Chapter 4 - Pillow talk

Bill stretched out on his rack, and dialed the number for the direct line to Colonial One.

"Roslin." Laura's voice was very businesslike; very presidential, despite the fact it was quite late.

"Hi."

"Hi yourself." Her voice softened as she realized who was on the other end of the line.

"How was your day?"

"Quorum. Supply and workforce reports. Same old. Yours?"

"Fleet security. Oxygen consumption and water recycling reports. Same old," he replied, trying to keep the disgust out of his voice.

She must have heard it anyway, because she laughed.

"Just be thankful for the boring days, Bill. They're a lot safer than when things become exciting." There was a rustle in the background. It sounded like...

"Are you in bed?" he asked.

"Uh-huh." Pause. "Do you want to know what I'm wearing?"

He could hear the smile in her voice as she teased him.

"What are you wearing?"

There was a moment of startled silence at her end, as if she was surprised he was playing along. Then she giggled, before clearing her throat.

"Actually I'm naked..." Pause. "Lying here in bed. All alone..."

"Well I should hope so," he replied, rolling onto his back. "If you were naked and with someone, I'd probably have an issue with that."

"I'd let you watch," she offered.

"Depends who you were with," he countered.

"Who would you like me to be with," she purred.

"Me." It slipped out; unanticipated; uncensored.

Again, there was surprised silence at her end.

"But if you were here with me, then you wouldn't need to watch."

"No, I wouldn't. But if I was there, we wouldn't have to talk to each other on the phone."

"What would we be doing instead?" she breathed.

"Sleeping." He grinned, as she made a disgusted sound.

"I could think of much better things to be doing if I had a man in my bed for the first time in... well, far too long."

"And those things would be?"

"State secret, Admiral... Although, I may be persuaded to tell you one day."

Comfortable silence.

"Have dinner with me?" he asked softly.

"Twice in six weeks? People will start talking." Teasing tone.

"Mmm. Well, given that we seem to get newspaper coverage every time we're seen in public together, I'd say they've already well and truly started."

"When and where do you want me?"

"You asked that last time. If you're not careful, you'll get a very... honest answer to that question."

"That might not be so bad," she said softly.

"No… it wouldn't. But there are some things I'd prefer to say... and do... in person."

He lay there, staring at the bulkhead above his rack, wishing she was lying next to him having this silly conversation. And wondering if she felt the same.

"So… dinner?" she prompted after a while.

"When do you have a free spot in your schedule?"

"Well, after you spoke to her a few weeks ago, Tory has been pretty good at keeping most of my evenings clear. Just in case. I don't think she wants to have to deal with you on the subject again." She chuckled. "The thought of me having a... private life seems to disturb her a little."

"Saul has also been very accommodating… offering to take shifts for me if I need. And very disappointed that I haven't been taking him up on his offer."

"He just wants you to tell him all the juicy details of our torrid affair."

"Torrid?"

"Yes. Don't you read the newspapers?"

"Not if I can help it. Besides, there aren't any juicy details. Yet."

"Yet?? Hmm. You sound very... confident, Admiral."

"More… hopeful," he corrected. Pause. "How's tomorrow night for you?"

"Perfect," she replied with a yawn

"Go to sleep, Laura," he said tenderly. "You sound like you need it."

"Mmm..." she agreed. "'Night."

"Sleep well."

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