Not Just Friends (Hot in the City #3) - T. Gephart Page 0,59

if I had it.

“That’s it. Unless you want to know about Chief’s new woman. The guy is hardcore for her, totally smitten. He didn’t even look half as happy when he was married to Melinda.”

Presley’s eyes widened as she went back to the coffee, “Oooooo, you need to spill. The chief deserves someone nice for a change, I want to know everything.”

She turned, returning her attention to the coffee she had started making. “Well, come on. You’ve got me awake, the least you can do is come up with the goods.”

Her brown curls bounced as she moved, my hand itching to walk up behind her, push that hair out of the way and kiss her on the neck. She was beautiful, stunning in every fucking way and she’d been under my nose the entire time.

“He’s been baking,” I added, keeping my hands and lips right where they were. “Walking around with a goofy look on his face.”

Tibbs elbowed me in the ribs and snickered. “Sounds like someone else I know.” He cleared his throat before announcing loudly, “And Leighton has a girlfriend.”

Presley spun around, the cup of coffee in her hand splashing a little on the side. “Wow, really? You been holding out on me, Leighton? You’re dating someone?”

God she was adorable, going along with Tibbs when she knew exactly who he was talking about.

“Yeah, I really like her too. She’s different than the others, special. It’s early days and things aren’t going to be easy, but I’m hoping she feels the same way.”

Last thing I intended to do was tell her how I felt while her brother looked on. And what was worse, it wasn’t half as much as I wanted to say. But every single word of it was true. And whether the timing was right or not, it didn’t matter. I would’ve tapped it out in Morse code if it were the only way.

Her beautiful eyes softened, giving me a smile. “I’m sure she feels the same way. But make sure you tell her. Women like to hear that kind of thing.”

“I will,” I promised, swallowing as she walked over and handed me a cup. “I’m going to tell her the first chance I get.”

Tibbs laughed, rolling his eyes. “Now who’s being dramatic.”

And you know what, he was right. I was. But I no longer cared.

Presley

HEARING JARED SAY I was special was something I hadn’t known I needed.

It was unexpected, his declaration happening after my brother had almost caught us, and somehow that made it a little more exciting. His little code, the words said publicly but meant just for me, and I loved hearing them.

Of course, it took hours before we were back to being alone. Tibbs insisted we go out and get breakfast, and hang out like old times. I’ll admit it was nice, Jared slipping right back into Leighton as we sat side-by-side and ate pancakes and bacon.

He was so sweet too, remembering I preferred blueberry syrup instead of the regular stuff and passing it to me without even asking. I wasn’t even sure how he’d remembered, the last time we’d eaten breakfast together probably when I was still in college.

But later in the day, when he came back, Leighton didn’t immediately disappear. He kissed me slow, his lips gently pressing against my skin as he told me again how much he liked me and how special I was to him.

I’d assumed we’d have sex, but we didn’t, laying on my bed fully clothed as we watched stupid daytime television and cuddled. And then when it was time for me to go to work, we left together. I went and did another night like I always did, and Jared sat at a table lazily drinking a beer and making me crazy.

It had been just over a week and Jared and I had fallen into a comfortable rhythm. And other than Raelle and Bennett, we hadn’t told anyone we were dating. Staff at Diablo had their suspicions, wondering why he was hanging around without his sidekick that was my brother. But they were too smart to say anything outright, choosing to keep their mouths shut and their heads down. It was the way it worked between those walls, we did our job and left the commentary to everyone else. Except for Raelle of course, who had plenty to say.

“Girl, just out this relationship already. The pressure to keep the secret is too great.” She groaned, tucking into one of the bagels she’d brought over for