Page 46 of Diamonds in the Mud

“For now,” I admitted and moved to sit on the bench.

“Just how far are they wanting to take this?” she whispered.

Instead of answering, I pulled her close and wrapped my arms around her hips, letting her settle between my thighs. When I pressed my face into her chest and her hands moved up into my hair, I answered.

“They expect me to fully use you.”

She sighed. “Then I suppose you’ll just have to let me come over tonight.”

I chuckled. “I suppose. You know where I live. Stop by anytime.”

“I’ll bring dinner.” She glanced at her watch. “I’d better go, I’ve got a meeting in half an hour.” She turned and glanced towards the windows, then added a little louder, “With the mayor’s husband.”

I held back a smile and nodded. “I’m glad I could make you sweat. I look forward to doing it again tonight.”

The edges of her lips curved slightly before she turned and walked towards the locker rooms.

When she came out again, she was back in her standard detective uniform of dark pants and button-up shirt. She had a worried look on her face, but when I stepped up to her, it disappeared.

“Problems?” I asked softly.

She shook her head. “See you tonight.” She reached up on her toes and brushed her lips across mine.

Less than half an hour after she’d left, Ben strolled through the doors.

“Got a minute?” he asked me.

I glanced at my watch and nodded. “I get off in ten.”

He nodded. “Meet you outside.” He turned and walked out.

Whatever it was, I could tell that it was serious. After showering and clocking out, I stepped out front.

“Declan’s been arrested,” he said as I stuffed my gym bag into my saddlebags.

“For?” I asked.

“Evelyn’s in the hospital,” Ben said with a frown.

“Shit,” I said, wanting to ask if the woman was okay. Only, I knew Ben wasn’t upset that the woman was hurt.

“I need you to come with me tonight on a run,” he said quickly. “Declan was supposed to, but now I guess you’re going to have to fill in for him since your woman’s the one who put him behind bars.”

“My…” I had to glance down to hide the smile. “Right,” I said, controlling my voice. “When and where do you need me?”

“I’ll swing by your place around eight,” Ben said. “Be ready.”

“Sure thing,” I said and then watched Ben drive off on his newer Harley.

Shit, I’d been working on this gig for this long and all it took me to be added into the middle circle was for Rayne to arrest Declan?

I wanted to call or text her. Instead, I drove slowly through town, past the bar, where there were still two cop cars and four uniformed officers standing out front.

When I reached my apartment, I locked myself in my room and updated Jasmine about the plan for that night and tried to find out how Evelyn was doing.

Using my private phone, I shot a text message to Rayne.

“Heard you had a productive afternoon. I’ve got to call tonight off since I have work now that Declan’s busy. Rain check for tomorrow?”