Page 105 of Diamonds in the Mud

“She was out of town. I should have texted or called her.” I groaned, pulling on a bathrobe.

“Hurry up,” Aria called out. “I don’t give a damn if you’re naked. I’m still going to kick both of your⁠—”

I swung the door open to a very angry-looking Aria, who after one look at me and Jameson, narrowed her eyes and stormed past us into the house.

“I just drove over eight hours. Eight fucking hours.” She turned towards us as her voice rose. “Why did I have to hear what happened, what really happened to you in the bullpen, from Sabrina? Sabrina!” She practically screamed it as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Instead of answering her, I walked into her arms and held her stiff body.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “Everything has been so… crazy.” When Aria didn’t budge, I sighed. “Fine,” I leaned back and looked my best friend in the eyes. “I’m officially using my do-over card.”

Aria’s eyes narrowed slightly, then she held out her hand. I rolled my eyes and walked over to the kitchen junk drawer. After a few moments of looking around for it, I pulled out the tattered card and placed it in Aria’s hand.

“Done.” Aria took the card and shoved it in her pocket, then she balled her fist and gave me a Charlie horse on my arm. “Do-over transaction is complete.” She glanced over at Jameson with a frown. “You, unfortunately, don’t have a do-over card. You’re DEA?”

Jameson nodded. “Deep undercover,” Jameson added firmly. “Need-to-know basis.”

“I’m her best friend.” She pointed towards me. “Trust me when I say it was a need-to-know basis.”

“Duly noted. I’ll keep that in mind for the future,” Jameson said with a grin. “We good?”

Aria ran her eyes up and down. “Is your real name Jameson?”

“Caleb Jameson Morales. I’m originally from the Chicago area. Only kid of Boris and Molly Morales. Joined the DEA fresh out of a tour in the marines. Took my first undercover assignment when I was a baby at twenty-two. Took down one of the largest drug lords in LA within my first year. I just turned thirty…” He glanced at his watch. “Well, actually, I will turn thirty in two days.” He smiled.

“Seriously?” I asked, then I turned to Aria. “You’ve gotten more out of him in five minutes that I have since I met him,” I joked.

Aria smiled and then nodded. “Okay, good. One last very important question.”

“Shoot,” Jameson said.

“Do you love my best friend?” Aria asked with all sincerity.

“With all my being,” Jameson responded, causing Aria to squeal.

“Good.” She rushed towards us and hugged us both. “Now, I’m going to make us all some pancakes. After the two of you shower. You smell like hot steamy sex.” She laughed as she disappeared into my kitchen. “Breakfast is in ten minutes everyone,” she called out. “So no shower sex.”

I laughed and took Jameson’s hand and pulled him into the bedroom. “Sorry, we’re sort of a package deal.”

“It’s okay. I like her. Remember, we spent our first unofficial date together?” He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine.

“Right.” I sighed and melted against him.

“A lot can happen in ten minutes,” he said as he walked me backwards towards the bathroom.

As we walked into the kitchen, the smell of pancakes greeted us, and my stomach rumbled with anticipation. Aria stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease, a look of concentration on her face. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her, grateful for her presence after her long drive home.

“Just in time,” she greeted us, her voice cheerful despite the early hour. “Coffee?” she said, holding up a mug. “I didn’t know how Jameson liked his, so it’s black.” She motioned towards the other cup.

I walked over and took the mug from her.

“Jameson likes it black,” he said from behind me. “Thanks.” He walked over and took the cup and took a sip.

“Sit, I’m almost done,” Aria said. We sat down and soon Aria joined us, carrying a plate piled high with pancakes, syrup dripping down the sides. “Breakfast is served,” she announced, setting the plate down on the table before flopping into a seat beside me.

We dug into the pancakes eagerly, savoring the delicious meal and the comfort of each other’s company. As we ate, Jameson filled Aria in on the latest developments in the case, detailing the arrests of the Reaper gang members and the shocking death of Quincy.

“It’s been a crazy few days,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair before taking my hand in his. “But we’re all okay and, better yet, we’re making progress. Hopefully, we’ll have everything wrapped up soon.”