“Reason number one,” I said, handing him a cup of coffee, “You love a woman named Christina Ryan.”
“She thinks I love her.”
“You said it to her twenty minutes ago, and you said it last night—repeatedly.”
“Reason number two?”
“Deep down, you like all the benefits you receive from being an officer here.”
“The only benefit is the check.” He smiled. “Number three?”
I hesitated, trying to think of one, and a call came through from his radio.
“We’ve got a 10-5 in the Maple District, 10-4,” the voice said.
“10-5 in the Maple District,” Nathan responded. “I’m on my way, 10-4.”
“Isn’t a 10-5 a missing person?” I asked. “I can get out of the car, if this is serious.”
“It’s never serious,” he said, laughing. “I can guarantee that I already know who this missing ‘person’ belongs to.” He motioned for me to put on my seatbelt, and then he turned on his sirens and sped onto the main lane.
“Number three,” I said, finding another good reason. “The woman you love joins you on your ‘emergency’ calls from time to time to keep you sane.”
He looked over and smiled at me. “Next time, start with that reason first.”
“So, should I keep the reason list at three and not mention that expecting a child this coming Christmas Eve is another good reason to stay?”
“Excuse me?” He pressed his foot against the brake. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing.” I smiled. “I’m just kidding …”
I’m totally not kidding.
THE END