Page 78 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“Rueben.” His name rolled off Seth’s tongue like a whispered prayer.

“How’d you know?”

“You make that same shaky breath every time I’ve slid my dick inside you.”

Rueben bit his lips to hold back the answering whimper, but he was no match for it.

Seth chuckled. “I know that sound too.”

“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t call for dirty talk or to breathe heavy in your ear?”

“Yes,” Seth replied simply. “So, why did you?”

“You’ve just been on my mind. Your entire family has, actually. I know tonight must’ve been so hard for all of you.”

Seth inhaled deep and slow. “It was, but we found comfort in the love that surrounded us. People created beautiful video montages of Natalie. We laughed, cried, and remembered her through hours of shared stories and love. She was so damn special.”

“Runs in the family.”

“I don’t know about that,” Seth replied. “Where are you calling me from?”

“Um, I’m using an unregistered prepaid phone I bought with cash.”

Seth was silent for so long Rueben thought he’d disconnected until a soft chuckle reached his ears. “You bought a burner phone?”

Heat bloomed in his cheeks. “You make it sound so shady.”

“Because it is.”

“No one will know it’s me if I don’t register it,” Rueben said.

“Checking the cell tower pings will narrow the suspect pool. And what about security cameras in the store you bought it from?”

Rueben grimaced. “I told you once that I made an awful criminal.”

“That you did.” Seth sighed. “I am so glad to hear your voice, though.”

“So, you won’t mind chatting a little longer?”

“Maybe for a few minutes.”

That turned into a few hours, and it was well past midnight when a huge yawn cracked Rueben’s jaw.

“Sounds like it’s bedtime for you.” Seth’s voice was the sleepy softness Rueben loved. “Thank you for checking on me.”

“My pleasure.” Rueben’s words held a little purr in them, but neither remarked on it.

“But you’re not going to call me again, right?” Seth asked.

“Of course not.”

Seth groaned huskily. “Liar.”

Rueben bit his lip to keep from laughing. “You don’t have to answer.”

“And I won’t.”

“Liar. Good night, Seth.”