Page 111 of Burning Deceptions
The line rustled again, and then Jamie said, “Get off me, Mikey.”
I snorted as he chuckled through a “Fuck you.”
Jamie growled, there were slaps and grunts like they were wrastlin’, and then he laughed harder, probably because Michael did something stupid to entertain him. After a second, he sighed. “Promise me you won’t fall any harder until he’s out?”
“Jamie …”
“Nope. I need this guy’s address and his social security number. When he acts a fool, he’s gonna have me showin’ him why that was a bad move”
“Jesus, you’re as bent as my cousin Seymore.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
“Fine. I’ll try. Try not to fall, I mean. I ain’t givin’ you Luke’s social.”
“Get me an address and I won’t need it.”
“Seek help.”
“You first.”
We snickered, and then I said, “Love you, Jamie. Thanks for cheerin’ me up.”
“Backatcha.”
“Okay, I’m gonna get off here before he catches me on the phone whisperin’ about how tight his ass was ’til I wrecked it.”
Jamie groaned.
“Give Michael a kiss for me.”
“I hate you,” Jamie grumbled and hung up before I could laugh in his ear.
Lukecameoutofhis office shortly after I hung up with Jamie. The weight of his phone pulled at the waist of his pants, revealing more of one sexy hip.
“Feel like going out today?” he asked.
I cocked my head, studying him. There was a tightness to his smile and a dullness in his eyes.
“Where to?” I asked, moving to stop in front of him.
“You like surprises?”
“Maybe. Should I ask if you’re okay?” I gestured to his office. “I mean the phone call. I don’t want to make anything worse if you don’t want to talk about it.”
Luke inhaled and exhaled with exaggerated slowness. “You can ask, but I’m fine.” He rubbed his temple. “New Year’s Day and the man calls to berate me for ruining Mother’s dinner plans but disguises it in work of all things.”
I figured as much.
“I just …” He sighed. “I don’t want to become him. My father’s a smart businessman. I’ve always thought so, but now I wonder how much of his wealth was made from morally questionabledecisions. How often has he called me on holidays to talk about work? Maybe he hates his lot in life and sees work as a vacation.”
“Don’t give him that much credit. The man’s an adult. He’s very aware of his choices, so leave him to them.”
“Yeah.” Luke circled my shoulders and tucked my face into his neck. “Can you stay with me today? We’ll have some fun.”
“Naked fun?” I asked, then brushed his skin with soft kisses.
Luke chuckled. “Yeah, later, once this pain reliever has kicked in.”
