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“That’s it. No advice for me at all? I’ve never been in the pursuer position before. I’m going in blind here.”
He smirks. “Now that, I have experience with. I was a hotshot football player, getting laid was as easy as breathing. But Chance wasn’t like those girls. She was something altogether different, and I just knew in my gut that I needed it,her, in my life. So, I did whatever it took to make sure I got her.”
I stare at him. “That’s not helpfulat all.”
“Okay, why do you want Kida?”
“I… she’s not like anyone I’ve ever known. I’ve only met her twice, and she’s already knocked me on my ass both metaphorically and physically.” I chuckle. “She’s just, different. I can’t get her out of my head, man. I tried talking to her on Friday, and she shut me down so hard. But she was blushing at the same time. I’m not sure how to read her, but I want to.”
Carter crosses his arms over his chest, an air of seriousness settling over his features as his gaze hardens. “If this is just about the chase, I recommend you walk away.”
My forehead furrows, and I shake my head. “Weren’t you listening? There’s something about her, I have no fucking clue what it is, but I…” I slump in my seat, elbows digging into my knees as I dig my fingers into my hair and try to find the right words. But I can’t because I don’t know her well enough to find them yet.
After a moment of silence, Carter says, “Then fuck it. I say go for it.”
I lift my head to Carter smiling with a knowing gleam in his eyes, and I nod.
* * *
I forgo eatingmy lunch in the breakroom today in favor of going in search for Kida.
I know she works at Hunters & Co., so that’s where I’m heading.
Right after I Google where, exactly, that is.
On my way along the corridor, I cross paths with Chance. She’s bundled in a mustard-color, oversized sweater that hangs almost to her knees, and a tight pair of leopard print jeans underneath. And, oh my God! Ari is in a matching leopard print fluffy onesie.
“Hey, gorgeous girl,” I coo at the adorable little girl.
Her big brown eyes light up when they land on me, and she reaches out her arms.
“Oh no. No dallying with the pretty boys today, squirt. We’re on a mission to drag daddy out of his office so he can take us on an overdue lunch date,” Chance tells the squirming baby.
Ari smiles and chants, “Da-da-da-da-da”, then promptly shoves her fist in her mouth.
I can’t help but reach out and give her little booted foot a tug. “Lookin’ good, ladies.”
“We’re fabulous and we know it,” Chance says, flicks her long ponytail over her shoulder before proceeding along the corridor, as if she’s strutting a runway.
When I reach the front doors, I fasten the buttons on my coat then flick the collar up before stepping outside. The sun is actually shining brightly today, warming things up a little, but not enough for my liking. I’m not ashamed to admit I hate the cold. Unless I’m skiing or snowboarding in it, I don’t want anything to do with it.
I slide inside my car and crank the heat, punching in the address to Kida’s work as I wait for it to kick in. A moment later, I’m pulling out of the staff parking lot and heading towards Hunters & Co.
Trudging inside the office,I stomp over to the waiting area then sprawl out across the nearest seat and heave an agitated sigh.
“It’s just me,” I call out to avoid anyone coming to check who just came in. It’s lunchtime and Belle must be in the back.
I don’t want to face anyone right now. Neil Berkley was supposed to be an easy pick-up.Supposedbeing the key word because I still haven’t found the little bastard. He’s evading me at every turn, and I’m frustrated beyond belief.
I really don’t want to ask my sisters to help, but it’s looking like I won’t have a choice. I should have brought him in already and be moving on to my next—hopefully unsupervised—case.
The bell chimes over the front door, so I lift my head to see who it is then dive for cover when my gaze lands on freaking Arlo. I swear I’ve never moved so fast in my life, my heart racing as I peek my head around the side of the desk I’m using for shelter.
What the hell is he doing here?
He stands in the entrance, hands shoved deep in the pockets of his nice black trench as he glances around the open space. Bosco, the traitor, wastes no time checking out the new arrival, waddling over to him and happily snuffing.
Arlo crouches and gives my baby his full attention, scratching under his rollie chin and then behind his little ears. Bosco flops onto his side, his back leg doing that weird but cute kicking thing dogs do when they’re in heaven.
