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Sera: What did I say about making a big deal about your age, huh?
I reply while leaning against the wall as people file out of the room. I can't even wait to sit down somewhere to text him back.
Sera: Anyway, you'd know more than me. I've never sexted. Even writing 'sexted' feels weird.
Luke: Is that your way of telling me you're an old soul – that we balance out in the end?
I smile.
Sera: That's a very poetic way to think about it... Sure, let's go with that.
Luke: What are you doing this evening?
Sera: I don't have any plans.
Sera: Well, at least not yet. I'm meeting my boss soon so maybe he'll dump a project on me, but he's been pretty relaxed on this trip. I think he wants me to absorb as many tech ideas as possible.
Luke: Good because I'm taking you to dinner. I've been working my team relentlessly since I left you last night. I'll grab a power nap and then we'll go out.
Luke: We'll be in public, so I'll have to control myself.
I bite my lip.
Sera: I kind of like it when you don't control yourself.
Luke: I'm not sure how our fellow restaurant goers would feel about me tearing off your shirt, freeing those plump, perfect breasts, sucking and licking as I pressed my hand against your eager body. Only this time, I'd slip my hand down your pants and glide my palm against your naked skin, your sensitive flesh...
Heat floods my entire body, especially the places he describes touching. I walk down the corridor, back to the main exhibition hall.
Sera: I think you've just discovered what sexting is.
Luke: Is that a yes to dinner?
Sera: It's a 'hell yes', Mr. Mystery.
"Hey, can I have a sec?" I look up at the voice. It's Girl Number One from the staring duo earlier, but she's not scowling anymore. Her friend stands at her shoulder. They're both blonde, athletically built, both wearing short skirts, with flawlessly made-up faces that make them look like mannequins. No judgment; they're gorgeous.
"Uh, sure," I say.
"Are you, like, his girlfriend?" Girl Number Two asks.
"Pardon me?"
"Luke Cross," she says, as if I'm clueless. "He was all over you. Are you his sidepiece or his girlfriend? It's a fair question."
I don't know why I say it, but suddenly I blurt, "His girlfriend. What is it to you?"
Her expression shifts from suspicion to outright admiration. "Woah," she says. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," I mutter.
"You hit the jackpot."
"I'm not with him for the money, if that's what you're thinking."
Enjoying the shocked looks on their faces, I spin and walk away, finding a quiet corner to sit.
Sera: So I just did something...