Page 55 of Snapshot

I meant it as a compliment.

Dex

It was not. Now, you’re in trouble.

Me

My punishment?

He pumps his brows at me as he composes his text.

Dex

How about a few swats to that perfect ass of yours?

Me

Okay. But after that, what’s my punishment?

Dex tucks his phone away and leans over to whisper in my ear, “Bad girl.” His deep voice comes out in a decibel lower than I’m used to. With his warm, stubbled cheek pressed against mine, I try to keep my breath under control. But the surge of need I always feel around Dex is ten times stronger than usual. Probably because tonight, I plan on doing something about it.

“This car ride is taking too long. I want you so fucking badly. We’re going to cross all sorts of lines tonight.”

My smile is teasing. “What makes you so sure? There’s this two-letter word that gives me so much power. Starts with ‘N,’ ends with ‘O.’”

He bats his eyelashes at me, reminding me of the way he did three years ago in his bedroom when he was trying to talk me into scuba diving lessons. “True. But how could you say no to your sweet bridegroom who just wants to love on you and give you the world?”

“Eh. If you’re sweet on me tonight, you’ll be sweet on me tomorrow. After I take a shower, rest, and eat something.”

Dex frowns, the corner of his lips turned down, yet he nods like he understands. “Mmk, Trouble. I see what you need. Check your phone.” He pulls his phone back out and starts tapping away aggressively. There’s aswoopsound as he sends the message and then locks his eyes on mine. “I’m very eagerly awaiting your reply.”

Dex

I’m not waiting one more night for your sweet pussy, Lennox. You’re my wife. All mine. I’ll have you when I want, where I want. Clear?

My cheeks fill with heat as a swell of desire brews below my navel. I turn to him and raise one brow. His face is stoic, an expression that clearly translates to, “I said what I said.”

Me

Well Mr. Hyde, will Dr. Jekyll be joining us again? Or am I stuck with your dark side for the evening?

Dex

Depends. Are you interested in my dark side?

I set my phone down. Stretching my arms overhead, I make a meal out of a slow, giant yawn. He lets out a breathy chuckle from beside me as if he knows I’m purposely trying to dangle him on the thread.

I don’t text him back. I answer out loud while giving him my sexiest smile. “Mr. Hessler, I would very much like to meet your dark side.”

Dex scoots forward in the seat. He enunciates so Colton can hear him clearly from up front. “How much longer?”

“Would only be twenty minutes, but traffic isn’t moving,” Colton replies. “GPS says at least another hour. It must be a really big wreck ahead. I’d find another route, but the highway is the only way back to Calico Springs. You guys need a snack? I have Nutter Butters.” He reaches for the compartment in front of the passenger seat, and the car swerves.

“Stop. We don’t need cookies. There’s a shopping center just up the way. Take the next exit,” Dex instructs him.

“Why would I do that?” Colton asks.

Dex shoots me a side-glance. The flash of irritation is brief, but I catch it. Definitely a different side of him. As an instructor and friend, he’s so patient and kind. But I get the feeling “Boss Dex” wants people to do what he says immediately without talking back.

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