When I call Kyle after work, he’s full of excitement. This weekend was good for him, for us. We’re back on track and he’s super excited about finding a personal trainer.

He’s got one guy in mind although he’s had a reply from a female and is still waiting on another response.

“Do you have a preference on male or female?” he asks when he's updating me on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

“Nope, not really. I guess if we’re working with a mostly male team up here, then a woman may be too much of a distraction. You know what the guys are like when they’re together.”

“Good point. I hadn’t thought about that. He’s my favorite on paper, anyway.”

“Excellent.” I smile. I should ask him how the rest of his day has been, but it’s difficult to be concerned about people I’ve left behind now. Of course, I have a few I want to poach, but that's not until later. It’s too soon for me to say who I actually need and in what positions yet. Jess was the main person; I really could not have done this without her. She knows me inside out and as we’ve worked together for so many years, I have the confidence to leave her to get on with things in the knowledge that she’ll deliver the maximum amount of positive PR for the minimum cost.

As my mind drifts, I ask how the rest of his day was, anyway.

“You don’t want to know that. I know you El, don’t pretend. You’re consumed with what you’re up to now, so tell me, how has your day been?” This time last week that might have been snotty, but his voice is now chilled. I imagine him with his head laid back on the sofa, feet up on the pillow, beer in hand.

“My day has been good, but humor me. What are you doing now, where are you?”

“I’m in the lounge, on the settee.”

“That’s where I imagined you.”

He pauses. “You probably imagined wrong though.”

My eyes screw up. “What do you mean?”

Another pause. “I’m in your seat.” His voice is soft at his confession.

He doesn’t need to explain further, I know that’s a way for him to feel close to me. I know this because, “I sleep on your side of the bed.”

There’s no pause this time, the silence extends too long. I don’t try and fill it, we don't need to exchange words to communicate, even when on a phone call.

“What are you wearing?” he asks.

“I’m still wearing my navy suit trousers and my white shirt. I've removed my socks and I'll be getting my lounging gear on as soon as we're done. This formal clothing is so stuffy.”

“Is the collar of your shirt undone?”

“Yes, the first two buttons, I've removed my tie too — stuffed that in my jacket pocket as soon as I was in the car on my way home.”

He's not interested in the details, instead focussing on the one important point. “Hmm, I would love to kiss that gap.”

My hand flies up to the space he's imagining, caressing the soft spot, telling my mind these fingers are not my own.

“I’d lick my tongue there, tasting you and then I’d unbutton your shirt, trailing kisses down...”

I harden, as he knows I will, but I don't touch myself. Rather, I let myself enjoy the torment of the throb. “I have a proposal this week.”

“Oh?” He sounds surprised at my rapid change of subject.

“Yeah. How about this? We don’t touch ourselves all week, not once. Not even a hint of masturbation.”

“What? Are you mad?” His voice is sharp, high pitched.

My lips curl upwards at his outrage. “Hang on, hear me out. Let's wait for each other this weekend... imagine how amazing it will be then...”

“Sorry, too late, I’m touching myself now. Just hearing your voice sets me off. My pants are already round my ankles, hot rod.”

The laughter which has been threatening now erupts from my belly and hoots at him down the line. “Hot rod? Sounds like you’re the bloody hot rod you pervert.”

“Hey, what can I say? I’m attracted to my husband. It’s impossible to keep my hands to myself when you’re here. You drive me fucking crazy.”

“So, you don’t want to try the deprivation thing then? It could be fun.”

“Of course, I’ll try it. I’m up for anything with you.” He is so sexy even from miles away.

“In that vein then, I’ll ignore the reference to you getting up.”

“Nice try.” He chuckles.