anthem. It was fitting that Josie felt a little “headstrong” with Kai at her side.
“I’m glad you’re feeling it, Sunshine. I wish I could watch your back all day today, but you’ve got this. And if either your father or Presley gives you shit, all you have to do is call me, and I’ll come take you out of there. You already said you have their upcoming cases ready, so if you need to walk away, do it.”
Josie still wasn’t used to Kai hearing her thoughts. Or her his.
“Thank you. And I’ll definitely take you up on that. I don’t usually take lunch, but can you pick me up at noon? I have a feeling I’ll need a break by then if not before.”
“Yes ma’am.” Kai raised her hand and kissed her knuckles. When they reached the diner, Malakai parked the Veyron out front in a spot that seemed to have been left open just for them. He came around the car and helped her out, ushering her to the door with a hand on her back. When they entered the small restaurant, Marley was talking to Dane Abbot. Dane stood when they approached
“Malakai, it’s good to see you.” The males shook hands, and when Dane noticed Josie, he sent a silent question to Kai.
Kai pulled her close to his side. “Dane, Marley, I’d like you to meet Josie Pierson, my mate.”
Dane fisted a hand over his chest and said, “On my honor.” Josie beamed. It felt good knowing these Gargoyles, even ones she’d never met, had her back.
Marley let out a small giggle, and Dane grinned at his own mate. “Something you would like to say, Sweetness?”
Marley took one of Josie’s hands. “Welcome to the family.”
Josie felt her cheeks pinken, but she smiled at the other woman. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to join me?” Dane asked.
“What do you say, Sunshine? Do you have time to sit for a few?”
“I’m taking the time. I’m going to need a triple shot to get through my morning.”
“Is everything okay?” Marley asked.
“It will be. Family drama.”
“I wouldn’t know anything about that,” Marley drawled, rolling her eyes.
Kai pulled out a chair for Josie, then sat between her and the police chief. Marley took their order, then rushed off to do her job. She returned quickly with Josie’s latte and Kai’s black coffee. The pretty waitress lingered as long as possible before flitting off again to take care of her other customers.
“I like her,” Josie told Dane.
“She’s a peach, and I can tell she feels the same about you. Kai, what do you say we plan supper for one night this week so our girls can compare notes?”
Josie squeezed Kai’s hand. “Please. Can we?” Josie asked through their link. She wanted to take full advantage of having new friends who she could talk openly with.
“That sounds like a great plan. Is Thursday good for you? We can grill out at our place.”
Dane smiled. “Your place, huh? Does that mean you’ve bought Sixx’s house?”
“Not yet. I’m leaving it up to Josie whether we do that or find something smaller.”
Before Josie could tell Kai she’d already made up her mind, Marley returned with their food. She ate quietly while the males discussed who was bringing what for their get together. Kai asked her opinion on steak or chicken, and Dane told Marley what they were discussing on one of her mini breaks.
After saying goodbye, Josie sat stiffly on the ride to the office. She had a new friend in Marley, and that should have been enough to quell her nerves. Even Kai’s silent support wasn’t helping. When he parked in her spot, Josie wished she hadn’t eaten. Her stomach roiled.
“Say the word and I’ll take you home right now.”
“Can we please buy Sixx’s house?” she blurted.
Kai released his seatbelt and angled his body toward her. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is. I know it’s a big place, but I’d like to eventually fill the empty rooms with kids,” she admitted.
Kai’s smile was larger than Josie had ever seen, both dimples popping. “I’ll make the call this morning. Now, do you want me to take you home?”
Josie swallowed down the bile in her throat. “No. Another day will only make it worse.”
Kai stroked her cheek. “Remember, you hold all the power here. They’re desperate because they need you, not the other way around. They can either accept your resignation gracefully, or they can deal with their own shit without you. I’ll be at the gym, so if you