Page 56 of Snapshot

“Haven’t I paid you enough to stop asking so many questions?”

“Almost,” Colton says with a punk-ass little smile.

“Take the exit,” Dex bites out. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Fine,” Colton grumbles. He flips on his turn signal just to prove a point. The exit is still a half-mile away and we’re inching forward maybe five miles an hour, tops.

“Dex, the next exit takes us to Primrose. It’s past midnight, and everything is closed besides a Taco Bell and that 24-Hour Walmart. What are we going to do?”

“He”—Dex nods toward Colton, who has gone back to ignoring us—“is going to entertain himself in Walmart for a while.We’renot leaving the car. Private party. Your shorts aren’t invited.”

“Pity,” I say.

He winks. “Those boots are welcome to stay, though.”

15

Dex

After Colton shifts into park, he unbuckles as he pivots in the driver’s seat to address us. He smiles sweetly at Lennox, then narrows his eyes at me. “I still expect payment for my time if I’m waiting in here for you guys to grocery shop. And you should pick up cooler bags if you buy anything cold. I don’t know when traffic is going to let up. Don’t want your spoiled milk in my car.”

“Fair point,” Lennox adds.

“Get out,” I snap.

“Wow, man. You talk to your lady like that?” Colton asks.

Pressing my fingers against my temple, I grumble, “You, Colton. Get out. I’m sure you can figure out a way to kill thirty minutes in Walmart.”

“Uh, no,” he sasses back as he rubs his bare arms. What kind of man wears a cut-off gym shirt with a suit jacket? Am I that out of touch, or is this seriously considered fashion? The day my stylist starts stocking my closet with cutoffs, she’ll be looking for a new job.

“I need to have a private conversation with my wife. Go into Walmart and fill one cart with whatever the hell you want.Doesn’t matter the cost. When I’m finished, I’ll meet you at checkout and pay for it all.”

He rolls his eyes, but I know he’s intrigued by the offer. He was compliant the moment I handed him half a grand to take me and Lennox home. “I know what ‘private conversation’ means. I’d rather you just give me more cash.”

“I made you an offer,” I say flatly. “Take it or leave it.”

“Fine,” he huffs out as he drops his car keys into the cupholder. Then, he opens his door. “Don’t ruin my leather. I’ll be charging for any incidentals.”

“The way this kid thinks he’s driving a Bugatti or something,” I grumble to Lennox, eyes on Colton until he disappears through the sliding door of the supercenter.

“This is a nice SUV, Dex. For us poor people anyways.”

I reach over her legs and release her buckle. With my hand firmly wrapped around her hip, I guide her onto my lap. For a moment, I ignore her crotch pressed against mine, causing my cock to pulse. We’ll get to that. I need a moment to explain to Lennox what she clearly doesn’t understand.

I smooth out her long, purple locks, tucking her thick hair behind her ears. Then, I press my hand against her chest, feeling her heart beating fast. “You’re wealthy in the ways that matter.”

“Ah, a rich man’s mantra,” she teases.

“I’m serious. Money doesn’t make me a better person. Wealth has never made me feel confident that I’m doing the right things with my life.”

I don’t know how she does it, but Lennox smiles with her heart. Her lips glide into an upward curve and I know when she’s looking at me like this, she’s genuinely happy. I want to freeze this look on her face permanently. “What makes you feel confident, Mr. Hessler?”

“The times I feel lost in myself, I think about you. Every time I have a good dream, it’s about you. When I don’t know where I belong, you remind me.”

She traces the outline of my lips gently. Lennox stares into my eyes, but I know she’s looking deeper. Maybe she’s searching for all the pieces of me I’ve been hiding from her. “You’re right where you belong. With me.”

“Shouldn’t have taken us so long,” I murmur.

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