Not Just Friends (Hot in the City #3) - T. Gephart Page 0,102

my thoughts wasn’t a defeat.

I still hadn’t really spoken to Hayden, feeling it was something I just needed to do. We shared a connection even though we barely knew each other. It had started with that conversation at the bar, and then solidified by being terrorized by the same man. Sure, we’d seen each other and had polite exchanges, but it wasn’t even close to what I needed to say to her. Not that there really had been the time.

Mack and Hayden got married quickly.

There was barely an engagement, the chief proposing to her at the hospital and then a speedy service at the City Clerk’s office as soon as she was out of bandages. It was followed by a casual reception at the pizza place not far from the stationhouse, which was amazing except for when Mack’s ex-wife turned up. Melinda was sprouting crazy like usual and Hayden had totally handled it in stride, shutting her down with a grace that had been so under appreciated.

Which only made my decision easier.

“Boss.” Bennett rapped at my door before letting himself in. “Hayden’s here.”

It was early, the club still not open, and Mack and Jared were both on duty. I’d wanted the opportunity to talk to her alone, asking her to meet me at the club early in the afternoon.

“Show her in, B.” I shuffled the papers at my desk, standing while I waited.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous. There was no way to know if a trip back to Diablo might accidentally trigger her post traumatic stress, or if she’d just been too polite to stand me up. And that wasn’t even taking into account what I was going to ask, which on paper looked a little unorthodox.

Hayden smiled as she strode in, her new wedding rings shining almost as bright as her smile. “Hey, Presley, how are you?” Her arms opened, offering me a hug I wasn’t sure I deserved as I welcomed her into my office.

“Thanks so much for coming, Hayden. I’ll admit, I didn’t think about it until later that it might be hard for you to be here. And I want you to know that if at any time you’re uncomfortable, we can leave and go somewhere else.” It really had been an oversight, my invitation feeling more than just a little insensitive.

She pulled away, still wearing her grin as she took a seat. “I’m not uncomfortable. I liked being here, and before seeing Lewis in the parking lot, I’d been having a good time.”

Usually I went and sat behind my desk. It was a power move, the separation it afforded me giving me the upper hand as I strolled back, sat in my chair and assumed the position of authority. Which was a total mind fuck because sitting behind a desk didn’t give you any more power than if you didn’t. It was purely perception. But I didn’t do that with Hayden, taking a seat beside her instead. “I know you’re probably wondering why I’ve asked you here, and while I try to be more patient these days, I’d rather cut to the chase.”

She turned her head, looking at me with interest. “O-kay,” she laughed. “What was it you wanted to talk to me about?”

I took a breath, letting the air slowly expel from my lips. “I blamed myself for what happened to you. I felt that you were only here because I asked you to be, and if you’d waited for Mack at the station, you’d have never gotten shot.”

Her head shook, opening her mouth despite my raised hand trying to stop her. “I could argue it was my fault. I was out in the parking lot, Presley. If I’d stayed in the club, Lewis wouldn’t have had the opportunity. Or we can blame the walls, their inability to allow a signal to travel through them making it so I had to step out. Hell, we can even blame the mafia or whoever it was that he owed that money to. If they hadn’t been threatening his life, he wouldn’t have been so desperate. But do you know the only person I blame?” she asked, only continuing when I shook my head, “Lewis. He’s the one who decided to hurt us. He made his choices, and he could have walked away at any time.”

“I know,” I nodded, “it might have taken me a little longer than you to get to the same conclusion, but I know he is the only one that needs