Page 34 of Wicked Design
Clover finally came to mind. He’d given her his number last night, since he was unlisted. At the time, he considered that a good step in their continuing relationship. Now he worried she’d phoned to cancel.
He couldn’t imagine any other reason she’d call. This had happened to him before with other women who’d ditched him before their expected date.
None had been like her. Perfect in every freaking way.
Fuck, let this be good. Please.He checked the display. His heart fell. She’d sent a text. A great way to call off tonight’s date or even end things between them, because his life had never been more than waiting for the next round of bad news. This might be his newest crap to get over. Shit, he hated this but wouldn’t have liked a bad phone call from her any better. Prepared for the worst, he read the damn thing.
V. What time? U never said b-4 u left.
I had my tongue in ur mouth 2 much, right?
He laughed, loving that they were still on, adoring the V and her message. When they were together, details slipped past him without notice, her heat, scent, and passion driving everything else away. He wasn’t even certain how he’d gotten from her place to his last night, the journey a blank. He texted.
Done at 10. B here @ 10:30. Want 2 b alone w/u.
A new message popped up.
Awesome sauce. Did u get cuffs?
He grinned and answered.
Show up 2 find out.
She sent a flipping-the-bird emoji followed by kissy lips and XOXO.
Chuckling, he held his phone to his chest.
Throat clearing sounded in the hall.
Lauren.
Van Gogh put his phone facedown on the counter, ready to rumble if she got nosy. She was more friend than boss, but that didn’t give her the right to be his mom or confessor. “Yeah?”
“We’re ordering pizza. You in? If you have plans, that’s cool.” She glanced at his phone.
“I’ll have my usual, but double wings on the side this time.” He needed extra protein to prepare for tonight. “No onions on the pie, though.” He should have brought a toothbrush. Now he’d have to run out for that, toothpaste, and mouthwash before Clover arrived. “Here.” He handed over a twenty. “If this doesn’t cover it, let me know.”
Lauren took the bill then threw her arms around him. “I’m happy for you.” She squeezed hard.
He froze, not knowing what to do. Where to put his hands.
Tor passed the doorway and lifted his eyebrows.
Van Gogh kept his hands at his side.
Lauren rocked him back and forth. “I’m thrilled for Clover, too. I like her. She’s the best. This is so great.” She released him and swiped at her eyes. “Don’t you think?”
“I’m not comfortable talking about this.”
“Of course not. Sorry.” She backed up. “I didn’t mean to intrude, and I won’t ask any personal questions, promise.” She approached again. “But I can’t help worrying about you and everyone here, so I’m really glad to see you happy rather than down. You’re what makes Wicked Brand great, but that’s not the only reason I’ve been concerned in the past. I hope you know everyone here is my family, not simply an employee, so naturally I want what’s best for you. This is so cool.” She bounced in place.
He wanted to run. “Can you order a Dr Pepper with my food? We’re out of them here.”
“Oh sure.” She waved the twenty. “I’ll get right on it—your food order and the soda delivery so we’re well-stocked.” She hurried away.
Closing time couldn’t come soon enough. He made a list of what to do before Clover arrived. At the top was turning off the cameras. He didn’t think Lauren kept them running nonstop but if she did, he didn’t want them recording his X-rated show. God only knew what she’d do if she viewed the thing. Seeing him that happy might kill her.
After he ate, the minutes dragged. By eight, he couldn’t stop swearing. When nine o’clock rolled around, he wanted to slap his tattoo machine in the client’s hand and tell him to ink himself. Sheer will kept him from screaming.
