Page 45 of Josephine and Clay

Clay: No, sweetheart. Right now you’re in bed thinking about me touching you.

Her answer is immediate.

Josie: Yes.

That one word nearly wrecks me.

I sit there staring at it, breathing a little heavier than I should be for a man alone in a motel room with nothing but his phone and his own bad habits for company.

Clay: You touching yourself?

There’s a pause that’s an answer all on its own.

Josie: Maybe.

Clay: Maybe’s not good enough.

Josie: You’re very bossy when you’re states away.

Clay: And?

Josie: And it’s irritating that it still works.

I grin.

Clay: Good.

Josie: I hate you a little.

Clay: No, you don’t.

Josie: Fine. I hate how much I don’t.

I laugh under my breath, then type back with my pulse kicking hard now.

Clay: Tell me when you come.

Three dots. Gone. Back.

Josie: You first.

I shake my head, smiling idiotically in an empty room.

Clay: Brat.

Josie: Reckless cowboy.

Clay: We can keep this up all night.

Josie: We really can’t. I have work in the morning.

Clay: Spoilsport.

Josie: Alive and employed, actually.

Clay: Send me one thing before you go.

Josie: Dangerous phrasing.