Page 79 of Love Among the Ruins
“I’m hungry. Is it okay for me to go through your cupboards and fridge?”
“There was a point to the call after all.”
“You don’t think I called you to chat, did you?”
“You’re sensible enough to know not to.”
She giggled.
“Of course you can go through the cupboards. Eat what you want. I have no idea why you would even ask.
“Because, Dominic … you left me in your house.” She had a way of saying his name that felt cosy, as if they were more than people at work. As if she woke up and it fell from her lips with ease.
“There was a reason for that,” he managed to say, trying to clear his mind of the visual that had slipped in there.
“I don’t want to be shot or arrested by the police for going through your things.”
“There goes that fascination with death again.” He stopped, the smile falling from his face. What an insensitive thing to say. She’d lost her boyfriend in a tragic accident. He coughed. “They don’t do that here, last I checked.”
“That is true. Only in America, but I wasn’t sure if your place was wired up to the local police station or whether your bodyguard might be trigger happy.”
“Sven is aware of you and would not do such a thing.”
“That’s good to know. I can rest easy.”
“That was the plan.” He was waiting on her to end the conversation because he could not bring himself to.
“The plan is working. I feel much better.”
“Good.” He needed to wrap this up because he could sense Linus growing impatient.
“Are all of your cameras on?” she asked.
“What? Yes. They are. That’s the whole point.”
“Can you see me? Should I wave?”
“I haven’t looked, and no. Do not.”
She giggled again, and her laugh was so lovely. So infectious, he would hear it in his head all day, like a catchy song on the radio that played on repeat.
“So I don’t need to put back all the expensive watches and cufflinks I’ve swiped?”
He snorted, then lowered his voice. “You went to my bedroom?” The idea of her in there made his cock twitch, and he immediately hated himself for it.
“I would never do such a thing.”
“That would be wise.”
Linus looked up at him, and Dominic stared at the floor. “Was there anything else?”
“No. Maybe I just wanted to hear your voice.”
If only.
“I’m joking.”
He pressed his lips together. “I fear the injury has affected your brain.”
