Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“We’re not together.”
“Hey, hey. It’s not my business. She’s the same age as your sister.”
“She’s a bit younger, but she’ll be eighteen in a week.”
“Oh. I get it. Thankfully you were injured or you might have not been able to hold out.”
“If I wasn’t, I’d be in my condo without the damn daily temptation,” I grumble.
“She’s beautiful.” I let out a growl. “Chill. You know me. I’ve no interest in her.” Yes. He’s kept it a secret, but he’s got a boyfriend. He’s a private man and I’m one of the few who know the truth. He’s not ashamed of being gay, but he’s the kind of person who keeps his work life and private life separate.
“How’s that going?”
“Good. I’m not dating anyone at the moment which makes working long hours much easier.”
“True. I’d hate to have to be away from Greta that long. It’s already been over a year of keeping my distance. Now at least I get to see her every day.”
“And share a very stilted conversation?” he chuckles like the prick he is.
“Fuck off. Sometimes I can’t get my head out of my ass.”
“I don’t mean to pick on your love life or lack thereof. I really stopped by to see if you’re going to be returning.” The itch to work hits me hard. I loved it until that very moment that I found myself on the wrong side of a gun.
“I don’t know. I can’t risk my life again.”
“I can understand that. The chief wanted me to ask you. You know, you could always come back and do desk work. Working on leads from the office. I know it’s not something you’d want, but the department really needs your skills.”
“I’d have to talk to my family about it.” I’m glad everyone else is out doing some shit. Becks is upstairs studying, so I have time to broach the subject.
“Fine. I have to get into the station. I’m in for a busy night. Just consider it.”
“Okay. I will.”
“Good. We’d love to have you back, man.” He stands and I do with my cane. “Relax, I’ll see myself out.”
“Nah, I need to get some steps in.” I clap his back and then we head to the front door.
“It really is good to see you moving about.” We shake hands and he walks out of the house to his waiting sedan. As he pulls away, I replay our conversation. What would Greta say? I already know my mom will have a shit fit. I’m a fucking millionaire, but my heart isn’t just satisfied with living off someone else’s hard work.
Getting myself a drink, I take a seat on the back porch with my tea and think about my choices. I don’t have to decide any time soon. I’m not capable of driving just yet, so I’m not going anywhere.
I must have lost track of time because my mother comes up beside me. “Sweetie, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Mom. What time is it?”
“It’s already five. Daddy and I were looking for you. Benji said your partner stopped by. Is everything okay?” She places her hand on my shoulder.
“Yes.”
“Yes?” She doesn’t believe me because the woman knows me better than anyone.
“I’m fine, Mom.”
“Bullshit. Don’t make me call your father out here.”
“He asked if I was coming back.”
“I thought you told them you were retiring.” She pulls the patio seat closer and sits next to me, staring at me. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?”
“I am considering it.”
“Junior, you’re a grown man and I can’t tell you what to do, but I also don’t want to lose my baby—any of my babies.”
“I know. I’m thinking about you all and that’s the hard part.”
“Maybe before you decide, you should talk to Greta about it. She’s the one who…” I cut her off.
“I will. I’m not even sure if I’m going to. They offered me a desk job.”
“Well, that’s a little different. Like I said, you want a future with her. Make sure you’re both on the same path.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She hugs me tight before standing.
“There you two are. Come on in, dinner’s ready.”
“Where’s Greta?”
“She’s hanging out with Emily tonight.”
“You let her? That asshole that Emily has wrapped around her finger has a younger brother.”
“Damn, calm down.”
“Ask yourself if it was mom going to hang out with a good-looking guy her age.”
He snarls and mutters about a cop. “You’ve got a point, but I can’t make her come home. She’s not my daughter yet.”
“I’m not hungry.” I leave the kitchen and nearly collide with Greta. “What are you doing back?”
“Um…I didn’t know I needed permission.” She steps back like I’ve slapped her.
“Dad said you were hanging out with Emily tonight.”
“Yeah, I’m going to change,” she mutters, jogging up the stairs.
“Do you remember what I said?” She freezes and her shoulders relax.
Greta marches down the steps, standing on the second to last so our faces are right next to each other and she says, “I do, Dean. I’m not falling for anyone else.” She bends down and kisses my cheek. “So calm down. It’s just a girl’s night.”