Page 72 of Romancing His Heart

Ashton: Dude. It’s 2 a.m. Why are you cooking at 2 a.m.?

(Ashton added Seth at 2:03 a.m.)

Loki: Sloane got in the shower and woke me up. We haven’t had dinner yet. Do you have anything for me?

Seth: Why is she showering at 2 in the morning?

Loki: Jesus, why the inquisition? Just tell me if you’ve gotten anywhere.

Ashton: We’re working on it. We told you it would take time. You might as well settle in there.

Seth: I’m estimating the timeline to be a month, at least.

Ashton: Is everything okay with Sloane?

Loki: Fine.

Seth: Fine? Have you answered her questions yet?

Loki: She hasn’t asked any.

Why the fuck isn’t she asking me any?

Seth: What do you think of her tattoo?

Loki: What fucking tattoo? Sloane doesn’t have a tattoo.

Ashton: …

Seth: …

(Ashton added Dexter at 2:08 a.m.)

Loki: For Christ’s sake. Stop waking up the entire damn family. Do you have a lead or not?

Dexter: What’s up, guys? I have a shitload of kids that will be up in less than four hours. This had better be good.

Ashton: Loki slept with Sloane.

Dexter: No shit? Already? Jesus, GG is fucking psychic.

Loki: WTF? I never said I slept with her.

Seth: How did you know she doesn’t have a tattoo?

Dexter: Don’t worry, dude. I’ll start planning the MSL plan.

Loki: Fuck off.

(Dexter added Preston and Trevor at 2:27 a.m.)

Loki: Just get me some intel as soon as fucking possible.

I turn the goddamn phone off before the other assholes can put their two cents in and return to my sauce. By the time the water boils, Sloane has emerged from the bathroom.

“That smells good,” she sighs as her stomach grumbles in protest. “Sorry.” She shrugs sheepishly. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

Sloane stands awkwardly on the opposite side of the room. I hate the hesitancy I see in her posture. When her fingers start their special dance, I growl. I don’t mean to, but it fucking pisses me off. Her eyes widen in surprise as I stalk toward her.