thinking about you.

The butterflies are becoming a genuine problem.

I duck into an empty office before anyone can witness my embarrassment.

Josie: That's dangerously smooth.

Clay: Thank you.

Josie: It wasn't a compliment.

Clay: You're smiling though.

The worst part?

He's right.

Completely right.

I sink into a chair and shake my head.