After a brief pause, the call connected.

"Hello, who is this?" came Nicole's voice from the other end, soft and seemingly laced with a quiet warmth.

Jarrod, his demeanor serene, spoke her name. "Nicole, did you sleep well?"

Even though Jarrod tried to sound calm, Nicole could still detect the tension in his voice.

Nicole smirked and said, "Mr. Schultz, a wise person wouldn't call at this hour and ruin someone else's fun."

"What if I'm not wise?" Despite looking unwell, Jarrod spoke with a force that demanded attention.

"Mr. Schultz, you used to be so smooth, especially with the ladies.

What happened to your charm and understanding of simple manners?"

"Nicole!" Jarrod's patience quickly ran out. His voice became stern.

"I need you to come outside to meet me, right now!"

Jarrod's eyes turned red. Whether Nicole was playing with him or toying with him, he didn't mind. But the thought of her with another man was something he couldn't stand.

Hearing his tone, Nicole figured out his intentions. He knew she and Roscoe were at the hotel.

Nicole playfully responded, “I'm so sorry, but I'm not wearing anything suitable to come out right now."

There was complete silence on Jarrod's end. There was no sound for a long moment, not even a breath.

If it weren't for the call still being connected, Nicole would have thought he had hung up.

Just as Nicole was about to hang up, a deep, male voice stopped her.

"Nicole, are you trying to upset me?"

Jarrod's voice became softer, almost begging. “Well, you've succeeded.

I'm so furious that it hurts everywhere. Please, just come down, will you?"

His pain wasn't just emotional. Every breath he took felt like a stab wound.