Chapter 20 #2
Tommy doesn’t even think about disobeying and, like the big golden retriever he is, follows her out onto Main Street, where they proceed to jaywalk across the street to the garage.
“So, let me make sure I’m not confused.” Jessica’s lawyer voice pulls me back to the table. “Did I just get roped into helping with decorations on Saturday for an event that I now have to attend?”
I offer her my most charming smile. “Exhibit B?”
“Exhibit B, Charlie!” She looks so incredibly adorable when she wants to murder me, but I’m guessing this isn’t the time to mention that. “You are the worst.”
Sophie raises her glass in a toast. “We can go together. After decorating, you, Hailey, and I can pregame and get ready together. It will be fun.”
I give Jessica a little nudge. “See, it’s all working out.”
She narrows her gaze on me like she’s willing knives to shoot from her pupils. “Since you won’t be there, I want you to know I am going to look incredibly hot.”
“Of course you are.” I pull her close and give her a kiss on the temple. “You can’t help wanting to be objectified.”
She elbows me in the ribs. “I do not.”
“I’m not sure I love this,” Ryder says, expression disgruntled.
Sophie gives me a huge grin and winks.
Jessica sighs, long and deep, like she can’t believe she’s being forced to exist in my presence.
See? Everyone’s getting used to us already.
Jessica
I lightly rap my knuckles on the doorframe to Cole’s office, trying to figure out what I’m going to say to fulfill my promise to Charlie.
It’s not like Cole asked me out. I’m almost positive he knows I’m not an option.
Isn’t it nicer to ignore it?
Yet somehow, I can’t.
This morning, Charlie made it clear I was his priority. That my emotional well-being mattered. Sure, people gave us—well, mostly him—shit, but I didn’t miss the surprise in Sophie’s and Ryder’s faces.
I’m different for Charlie. Just like he’s different for me.
So instead of avoiding the subject like I’d normally do, I’m making good on my promise.
And while I’m 98% sure Cole’s clear, I promised 100%.
He looks up from his desk, his eyes widening a bit like he’s surprised. “Hey, Jessica.”
“Hey.” I gesture at the empty chair in front of his desk. “Got a minute?”
With a smile, he waves me in. “Sure, what’s up?”
I get situated into the chair. “Some of the guys were giving me a tour around the department, so I thought I’d stop by.”
He peers warily out toward the station. “I hope they were on their best behavior.”
“They were eager to show me around,” I say before giving him a smile. “Might be a good idea to balance the testosterone-fest out there, though.”
Dragging his hand through his hair, he grimaces. “Believe me, I’m working on it. In fact, I’m hiring one of my lieutenants from my last department for the captain’s position. Once she gets here, she, Liam, and I will be doing a serious review and start making changes.”
“Hiring a woman right off the bat instead of promoting someone, that’s a bold first move.” I lean back in the chair, relaxing a little.
“The last guy wasn’t exactly a progressive thinker, and we have a lot of catching up to do. Fiona is a natural leader. She loves a challenge, change, and fucking shit up.”
“She sounds like my kind of woman.” I’m restless to get this over with, and now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I should get on to the rest of my business.
“Are you going to casino night on Saturday?” Cole asks, changing the subject.
Shit. Did I wait too long?
My face must reveal my internal thought, because he quickly says, “Fiona will be there. I’d like to introduce you.”
Instant relief floods my body. “Oh! I will be there. I somehow got roped into not only going, but participating in decorations.”
He scrubs a hand over his jaw. “Let me guess, Mary Beth Crowley.”
“That’s the one. I can’t complain too much. Sophie’s going, and I’m sure it will be a good way to integrate myself into the community.”
“Then it’s not too much of a hardship.”
“I’ll survive.” I jerk my thumb out to the station house. “Since Fiona will be refereeing dick-swinging contests all the time, I’ll make sure she’s introduced to someone with ovaries so she’s not completely scared away.”
He throws back his head and roars with laughter. “Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”
Silence falls between us, and I nibble on my bottom lip, trying to think of a good transition. It seems like the perfect time. I’ve run out of things to keep me here. “So, listen… I might have—”
Cole holds up his hands, cutting me off.
“Hey, it’s okay. I get it. I thought something might be up when Charlie—a guy who liked me just fine until you showed up—was out for blood at our weekly fire and police bonding pickup game last week.
” Cole flashes me a smile before clearing his throat.
“I wasn’t sure where you stood. But Friday night, I saw which way the wind was blowing. ”
“I’m sorry.” I toy with the edge of my iPad case. “I mean, I’m not suggesting you feel bad, but I don’t know, I felt like I should at least apologize or offer an explanation.”
“Neither is necessary.” He chuckles, good-natured and affable. “It was a little harmless flirting that never got very far.”