Page 40 of Ride the Lightning

“Hell, yes. When?”

The case would monopolize most of his time over the next few days. He wanted to spend time with Avery outside the office and to share more kisses, but he had to put Marla’s needs first. “Friday night. You can pick where we eat and the movie we see.”

“So, you want me to put in all the effort,” Avery said. “Just like I carry your ass at work.”

Jonah snorted. “Dream on.”

“Friday feels like a million miles away.”

“Will it help if we have nightly chats like this one?” Jonah asked.

Avery hummed. “Will they involve dirty talk and heavy breathing?”

“Maybe,” Jonah teased.

They talked for a few hours, discussing anything and everything. He learned Avery passionately hated olives and pickles but willingly devoured avocados, even though he was allergic to them. Jonah confessed how much he hated avocados, and Avery promised not to hold it against him. He told Avery his secret obsession with manga and anime, and Avery got Jonah to admit how much he lovedYuri On Ice.

“Your secret is safe with me,” Avery said around a yawn.

Jonah chuckled. “We should probably hang up so you can get some sleep.”

“You have a big day tomorrow too,” Avery countered. “I’m jealous you get to investigate a crime while I dodge Trexler.”

“Just keep running those trial tests. Be good to Stella for me.”

“Stella is sad without you,” Avery said. “She misses you thundering around.”

“Stella misses me, huh?”

“Stop fishing for compliments, Jonah. It’s not attractive.”

Jonah chuckled. “Goodnight, Avery.”

“Sweet dreams, thundercloud.”

Jonah’s dreams that night were a little bit sweet and a whole lot naughty.

Even though Jonah didn’t have to adhere to a strict schedule, he wanted to catch Kendall before he left the next morning.

“Why aren’t you dressed for work?” Kendall asked when Jonah came downstairs wearing sleep pants and a T-shirt.

“I got suspended without pay for the article Felix published in Sunday’s paper.”

Kendall screwed the lid on his travel mug and looked up at Jonah. “What article?”

He quickly brought him up to speed.

“You’ll want to head to the club this morning if you want to talk to Sandy there,” Kendall said. “He comes in early and gets his work done before lunchtime. His nephew carries the brunt of the workload on his broad, sexy shoulders.”

“What’s the nephew’s name?”

“Drew Callahan,” Kendall said dreamily. “He isn’t old enough to know who Earl Ison is, but he sure is pretty to look at.”

“I’ll keep it in mind,” Jonah said dryly. “What’s Sandy Jasper like?”

“Intelligent, kind, and very creative. Sandy just doesn’t have the greatest head for business, which is why he’s relied so heavily on business partners and his managers over the years. Many have taken advantage of Sandy’s kindness and lack of business savvy. Drew’s first act when he joined the crew was to fire a douchebag manager who used his position to gain sexual favors. The staff enjoys working for Drew.”

“Thanks, K,” Jonah said. “I hope you have a good day today.”