Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

Perhaps that was best. Before he found himself without a personal assistant. After they’d discussed a few things and she’d left, he pulled out his phone and called Carrick.

“Hey,” his deep voice answered the phone.

Jardin’s entire body relaxed at that sound. How long since he’d felt such ease? So happy?

Since Carrick was last in your life? But then, Sally had been around. Ruining things.

“Hey yourself.”

“Miss me?” Carrick teased.

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” he said fiercely, not meaning just these past few hours they’d been apart.

There was silence on the other end then Carrick cleared his throat. “Me too.”

“But that’s not why I’m calling. We’re having dinner with Maddox tonight.”

“Oh. And do you want him to know about our relationship?”

Jardin scowled at that. “You think we should keep it a secret?”

“I don’t . . . but I thought you might want to.”

“Like fuck. I don’t care who knows. Well, I’d rather no one at work knew but that’s because they’re gossipy assholes. But otherwise, I don’t give a shit. You’re mine. I’ve claimed you. There’s no way I’m hiding you like a dirty secret.”

“Say what you really mean, I’m finding it hard to read between the lines,” Carrick teased but there was a hitch in his voice that betrayed his real feelings.

“Ass,” Jardin growled at him.

“I guess I can do dinner with your cousin. It’s been a long time since I saw him. How’s Thea?”

“Jumpy. Secretive. Come close several times to putting her over my knee.”

“Jardin,” Carrick warned.

“I know. I know. I thought Maddox might have been coming on to her. She’s under the mistaken impression that he’s way out of her league.”

“She made a few comments to me about her weight,” Carrick admitted. “Think she’s got a skewed view of herself.

“We’ll add that to the list of things to teach her. Anyway, I fucked up a bit when I was trying to tell her about our relationship. I got to the bit about how we used to be in a ménage relationship and the conversation unraveled.”

“You want me to come in before dinner to speak to her, don’t you?”

Even after two years apart, Carrick could still read his mind.

“She leaves here at five.”

“I’ll be in by four-thirty. Not sure she’ll talk to me, though.”

“You’ve got more of a chance than I have. And if she won’t talk, you actually can spank her ass.”

“And land myself with an assault charge?” Carrick asked.

“I know a good lawyer.”

“Right, and all it will cost me is a few BJs huh?”

“More than a few. He’s very expensive. And particular. Although you give very good head.”