Page 72 of Spades

I squint at him, unable to make head or tail of what he’s talking about.

“I came here for my credit card, Chet. That’s it.”

I open the door and walk into the alleyway, slamming it shut before he can say anything else.

24

MADDOX

Four forty-five p.m.I haven’t heard back from Alissa.

Did she not see my note? Does she think I ditched her?

I left it by the coffeemaker… But fuck. She’s British. She probably has tea in the morning.

But then why would she evenhavea coffeemaker?

Maybe for guests.

I rub at my temples, trying to soothe the troubling thoughts ping-ponging through my brain.

Her phone was dead, though, and I don’t think I saw her plug it in once we got to her place. And she certainly was otherwise occupied once we started making love.

Making love?

We fucked. Had sex. Did the nasty.

I don’t think I’ve referred to the act, even internally, as “making love” since…

Since Laurie. Fuck.

I’ve got it bad for this woman.

I shake the thoughts out of my head. She didn’t plug in her phone, so she wouldn’t have been able to text me back, assuming shedidsee my note. She probably has a shift at the hospital today, and even if she plugged her phone in once she arrived, she’d likely still need to be focusing on her duties.

I’ll start closing up the shop. I’ve had a few customers in today, and normally I like to stay open until six in case someone pops in on their way home from work, but I only got a few hours of sleep last night, and I’m exhausted.

I cross to the windows, preparing to draw the curtains when my phone dings.

I walk back to the counter and pick it up.

It’s from Alissa. My heart soars.

God, Hathaway, get a grip.

I unlock my phone and read the message.

Hey—sorry I’m just now texting you. Busy day at work. Can I come over to your place?

My dick hardens. Does she want to fuck again?

Suddenly I’m not feeling so tired.

I quickly text back,

Yeah, of course. I’m just closing the shop. You nearby?

Yes. I was able to take off early. My friend Dinah is covering for me.

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