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Though things had taken a turn between us, I still wanted to keep it friendly. I didn’t think Cartier would intentionally hurt me, but I said the same thing about Mariah, too. What I’d told Cartier was true—I wasn’t capable of having a casual sexual relationship, but I should have specified with her. I didn’t know what her plans were for the future and if she even planned on staying in Memphis. The last thing I needed was to fall for yet another woman who couldn’t stick around long enough to grow in love and feel the same way.
Usually, I was up before her and heading out when she was about to start her morning routine. This morning, I had a reason to sleep in a little later. I had something that filled me with hope and purpose beyond my titles. My businesses. When I did finally get myself together enough to leave the room, Cartier was coming out of hers at the same time.
“Mornin’,” she greeted, wrapping her arms around me for a much-appreciated hug.
“Mornin’, beautiful. How’d you sleep?”
“Very well. Last night was the first night I didn’t have to take anything, and I slept the whole night through.”
“No nightmares?”
Her head shook as she looked up at me with a wide smile. “No nightmares.”
“That’s good, Tink.”
“Yeah… could’ve been because of you, too.”
“Oh yeah? What did I do?”
“Well, you helped me have the most intoxicating orgasm, then you watched one of my favorite shows with me, and by the time you left… your scent was all over me. It felt like you were holding me all night.”
Her honesty caught me off guard, but it was appreciated. Cartier being so open was helping me learn to trust her, too.
“I’m glad I was able to help. Tonight, why don’t you join me in my bed?”
Cartier’s smile widened. “I would love to.”
Her phone vibrated and she pouted as she released me. I just shook my head, because even her pouts were cute to me. Typically, I didn’t go for brats or women with attitudes who talked back, but Cartier stood her ground when it came to what she wanted, and I would always respect that. I was also finding it quite attractive.
“I’m so sick of this man calling me,” she complained, heading to the island.
“Is that Sanders?” She nodded. “Do you want me to handle it?”
Cartier thought over my offer for just a second before saying, “No. I will. But thank you, Zay.”
Cartier answered the call, putting it on speaker. She reached out for me, so I made my way over to the island and sat next to her.
“Yes, Detective Sanders?”
“Cartier, is now a good time?”
“Not really. I usually try to start my mornings off as peacefully as possible.”
“I don’t think what I have to say will go against that.”
We looked at each other briefly.
“Okay. What is it?”
“We were able to narrow down the robber’s potential gang and neighborhood by his neck tattoo. It’s a small, upcoming gang, so our net is smaller. That’s a good thing. We have also been able to get permission from our captain to circulate the picture of him wearing the blue bandana to neighboring precincts to see if he’s committed more robberies. If that doesn’t lead to anything, we’ll share it with news outlets. Just because he’s not in our system doesn’t mean his hands are clean.”
“I agree.”
“We’re working, Cartier. You’ll be able to come home soon, and we will get justice for Ashley’s family.”
Home.
At the mention of her home, my heart dropped. I knew she wouldn’t be here forever, but I wasn’t expecting her to leave anytime soon. Cartier scratched behind her ear as she nodded.
