Page 52 of Carnal

He bumps it and adds, "I'm cooking her favorite meal for her. She said she missed it."

I chuckle. "So she's gagging for it, huh?"

Arrogance washes over him. "Can't blame the woman for missing the real thing. I doubt half those Hollywood A-listers can even get it up."

"Is that who she's dated the last few years?" I inquire.

"Not sure, and I don't care. She's back, and I plan on reminding her what she's been missing," he confides.

I nod, understanding that statement. It's less than a week since I had Pina. I'm feeling half-crazy, so I can only imagine what Flex has felt over the years.

He reaches for the dial and turns the music up. Hip-hop blares through the speakers, adding to my good mood. By the time we get to the docks, the sun shines bright, making it the first day in a long time it isn't gray. The water sparkles and I decide to take Pina somewhere warm on our date.

I get out of the SUV and text her.

Me:I hope your pussy's ready for my tongue tonight.

Pina:Is that part of your blackmail stunt?

Me:Bet you won't tell me to stop.

Pina:You're annoying. Stop texting me. I have work to do.

I chuckle then type another message.

Me:You're super predictable.

Pina:Apparently, you can't follow directions.

Me:Do you have to get the last word in?

Pina:Silencing my notifications now.

Me:Ah, you do need the last word.

Pina:You can't help yourself, can you?

Me:Save your energy so you can beg me later.

Pina:Beg you to leave the date, you mean?

Me:Baby girl, when you fall in love with me, don't forget I'm the one who saved us.

Pina:FAT. CHANCE.

Me:It's inevitable. You'll see.

Pina:You just continue to get more annoying.

Me:I have work to do. See you at eight.

I take my phone and put it in my pocket. It vibrates from another text, but I ignore it, stepping inside the office. "Hey, Rubio."

He nods. "Tristano. Flex. You're out early this morning."

"We're high achievers," Flex claims.

Rubio arches his eyebrows. "Is that what you tell yourself?"

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