Page 129 of Heartbeats & Highways

It felt like I’d been asleep for five minutes when my alarm went off. I silenced it, hoping it didn’t wake Savage.

He slept right through it.

I got dressed and quietly crept from the bedroom and went down to the bakery to make sourdough.

A few hours later, with the sourdough loaves cooling, I went back upstairs to the apartment. The strong coffee the barista had brewed smelled earthy and bold, so I brought Savage a cup, along with a breakfast sandwich.

But he was still asleep.

Grinning, I decided to wake him up.

I gently pulled back the covers and grasped his morning erection.

He wasn’t fully cognizant when I wrapped my lips around him, but I knew he was enjoying himself when he sank his fingers in my hair and used me and then came in my mouth.

I swallowed him down, loving that I didn’t leave a drop.

When I removed my mouth and I looked up at him, his eyes were glittery with desire.

“You might want to text Roman,” he rasped.

“Why?”

He grinned. “You’re gonna be late for work.”

“I can’t be late for work,” I protested. “I’m leaving early tonight for the baby class. I don’t want to take advantage of them.”

“Babe, I just got back in town, and I need to be inside you again. Now are you gonna text Roman and tell him you’re running late or what?”

“What a gorgeous necklace!”

I looked up from the piece of scrap paper I was doodling on and stared at the blonde. My hand instantly went to the chain around my neck, and I remembered the gift Savage had given me just that morning.

“Thank you.” I smiled and then booked her another appointment with Virgil.

Once she left, the parlor was quiet except for the faintest sounds of tattoo guns buzzing in the background. I got lost in the sketch I was creating as I sipped on a carton of chocolate milk.

The door opened and I looked up with a smile to greet the new customer. My smile died on my lips when Duke walked in.

He didn’t have an appointment, so I assumed that meant he wanted to speak to me.

“Evie,” he greeted, his tone soft.

“Hi, Duke.” When he stood there, clearly unsure of what to say, I ventured out, “You and your wife have a habit of accosting me at my place of work.”

He smiled slightly. “Corner you, you mean, so you have no chance of escape.”

I laughed softly. “Can I get you something to drink? I’ve got soda, chocolate milk or?—”

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

When he fell silent once again, I prodded, “So, are you going to talk, or are you going to make me pull it out of you?”

“I wanted to have a word with you. In private, if we can.”

I looked at the computer. There was only one more client due that afternoon.

“Oh.” My brow furrowed. “Let me ask Roman if I can bail earlier than expected.”

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