“I’m thinking of my friend. You know I’ve got you, girl.”
Once she had left, I returned the text:
What date? Doesn’t mac n’ cheese in your kitchen count?
Stupid Husband
No. Neither does marking your gorgeous tits with my cum.
Good God, my cheeks burned, not just at the words, but the memory of my husband claiming me in the foyer of his house. I had no response that wouldn’t have sounded prudish; luckily, Alexei filled the void with typical Russian pragmatism.
The floorboards in the kitchen have been replaced.
Me
Not sure I should be getting updates from you instead of the foreman.
Stupid Husband
I am the assistant foreman and head of personnel. Jason doesn’t like the color of the living room and Conor wonders why you have not used your brother-in-law’s riches to buy a better place.
I called him immediately. “You hired staff?”
“They are volunteers. Not worth paying, especially as they are full of absurd opinions.” He moved his voice away from the phone. “Young Kershaw, less chat and more wall coverage.”
I covered my mouth to stifle a giggle.
“Is Gunnar okay with this?”
“He has stepped out now that he realizes I have it all under control. There is a good chance this room will be done by the time you get home. Tomorrow we will start on the back deck.” A muffled voice of complaint sounded to which Alexei retorted in Russian. This whole situation was doing amazing things for my libido.
Then I remembered the fix I was in.
“So Riley Thorne went with a different agent.”
I could hear him walking on the new floorboards, likely moving to somewhere private.
“I am sorry to hear that.”
“And I lost four more clients today. But I also called my entire roster and tried to get ahead of it.” I inhaled a shallow breath. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be so self-involved. How’s Sasha?”
“Calmer than before. The doctor prescribed a different sedative, which meant he slept through the night. And you have nothing to apologize for. We all have problems, but you might be about to solve one of yours. You still have Arkady in your back pocket.”
“I do?”
“Yes. I have explained the situation to him, and he is unfazed by gossip.”
I did a silent fist pump, but then doubt double backed for a visit. “But what if he doesn’t want to sign with me?”
“This is not the Lauren I know. I cannot force him to sign with you—well, I could, but I think you would prefer to win this contract under your own steam, yes?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “And I will. Thanks so much, Alexei. I really appreciate it.”
“Is this not what a husband does for his wife? And if not, I can think of several wicked things I could do.”
Cue the flush of heat through my body. “No comment.”
He was still chuckling as I hung up.
