Page 98 of The Ampersand Effect

TOBIN—9:25 a.m.

Very. It was quite an exciting night.

GRIER—9:25 a.m.

Do tell! I promise I’m not usually this

excited about the misfortune of others,

but your job is just so… interesting!

TOBIN—9:26 a.m.

I’d love to tell you about it. In person?

Tonight?

GRIER—9:27 a.m.

Hmmmm. I don’t know. I have a pretty

big day of absolutely nothing happening.

Not sure I can pencil anything else in at

the moment.

She couldn’t resist a little playful banter—and found herself grateful that Tobin seemed to have reverted to the same flirtatious antics they’d engaged in prior to their weekend of marathon sex. With anyone else, the contrast might’ve given her emotional whiplash— two distinctly opposing sides of the same person. But with Tobin, it only heightened her attraction… and curiosity.

Knowing that Tobin carried such a timid, uncertain tenderness beneath that confident, sexy veneer made Grier feel special. She knew Tobin didn’t trust—well, anyone, really—to see that softer side of her.

GRIER—9:28 a.m.

What time? And what’s the dress code?

TOBIN—9:30 a.m.

I’ll pick you up at 6 p.m. Dress code is… date?

Not black tie. Not sweatpants.

GRIER—9:31 a.m.

You mean I don’t get another chance to

see you shirtless in that tux from the

gala?

TOBIN—9:31 a.m.

That could be arranged…

TOBIN—9:31 a.m.

I don’t know how I could forget your

infatuation with what I wear… all my suits.