Page 35 of Lords of Misrule
“I’m fine. I was hoping to see you tonight.”
“I know. That’s why I’m calling. I’m actually out of town.”
Rowan’s brow jerks up like I’m doing a terrible job already.
“Oh. That’s too bad. I was excited to give you the present that I brought back.”
“I was excited to see you too. I just didn’t know when you’d be back, and I had a… call from a… a friend. They invited me over for a few days. I’ll be back soon, and we can get together then if you’re interested.” I stumble over my own words, far too unprepared for this conversation. The pressure from Rowan not helping.
“Of course I’m interested, Charlotte. But I have a meeting with some colleagues, and I’m headed back out of town for that. Then to see family for Christmas. I think we’re going to miss each other. It’s too bad.”
“It is too bad,” I answer. Rowan gives me a look like I need to lay it on thicker. “I was really hoping to see you. I can’t stop thinking about you.” The smirk returns to Rowan’s face, and I glare at him.
“That’s good to hear. I know I’m busy a lot, but I do think about you.”
Rowan’s grin grows, and I realize he can hear both sides of the conversation.
“Do you? How often do you think about me?” I roll my lower lip between my teeth and smile. Rowan’s eyes snap to mine.
I hear Colin’s breath catch on the other end of the line. I’ve caught him off guard. This isn’t his strong suit. He’s much more perfunctory about things. Discussions on the history of impressionism and the influence of patrons on artwork during the Renaissance are his version of dirty talk.
“Almost every night.” I can hear the slight strain in his voice, like I’m pushing his comfort levels but he’s curious where I’m headed.
“Tonight?”
“If you think I should.”
“I do.”
There’s a pause on the line and then he clears his throat.
“You think you could send something to help with that? A photo maybe?”
I see the clench of Rowan’s jaw and the way his cheek twitches in response to that idea. Which only makes me want to taunt him.
“I think so. I’ve never tried that. But I could try for you.”
Rowan’s nose raises with a sneer and his brow tightens as his eyes flick over me.
“I’d like that. A lot.”
“All right. Well, I’ll send something over in a few when I can get away,” I say softly.
“Good. Think of me. I can’t wait to see you when we’re both back in town.”
“Me too.”
“Goodnight, Charlotte.”
“Goodnight.”
I press the button to disconnect and risk looking up at Rowan. He’s not happy, but fuck is he sexy like this. Like he can’t decide if he wants to kill me or fuck me.
“Problem?” I ask.
“Shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”
“Like what?”
