Page 76 of The Ampersand Effect

Tobin was dumbfounded. Her mind was utterly blank, trying to absorb Grier’s text and comprehend everything she’d written. The words swirled in front of her like a hurricane, coming in and out of view. There was no way she could formulate a response even half as intuitive or heartfelt as the one Grier had just delivered. How could she respond without making herself look like an utter fool?

She winced as she saw the animated ellipses appear on her screen. Grier was still on the line.

GRIER—11:01 a.m.

You?

Tobin laughed out loud, dispelling anxiety. She was genuinely in awe that Grier could be so interested in what was probably apredictable response. How in the hell was she supposed to follow that?

TOBIN—11:03 a.m.

I think I first need to thank you, because

your answer was… illuminating. I am

genuinely incapable of rallying my own

response that even remotely offers you

the insight you just provided me.

Besides, I think your answer changed

mine. Hands are definitely my new

favorite body part.

TOBIN—11:04 a.m.

But, just so you don’t feel like I’m not

respecting the mutual honesty of the

game: I’m frequently drawn to the

shoulders and collarbones, particularly

centrally, below the neck.

Tobin blushed mildly, thankful that Erik had exited the helicopter to stretch his legs between flights. She assumed her face was a mixture of shock and arousal, and she had no interest in having that witnessed by her co-pilot this morning.

TOBIN—11:06 a.m.

Glad you approve.

TOBIN—11:06 a.m.

How’s your morning going? Calming

down before lunch?

Now that she could think clearly again after Grier’s foray into hersensual philosophy of hands, Tobin needed to figure out whether she could pay her a visit during lunch—regretfully, without the use of her own roaming hands.

GRIER—11:07 a.m.

Patients have been a good distraction from

grand rounds. I’ve got one more patient this