“She tastes good. Her skin is flushed and damp and salty like it is after we make love. And whether she’s dirty or not …” he inhaled a hungry and breathy groan in my ear that I felt between my legs. “I would love to find out. I’m hoping she is.”

I whimpered as I tried to let out a casual laugh. Jesus. I’d gone from emotional wreck to lust-crazed, weak-kneed damsel in seconds.

“Ahh, I miss your sounds, Joséphine. And there are things I would like to do too, and here is not the place for them.” He was pulling out all the stops to get me to give him a chance.

I placed my palms on his chest and pushed him back. “Fine.” I shivered. “Fine, I will see you tonight. I’m meeting friends, but I’ll see you afterward, okay?”

He broke into a brilliant smile.

“Put that away,” I grumbled.

He smiled wider. “I cannot.” But then his face fell. “What time will you come? Dauphine might be asleep because she is on French time and she will be so disappointed. I want to see you tonight though. Maybe that is better if she is sleeping because we can talk in private. Can we see you again tomorrow?” He grabbed my hand. “Whatever happens tonight, good or bad, tell me you will keep a promise to see Dauphine tomorrow.”

I swallowed. “Of course.”

“Bon.” He nodded, then his grin struggled to break through again.

“I didn’t bring my sunglasses to deal with your smile.”

His teeth flashed.

“I can’t believe you recognized me from behind,” I added.

“I can. You forget how much time I spent obsessed with your ass.” He winked.

My heart swelled and fizzed. Letting a controlled breath out, in case I started screaming with the giddiness that was bubbling up inside me, I took a step to the side with a jerk of my thumb. “I need to go, I’m late for work.”

“D’accord, Joséphine. À ce soir.” He pressed his lips to my wrist then let it go.

“Until tonight.” I nodded and turned. Four steps later, I glanced over my shoulder to catch him looking at my butt. He winked and shrugged with his palms up as if to say “What did you expect?” I turned and jogged backward for three steps, shaking my head and fighting a smile, then with a wave I resumed my run. I didn’t look back until I arrived, sweating, but driven by wings on my feet the whole way home, at the front door of our apartment.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Emergency girls’ night. ASAP. I texted the group chat with Meredith and Tabitha.

Mer: We’re already meeting, dumbass.

Yes. But I’m setting the tone.

Mer: Why?

It’s a long story. Best not over group text.

Mer: Ooh.

Tabs: Oh, what? Never mind. I think I know why.

??

Mer: ??