Page 20 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

“And I’m just glad you finally smacked some sense into me.”

“That’s what I’m here for, bruh. Always happy to keep you on the straight and narrow.

“Anyway, I’m sure you’re exhausted. I’ll keep you posted about the investigation. If my lieutenant agrees to reopen, a detective will probably need to speak to you at some point. Verify your statement. Things like that.”

“Thanks for the heads-up.”

“You got it.”

After ending the call, I dropped my phone onto the bed beside me, lying back and relaxing into the mattress. I closed my eyes, pushing down the unease over the idea of being forced to revisit every detail of that night.

But if it helped figure out who was behind all of this, I would do it.

Removing the electrodes from my shoulder and arm, I stowed the unit under the nightstand, about to turn off the light and get some sleep. But I hated the idea of going to sleep without saying good night to Julia, so I fired off a quick text.

Me:Good night, beautiful. Dream of me.

I set my phone on the nightstand and turned off the light, wishing Julia were in my arms. Seconds later, my cell buzzed with an incoming text. I grabbed it, unlocking my screen.

Julia:I always do.

I couldn’t fight the stupid grin that pulled on my lips.

Me:Why are you still awake?

Julia:This ridiculously handsome baseball player I know was pitching tonight. I like staring at his ass in his uniform. It’s better than watching porn.

I barked out a laugh, warmth filling me.

Me:I hope it was as good for you as it was for me.

Julia: It always is.

I began to type out a response to ask how everything went with her daughter today, but I missed hearing her voice. And I especially missed seeing her face.

So I flipped my light back on, then navigated to her contact and hit the FaceTime button. It took a few seconds, but Julia eventually appeared on my screen.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes, gorgeous,” I sighed. Her face was free from makeup, hair piled in a messy bun on top of her head. But I’d never seen anything so beautiful.

“It hasn’t even been a day.”

“Are you saying you haven’t missed me even a little?”

“I didn’t say that. I certainly do miss you. Especially now that I’m all alone in my bed.”

I groaned, the image stirring my erection. An inconvenience, considering I’d have to take care of it myself.

“How did it go with your daughter today?” I hoped a change of subject would help.

“Better than expected, actually.”

“What did you expect?”

“That she’d think I was crazy for dating someone so much younger, and a famous baseball player at that. Instead, she was incredibly supportive. Said I deserved to be happy.”

“And you do. Like I said that first night together—”

“I know. I know.” She playfully rolled her eyes. “To stop thinking about the age difference. That it didn’t matter.”