He nods, turning to leave. Once he is away, she lets out a huff of air. “Why doesn’t he catch the fucking hint?”
″Because he’s a copper. They think they’re entitled to everything and anything they want just for holding a gun and a badge.”
But knives cut deeper.
She nods. “They’re untouchable.”
″No one is untouchable for me, Doc. Say the word and I’ll handle it.”
Anyone who makes her feel frightened will pay. I may not have hurt him physically, but there are other ways to make him bleed without actually ever spilling a drop.
″He’s harmless really. I only see him at work, and Scotty is pretty good at making sure he keeps his distance.”
The waitress comes back with our drinks and French toast. Haley takes her first bite, closing her eyes as she tastes the caramelized bread. “Holy shit. This is the best French toast I’ve ever had.”
I chuckle, stabbing a piece with my fork then shove it into my mouth. My free hand falls to her thigh, seeking the constant touch I crave.
″I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
″Me too.” She takes another bite. “This could be dangerous. I want to come here every day.”
I chuckle. “I try not to order it when I’m here for business. Otherwise, I’d be so tired the rest of the day from eating too much that I’d get nothing done and skip my workout.”
She laughs, taking another bite.
We eat in a comfortable silence, our meal too delicious to interrupt with words.
Four mimosas later, she’s got a nice buzz on her as we leave. It’s almost noon, and I have a meeting in an hour about the children’s hospital, but I can do it from my home office.
″Come back to my place?” I ask as I grab her hand. “I’ve got a phone call to make in a bit, but then I’m free.”
She smiles, but shakes her head. “I have some errands to run before work tomorrow. Why don’t I come over for dinner?”
I press my nose against her cheek. “Only if you’ll stay the night.”
″I think I can make that work. I have to be up at four though.”
″I’m an early riser. Doesn’t bother me. I’ll walk you home and Scotty can bring you over later.”
″Okay.”
″Oh, I almost forgot. Sean has a woman staying with him who’s pretty beat up. I was wondering if you could come by and examine her.”
″Now?”
″Yeah. Just to make sure, you know, she’s alright? Sean said she has some bruising.”
She raises an eyebrow, biting her lip. “Sure. I guess this falls under the don’t ask, don’t tell policy?”
″It does.”
″Let me get some things and I’ll come over.”
″Thanks, love.”
Chapter twenty-six
Sean’spenthouseisfuckinghuge. My entire house could probably fit in the living room and kitchen alone. The bedroom the woman he wants me to examine is three times the size of my master bedroom.