“We used to play together at The Dungeon,” Sin confessed.
“So, you two have history,” Maverick said. “You’ve never mixed business with kink.”
“No, I haven’t.” Sin faced them. “We’re flying to Miami tomorrow to check out a club for clues.”
“Now, we’re talking,” Maverick said. “Staying at the condo?”
“Yeah.”
Maverick furrowed his brow. “Wait a minute. If you know her, why did you ask about her at the wedding?”
“Back then, she told me her name was Evan and that she was single. Nothing beyond that.” For reasons he couldn’t explain, he’d thought about her all day. Was she having a good holiday? Was she dividing her day between her parents? Had she thought of him? The questions kept coming, but he had no answers. “Excuse me a second.” Lifting his phone from his pocket, he texted her.
“Merry Christmas.”
A few seconds passed. Dots appeared and he waited in anticipation. “Bah humbug,” she replied with a wink emoji. “Was Santa good to you?”
“Meet me for a drink and I’ll tell you in person.”
“It’s Christmas, dummy. Nothing’s open.”
“You’re smiling,” Carly said, popping him out of his thoughts. “Invite her over. We’re a motley group of misfits.”
Maverick kissed his wife as Whiskey trotted into the room, his tail wagging. “Ah, his majesty is awake and ready for some attention.” Maverick sat on the floor to rub the pup’s tummy.
Sin studied them. “Things the same or different since you got hitched?”
“Different,” Carly said.
“Better,” Maverick added. “Much better. The perks are a-mazing.”
Carly laughed. “Goes both ways.”
“I love being married,” Maverick said. “Smartest thing I ever did, but that’s because Carly’s my person. It’s all about finding the person you can’t live without.”
Sin turned back to his phone. “Meet me at Uninhibited. Drinks are on me.”
No dots appeared and Sin’s heart dipped.
Then, dots. “I’m not sure that’s such a smart idea…being your client and all,” Evangeline replied.
“We’ll strategize next steps and make travel plans.”
She texted him a thumbs up emoji and his lips curved. He couldn’t wait to see her.
Maverick pushed off the floor. “Who wants to go for a walk?”
Whiskey flipped over and jumped up, tail wagging. He barked once.
“Wife?”
“No, thanks, babe. I’m good.”
“I’ll be heading out soon.” Sin pulled Maverick in for a handclasp and hug.
“Love you, brother. Enjoy your evening.” Maverick winked, kissed Carly, and jogged toward the foyer with Whiskey.
“I like Evangeline,” Carly said. “From all the texting you’ve been doing, I’m guessing you do, too.”
