“Hey.”
“Hey, gorgeous.”
“How did it go at the hospital?” I asked.
His room looked simple. It wasn’t nearly as elegant as the suite I had reserved.
“Took one of the other guys with me. Kids seemed to like it.”
“You did?” I didn’t mean to sound as stunned as I was.
“Yeah. Rookie guy named James. Thought it would be good for him too.”
“Wow. Now you are recruiting and mentoring. I like it.”
“Hey, don’t get carried away. I’m going to have to go close down a bar tonight to right the scales here. People are going to get the wrong idea about me.”
I twisted my lips together. These were the moments when I saw him lower the shield that barricaded him from the rest of the world. It made me melt.
“Don’t do that,” I warned playfully. “And Charlie? What did she say?”
He scratched the back of his head and leaned back on the bed. I wanted to be with him so badly. I wanted to fall asleep and wake up in his arms. We were in the same city, but separated because of my choices.
“Yeah, she’s pissed. Madder than a fucking hornet, actually.”
I giggled. “Sorry, not funny.”
“I did what I said I would do. I made the kids smile,” he grumbled.
“And you loved it. Admit it.”
He scowled. “I’ll admit it when we’re alone.”
“Alone?”
He nodded. “Next time you’re on your knees I’ll gladly admit it.”
I turned completely red. I could see it on the tiny screen inset on the video call. “Luke!”
“Give me another blow job like that and I’ll admit anything you want.” He winked.
I wanted to pretend I was embarrassed, but I wasn’t. I was doing a double cartwheel in my head. I had given Luke exactly what I wanted to give him and he loved it. My skills were improving. My boldness was growing. My sexuality was blossoming like an out-of-control wildflower.
“Gladly,” I agreed in an instant.
“Damn it, Alexa. You’re killing me. Think anyone would notice if I showed up at the Deluxe twice in one day?”
“Depends on what time you’re planning on leaving.” God, there was nothing I wanted more.
He shook his head. “I wish I could. It’s too big of a risk.”
“You’re right,” I answered quietly.
“Get some sleep,” he ordered. “I’ve got an early day with press and pre-game. I can’t stay up all night talking to pretty girls.”
“All right. Good night, Luke.”
“Night.”