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I didn’t even move as he cleaned me up, tucking me into him as he pulled the sheets over us.
“Do you need to go out there?” I asked, yawning. The sleep I’d been avoiding for days finally catching up to me.
“I’m right where I need to be,” he said, kissing my cheek.
I knew there was still a lot to figure out, but I felt hopeful about what the next day held for once in my life.
Nine
NATALIE
A poundingon the door had my heart racing as I scrubbed my eyes, wondering what it could be about.
“Go away,” the muffled voice said behind me, and I remembered I was with Beau.
“Beau. Come on, we have a possible lead on Jude. Rawles folded.”
At the mention of Jude’s name, we both scrambled out of bed, searching for clothes.
“I’ll be right there,” Beau shouted, pulling on his pants. I stopped, watching him get dressed for a second, and found myself liking the concept. After Mason, I was more of a dash and go partner, never staying around for longer than I needed. But even remembering our times together, it hadn’t felt like this. It was oddly intimate watching the man I loved dress for the day. Getting to peek in on his life and all the aspects made me want it even more.
“What?” Beau asked, looking up from buckling his belt.
Smiling, I shook my head, heading to the shower. “Nothing. Just happy.”
He relaxed, his shoulders dropping at my words. “Good. Me too. I was worried you’d changed your mind.”
“Nah. I might be slow to catch on, but now you won’t be able to get rid of me. I’m kind of like the ring around the tub. Impossible to shake once it’s there.”
Beau laughed, walking over toward me. “Good. I happen to like the funk you bring to my life.” He kissed my forehead, squeezing my forearms. “I’ll call you later?”
“Yeah, that’d be nice. I guess I’ll head back to the safe house and help pack up our things. Now that Darren’s in custody, the threat to Cami’s been lifted.”
“Mama Hart will be happy to get back to her kitchen.”
“Oh yeah. It’s all she’s been talking about.”
“Tell Lily she can take the gaming system with her.”
I narrowed my eyes, his cheeks tinting rosy. “I thought it was for the house?”
“It was. And now it’s not needed. No sense in it going to waste.”
“Uh-huh. We’re gonna have to talk about spoiling Lily.”
“Oh, I plan to.” He beamed, and I saw the love he had for my daughter, and I melted. I wanted to yell at him for it, but really, it was nice seeing someone love her too. She deserved to be spoiled; I just couldn’t let him know that.
“That wasn’t exactly what I meant.”
He opened his mouth, but the pounding started again, and he pulled away, finishing getting dressed. Once he was armed and ready, he kissed me quickly, moving toward the door. When it opened, I saw Topher glaring at him. He glanced over his shoulder, finding me, and his face softened a little.
“Oh, hey, Nat. Um, I think you’re needed too.” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Beau moved in front of me, blocking Topher’s view, and I remembered I wasn’t fully dressed.
“She’ll be out in a minute.” Beau moved to shut the door, winking at me before it closed. I swooned a little, not believing I was this girl. I didn’t hate it. Quickly, I gave myself a rinse and threw on the clothes I’d worn last night. I’d snatched a pair of his boxers, though, not wanting to put on my own, and commando was so not the way to go in these pants. Might have to invest in more skirts if this was my future.
I followed the sound as I exited, assuming everyone was in the conference room. Stepping into the packed room, I squeezed through a few people, finding Loren at the table. Walking over, I was glad when Monroe stood, letting me have a seat. Taking her hand, she turned to me, offering a weak smile. I knew then that he was still missing, and I hurt for my friend.
“So, what you’re saying,” I heard Beau say, and I looked to where he stood. “Darren had approached Ethan, offering him a deal, but now he’s wanting one with us? How do we know he’s just not playing the field?”
