Feeling like a fool, Dana tapped out a quick message. She wouldn’t ask for help and didn’t want to come across as needy. She would ignore the fact that she’d never needed him more and would simply acknowledge his text. She should have done it the moment he’d sent it.
Dana: I’m sorry I never replied.
There. Just an apology. He could do with it whatever he needed to do. She wasn’t asking for anything, wasn’t begging to feel his touch on her body, no matter how much she wanted it. The message might be coming through at two in the morning but that didn’t mean it wasn’t sent in the spirit of politeness.
It was simply an expression of her regret and she didn’t expect a response.
But she got one, less than two minutes later.
Alex: It’s okay. You’re up late too. Can’t sleep?
A question. If he didn’t want to talk to her, he wouldn’t have made an open-ended statement.
Dana: No.
Alex: Are you okay?
Dana: Been better.
Alex: I can come over. We can talk.
Dana: You mean you still want to talk to me?
A pause.
Alex: Dana, I’d be happy just to breathe the air around you right now.
Shivers made her skin prickle into goosebumps.
Maybe talking wouldn’t be so bad. They were both adults and liked each other. Who said their time together had to be about sex? Surely, they could contain themselves.
Although the thought of Alex’s hands on her body made her want to sing. When he touched her, she felt youthful and free and jubilant.
She needed to feel it again.
Dana: I’d love to see you.
Alex: Tell me where you live. I can be there in no time.
She glanced around her messy condo. Shoes were strewn in the hallway and dirty dishes were piled on the counter. Not exactly like the pristine environment in Alex’s apartment. It might very well give him a case of the hives. Besides, her condo seemed far too empty. She didn’t want to be there, not tonight.
Dana: I’ll come to you.
Alex: I can send a car for you.
Dana: No, it’s okay. I’m all right to drive. I’ll just throw some clothes on.
Alex: I’ll be waiting.
Dana: Alex, I want you to know this isn’t a booty call. I’m not trying to use you.
Alex: No booty call. Got it. Am putting my booty away as we speak.
In spite of herself, she laughed.
Alex: Just come.
She signed off and threw on some clothes, the jeans she’d discarded earlier and a clean t-shirt. Finger-combing her curls, she headed to the washroom and brushed her teeth. Slipping into a pair of ballet flats, she grabbed her purse and keys and headed into the corridor, locking her condo behind her.
