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More dots appeared as Nico typed. Bennett waited, focused on the screen intensely.

NM: And by terrorize I mean fuck

NM: You should let me come over

Mouth dry, Bennett wrote, No.

NM: Why not?

Bennett: Because I can’t tonight.

NM: Is your dry couch-fucking lay there?

NM: Did you introduce him to the lube I left you?

NM: This was very educational for him, no?

Jesus Christ. A rough laugh escaped Bennett’s throat. Talk about jumping to conclusions. I have a friend visiting tonight, he wrote. Then we fly to Buffalo tomorrow afternoon for a game on Sunday night.

NM: Ah, OK

NM: I can wait until Monday then

Bennett: You’re annoying

NM: Wrong

NM: I am Italian and we are charming

NM: You are charmed, bello. Admit it.

Bennett would admit no such thing. He should put down his phone and go to sleep. He was exhausted after tonight’s loss and he needed to be at his best for Buffalo. Except he wasn’t ready for this conversation to be over.

Bennett: What are you doing right now?

NM: Eating dinner

Bennett: At midnight???

NM: I do not keep regular office hours, Verreault

Bennett: So you’re like a vampire?

NM: Hoping I will bite you?

Maybe, Bennett wrote, a grin splitting his face. Lauren was right, this was fun.

NM: Behave. I am in public.

Bennett: You’re the one always bringing this back to sex

NM: This is not my fault.

NM: Italians like sex and food.

Bennett: What are you eating?

NM: Branzino and asparagus