After setting his phone down, Dash showered as quickly as he could. He did pause for a moment with the warm water washing over the sore, puckered flesh between his asscheeks. When he left the bathroom, towel drying his hair, he scented coffee in the air.
“How do you take your coffee?” Emerson yelled from the kitchen.
“Black!” Dash answered.
“Are you a psychopath?” Emerson asked.
“Yes!”Dash shouted, smiling to himself.
He’d barely managed to get his pants back on before Emerson appeared with two cups in hand. Dash collected his black coffee and took a sip. Emerson lay on his side across the bed they’d shared. He watched Dash silently, sipping from his own cup.
“I don’t know how you drink that black.”
“There’s not always cream and sugar out in the field,” Dash said between sips. “You get used to not having them.”
Dash set his half-full cup on a small dresser before he pulled on his button-down shirt. For some reason, having Emerson watching him dress wasn’t as awkward as it had been with others. Maybe it wasn’t awkward when the fucking had been good.
“I could make you breakfast before you go—if you have a little time,” Emerson said.
Dash’s gaze went to Emerson, his fingers moving up the tiny row of buttons. “I appreciate it, but I really should go.”
“You should eat breakfast,” Emerson said. “Most important meal, remember?”
“I’m good,” Dash said, tugging on his tie.
“I can’t believe you came to the club in a suit last night,” Emerson said before taking another sip. “Do youknowhow to relax?”
“I was working last night. It wasn’t time to relax.” Dash fought a smile. He so rarely relaxed. Last night had been a rare moment he’d taken for himself. It had been selfish, and he might end up regretting it.
No way will I regret last night.
Emerson sighed. “You’re still coming for dinner next weekend, right?”
Dash nodded. “Abusinessdinner—and only if you have any news on Jaye. No tempting me here without information.”
Emerson narrowed his eyes.
Dash chuckled to himself before putting on his shoes. Once he was somewhat presentable, he eyed Emerson, his wrinkled, still slightly damp jacket folded over one arm. “Thank you. For allowing me to finally know what it would feel like.”
Emerson fought a smile. His eyes couldn’t hide it. “This isn’t the end.”
“We both know it would be reckless to continue.” Dash winced. “I can’t lose all I’ve built, Em.”
“We all should be a little reckless once in a while.” Emerson rose from the bed, still naked, and closed the gap between them. He straightened Dash’s collar. “Call me in a couple days.”
“You assume I have your number?”
“I’d lay odds you do,” Emerson said. “And if you don’t, something tells me you can get it with ease. Just hack the FD’s system if you have to.”
Dash fought another smile. Heabsolutelyhad Emerson’s cell number. He’d had it for months. He’d almost called it a time or two but had chickened out.
“I have to go.”
Emerson lowered his head and stole one last kiss. Dash closed his eyes, etching the memory of it in his mind. When Emerson pulled away, Dash couldn’t move.
He didn’t want to leave.
Emerson didn’t want him to leave, either.
