Page 119 of Sexting His Assistant

The tie is probably still somewhere in her bedroom.

I type with one hand.

Luka: Keep it.

Her reply comes fast.

Nina: That sounds like evidence.

Luka: Evidence of what?

Nina: Poor decision-making.

I lean back against the seat.

My shoulder hurts, but for the first time in days, that is not the thing holding most of my attention.

Luka: You did not seem unhappy with the decision.

There is a pause.

Longer this time.

Good.

Nina: I was concussed by your audacity.

Luka: That is not a medical condition.

Nina: You are not a doctor.

Luka: I have one on staff.

Nina: Of course you do.

I almost smile.

Almost.

Then another message comes in.

Nina: Misha will be here any minute. You should stop texting me.

I stare at the screen.

The sensible thing is to stop.

I have already been inside her apartment too long. Her brother is coming. She is nervous. I should let her clean, hide the tie, fix her hair, pretend I was never there.

Instead, I type.

Luka: Did you fix your mouth?

Nina: Excuse me?

Luka: It looked kissed when I left.

No reply.