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“Just need to make a call,” I tell Bennett. “Stay here. If the video conference starts, tell them I’ll be right back.”
“You want me to start the meeting without you?” He looks suddenly panicked.
“Yes. Say ‘hello’ and that I’ll be two minutes. You’ll survive.”
He nods quickly, but I’m already out the door, stepping into the heat. As soon as the door closes behind me I hit her contact and press call.
She answers on the second ring, breathless, like she’s been laughing. “Hey.”
“No,” I say firmly.
“What are we talking about here?” she asks. “The fact I just tripped over a stone and landed ass first in the dirt, or something else?”
“You tripped?” There’s a weird pull at my chest. “Are you hurt?” Jesus, this woman is a danger to herself.
“I’m fine. The only thing hurt is my dignity. Anyway, if it’s not that, then what’s up?”
“You’re not going to pretend to be seeing somebody else. Not when you’re my wife.”
“Oooooh.” She draws it out way longer than she should. “Are you jealous?”
“Of a kid who doesn’t shave yet?” I scoff. “No.”
“You sound kind of jealous.”
I roll my eyes. “Where are you right now?”
“Busy. And so are you. So no, you’re not going to march over here and show me exactly who I’m married to. Not that it would be wise. People would see.”
I let out a grunt.
“Relax,” she says softly. “I just thought it was funny. Don’t worry, I won’t be letting Bennett seduce me while you’re working late tonight.”
“Good. Nobody seduces you but me.”
“Is that right?”
“Tell me where you are.”
“West… go back to work.”
“I could find you in five minutes.”
“Of course you could, but you won’t. You’ll go back to work, I’ll do the same, and we’ll talk about this tonight like the grown ups we are.”
It doesn’t escape my attention that I’m the one who’s older here. Yet I’m the one being chastised.
I let out a low breath. “Okay. But I’m serious, we’re talking about this tonight.”
“Talking?” she murmurs. “That’s good. Because I assumed you’d be bending me over the dining table and showing me exactly who I belong to. I see real character growth here.”
I groan. “Eden.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“I have to work late tonight,” I say, scrubbing a hand over my face. “It’ll be at least ten before I’m home.”
“I’ll be in bed by then,” she says, like it’s a promise.
