“Sometimes I wonder.”
Our next appointment was with Laurent St. Pierre, the head of student affairs and the person who had handled Jesse Vargas’s expulsion.
Before we headed inside, Rue said she wanted to call the sergeant and update her about our meeting with Ford Carrigan’s parents, so she could get the ball rolling on the press conference.
“I’ll wait by the door.” I left my partner in the heated vehicle while I wandered to the building, muscles tense and with irritation prickling my spine.
The sun shone unfairly bright considering the frigid temperature, and I curled into the warmth of my jacket. Again, I thought of Dominique and his easy acceptance of my uncouth opinions the previous night. He wouldn’t brush me off. He would listen to my theories. They weren’t unreasonable. I debated sending him a quick text to tell him I was still thinking about that kiss, but when I checked the time and realized itwas nearly nine thirty, I figured he would be elbows-deep in an autopsy.
I tapped out a message regardless, knowing he’d get it when he was done, and maybe it would bring out that strained half-smile I saw on occasion.
I can’t stop thinking about your mouth. It’s making it hard to concentrate on my case.
The text landed, and within seconds, before I could pocket my phone, it rang. Dominique’s name filled the screen. I swiped to answer, grinning ear to ear.
“Dr. Chevalier. Shouldn’t you be working?”
“Shouldn’t you?”
I glanced at the patrol car. “I’m waiting for Rue to get off the phone. She’s updating the boss before we head into another interview. How’s my DB? Did he have anything to say?”
“Well, I’m training two students this morning, and they’re down the hall in radiology taking care of his beauty shots, so I haven’t been able to strike up a conversation with the guy yet. I fear he may be… tight-lipped.”
I chuckled. “Gotta love mortuary humor. You’re a funny guy, Doc.”
“If I didn’t joke every now and again, I would have quit years ago. Most people don’t appreciate my wit.”
“I’m not most people.”
“No. You aren’t. I take it you won’t be joining us in the autopsy theater this morning.”
“Can’t. I eagerly await your report, though. I’ve got my fingers crossed that our dear dead Mr. Carrigan will bring all the answers.”
“Don’t hold your breath. I don’t anticipate finding anything new.”
“Figures.” I glanced at my partner, but she was still chatting. “I mentioned to Rue I wanted to escape for a bit around the dinnerhour. She didn’t seem to mind. She’ll need a break from me by then, I’m sure. Did you have a preferred time?”
“I feed Cosette at six thirty, but we don’t have to eat with her. Any time after that. I can reheat our portions if I have to.”
“Sounds good. I’ll keep you posted.”
A weighted silence bled through the line. Even when we weren’t standing in front of one another, the pull toward Dominique was undeniable. I wanted to reach through the phone and touch him. I wanted to press my body to his, conquer his mental resistance, and savor that blissful moment when he surrendered.
I lowered my voice. “I wasn’t lying.”
A pause. “I’m confused. About?”
“Your mouth. I can’t stop thinking about it. You taste good, Doc. I think I’m already addicted.”
I had replayed the kiss so many times that it had followed me into my dreams the previous night. I woke at dawn on fire and with a heavy need pulsing under the surface of my skin. It had taken a cold shower and a quick wank to settle things.
“Perhaps…” Dominique’s voice came out thick and husky, “we can revisit it later.”
“I’d like that.”
“Me too.”
“Is it too forward to ask what time Cosette goes to bed?”
