Page 104 of Between the Lines

Claire

Seriously Harding?? You’d rather stay *at dinner* than go back up to your hotel room and let me take your mind off of this dreadfully long weekend apart?

Nathan

I’m the administrator at the conference. I also have the per diem for our dinner.

I chuckle at my phone. With a quick glance to see that Lucy is still gone, Penelope is in the kitchen refilling her wine, and Juliet has her phone pressed to her ear on the phone with Mason from the sound of it, I tap out what I want.

Claire

I’m going to have to be a little more forward, aren’t I?

I’ve been thinking about your body on mine all night, Nathan.

Nathan

I’m in Boston until tomorrow afternoon.

Claire

Oh my God.

Old man.

This is sexting.

I’m trying to lead you in slowly.

Do I need to tell you how wet I’ve been all night while I’ve thought about your hand around my throat to get you back to your hotel room and play along?

Should I tell you that I hate that you’re at some big dumb conference instead of back at your house with me naked in your study?

I could just take matters into my own hands then, I guess.

I watch the bubbles appear and disappear several times, images of Nathan bending me over the window seat invading my thoughts until my phone buzzes in my hand.

Nathan

Oh. I see.

Sexting, huh?

What are you planning on doing after girls’ night?

Claire

Heading back to Penelope’s for the night.

Nathan

Will she be there?

Claire

I mean, yeah, she *does* own the place.

Nathan