Page 17 of Judgments of Fire and Desire

I smiled slightly and got up to go to the common area. I didn’t want to disturb Micah. When I did, she said, “Go talk to your man. I’ll probably be asleep when you come back.”

“Okay, girl. Good night.”

“Good night.”

As soon as I left our room, I placed the call as I walked down the hallway to the couch. He answered on the first ring. “Hello?”

“Hey.”

We were quiet for a moment, soaking up the silence. It didn’t feel the least bit awkward. He said my spirit calmed him, so it was like he was channeling my energy. After a minute or so, he said, “Hey, baby.”

“You sound drained.”

“I am. I had lots of paperwork to go over. Plus, I had two case logs to read over. I’m beyond drained. I literally just got done. My entire Sunday was going over what I missed this week.”

“Wow. You had a late day. I wish I could rub your shoulders.”

“Me too. I’m sure they will still need rubbing day after tomorrow when you’re off.”

I chuckled. “Bet. I’ll take care of you. When do you plan to go home and start cleaning up?”

“Probably tomorrow. I’m so tapped out. I haven’t seen my house since I left it Friday. The only thing I even attempted to clean up was leftover food they’d thrown on the floor. I’m honestly thinking about paying someone else to do it.”

“That might be best. However, you know I’m off Tuesday, right? I don’t mind cleaning up for you.”

“No, ma’am. You’re my woman, not my maid. There’s glass everywhere. If you cut your beautiful self anywhere, I’d never forgive myself. We can’t have you bruising up that gorgeous body.”

I slightly rolled my eyes. “I would be careful. I truly don’t mind, Kyrie.”

“No, so stop pushing. My decision is final. I would love to have lunch with you on Tuesday though.”

My cheeks heated slightly. No matter how forceful or aggressive this man was, he still had the same effect on me… heated cheeks, along with other body parts, and heart palpitations. No one had ever made me feel this way, and I could barely handle it. “I would love to have lunch with you also. Where will we go?”

“Don’t worry about all that right now. I have it under control. I’ll make reservations.”

The thought of reservations made my eyelids flutter. A man that just took initiative and made plans was just my type. “Mm.”

He was quiet for a moment, then he asked, “Was that a good ‘mm’ or a bad one?”

I chuckled. “It was a good one. I like a man that makes reservations. Of course, reservations that coincide with my work schedule.”

It was his turn to chuckle. “Yeah, I would have you calling off on some of those weekends. I can be too aggressive at times. Let me know when I slightly cross the line. I’m going to try to consider your opinions on things, but the only child syndrome sometimes rears its ugly head.”

“Well, I have a little bit of that since I’m the only girl. I got whatever I wanted within reason.”

“So you’re spoiled. I don’t have a problem with that. I want to spoil you so much you won’t be good for anyone else… just me.”

“Make sure you can back up those words, Judge Patrick.”

“Mm. I don’t have a problem backing up anything I say, beautiful. Damn, I wish I could see you right now.”

“What would we be doing?” I asked, knowing exactly what we would be doing.

“You really have to ask? I would be turning that body every which way but loose, taking you to ecstasy with every stroke. Even with as tired as I am, I’m craving you, girl. You must have cocaine between your legs.”

I hollered with laughter then quickly covered my mouth. He laughed loudly, most likely at my outburst, then said, “I must be right. You got me all strung out, girl.”

When I finally composed myself, I said, “You are hilarious. You must be delirious too. Get some rest and call me tomorrow.”

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