Page 72 of Perfect Pursuit

I know it’s been my work that’s kept us apart

Fallon:

I’ve had other commitments as well, Ethan.

Ethan:

I want to hold you in my arms, baby.

Ethan:

I miss you

Fallon:

I miss you too.

Ethan:

Soon, Fal.

Fallon:

Soon, E. I’ll look up flights for you when I get home.

Right after I stop by and see my mother, make sure her port line is clear and that she’s eaten, and try to eat something myself before my shift at Devil’s Lair. Still, it’s worth it when I get back his text.

Ethan:

Thank fucking God.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

KENSINGTON, TEXAS

Sexy #redemption club owner, Marco Houde, wife, Lynne, and daughter, Danica, were spotted in Collyer, Connecticut at the annual Fall Festival. They made an immediate beeline for the Amaryllis Bakery booth.

Then again, who wouldn’t?

—Sexy and Social, All the Scandal You Can Handle

“So, are you two certain we’re going to get through tonight?” I cringe. I was supposed to meet my family for dinner and hearing the disappointment in my brother’s voice when I called to say I couldn’t make it almost caused me to change my mind. Almost. Instead, I’m glaring down at my two associates, who are looking at me with something akin to consternation.

“We’ve practiced all week, Ethan,” Sam reminds me.

“It has to be three separate IPs engaging the line simultaneously—one phone, one unlocking the VoIP connection, one computer pulling down the data,” Leanne states flatly. “And Thorn…”

“Can’t.” We all know the reasons why Thorn can’t. If his IP is ever traced in any way back to a phone sex hotline, his career—the career that saved all of us—will be tanked. A gust of air releases from my lungs. “When do we start?”

Sam looks at his watch. “Thirty minutes. I’m going to go spend some time with my wife before we get down and dirty.” He disconnected immediately after saying that leaving me and Leanne alone on the line.

She studies me quietly. “You’ve gone above and beyond, Ethan.”

“Whatever,” I brush off her praise.

“No. This needs to be said.” She inhales sharply. “I appreciate how much deep cover you’re doing. I know you’re in a committed relationship.”

I wince as guilt floods each and every one of my veins when thoughts of Fallon come to mind.

---