“Hmmm… what are you wearing?”
“A black silk nighty, the one with see-through lace around the top trim and matching lace panties to match.”
Xavier closed his eyes, leaning a hip against the sink. “Damn, I shouldn’t have asked.”
More laughter eased through the line. “What are you wearing?”
He smirked, his thick brow arching. “A towel.”
A groan came from Corinne’s end of the line. “I think I got it worse than you.”
Xavier’s guffaw filled the bathroom he stood in. “I just got out of the shower.”
“Ugh, it gets worse.”
“I bet you did, too.”
“A few minutes ago. I called, but you didn’t answer, so I assumed you were asleep.”
“I was waiting up for you.” He bit his bottom lip. “Missing you like crazy. I’m a madman, woman.”
Giggles from her tickled his ear. “Congratulations on sealing the deal on your contract. I got a voicemail from my mother-in-law that they were throwing you a surprise party.”
“Thank you for telling me; the surprise hasn’t happened yet.”
Corinne gasped and shouted. “Are you serious? Oh no, I’ve gotten my times mixed up and messed up your surprise; Bridgette is going to kill me!”
Xavier laughed. “Calm down, Bella Anima. I’m only kidding.”
“Xavier!”
His laughter couldn’t be contained as he bent in his mirth.
“So you miss messing with me too, huh?”
He nodded though she couldn’t see him. “You know it.”
“That’s fine. I might have to find a way to make you pay for that.”
“I’m looking forward to the punishment.”
Corinne purred, sending a vibration down Xavier’s core. “Don’t do that when you’re so far away, and I can’t get my hands on you.”
“I wish I could get on a plane and come home right now.”
“Me too.”
Silence filled their line then Corinne spoke again. “Are you still wet from that shower?”
“Damp.”
She moaned. “I think I want to take some time off.”
This made Xavier stand upright. “What kind of time off?”
“I have a lot of vacation time. I could technically take off a few weeks, but I don’t want to drive you crazy at home every day.”
Xavier frowned. “You drive me crazy being away so often. If you were here, my heart would leap with joy.” Xavier’s response was met with silence. “Bella Anima?”