if it was just words on a screen. I was still wearing my girly over-exaggerated smile when another message came in shortly before five.
Meet me at the stationhouse. It’s important. Tibbs.
Seriously? He wanted me to go to the stationhouse? While he’d said it was important and he didn’t usually exaggerate, a few weeks ago I’d have totally blown him off. I was already dressed, ready to go to Diablo and wanted to get in early so I could meet with my staff. David had messaged me earlier in the day, saying he was emailing me contracts to send to my lawyer, and I could almost taste the opening of Diablo 2.0. But, going to the station meant I would also get to see Jared, which was something I also wanted. And if I was a little late to the club, what was the big deal?
I quickly typed out a message I was on my way and that I’d see him soon. Then I grabbed my purse, keys and phone and left my apartment.
Raelle was still on driver duty, picking me up or driving me home whenever Jared didn’t. I still thought it was unnecessary, convinced that Lewis was already bored or found another sucker to con. And while I appreciated the company, I was hoping I could go back to walking to the club or catching my own rides. I’d still go with Jared when he was available because . . . well, I really liked driving with him.
“Rae,” I had the phone pressed to my ear as I walked out of my apartment building and onto the street, “change of plans. I need to go see my brother at the stationhouse before coming into work. I’ll meet you there.”
Rae laughed, making it clear she thought I was full of shit. “Your brother, huh? What’s so important you need to see Tibbs right now? Or is it a different fireman that you have a rendezvous with? So saucy. And with your brother around too.”
“I’m going to the stationhouse, Raelle. It is literally filled with people. What do you think I’m going to do? Jump into one of the trucks and screw Leighton in the back seat?” I mean, I’d had the fantasy, but I’d never actually do it.
She sighed, seeming to be disappointed. “Fine, don’t screw him, but you have to at least kiss him. If you’re going to defile our place of business, it’s only fair you do the same to his.”
Well, she had a point. And while getting down and dirty with Jared with an audience would not be happening, I couldn’t see myself leaving there without kissing him either.
“Just meet me at Diablo,” I chuckled, not volunteering any more information. “Get Hank to check when we’re getting our next liquor delivery. Our old driver is still off sick and the new guy comes really late. I want to make sure I have cover at the bar if he has to go help unload.”
“Want me to call in Cherry? The girl smokes ten packs a day and is lazy as shit, but can mix drinks when she’s chained to the bar. I have some handcuffs in my purse I’ll be happy to loan to the cause,” Raelle volunteered.
I shook my head, not wanting to know why Rae was walking around with handcuffs in her purse or what else was in there. “Sure, tell Cherry she can do four hours. The delivery should be done by then.”
Ending the call, I walked the rest of the way with a smile on my face. I knew I was going to see Jared in the morning, his big warm body crawling into bed beside me after he finished work. But I was glad for the extra opportunity, the happiness I was feeling almost too ridiculous to contain.
“Hey!” Leighton saw me first, stopping himself from pulling me into a hug. It was difficult for me too, my hands twitching at my side pretending I wasn’t affected.
Rev and Evans weren’t far away, both of them raising their hands in a wave.
“Hey yourself!” I popped Leighton playfully in the arm feeling like an idiot. “Tibbs sent me a message, telling me to meet him here.”
Jared’s eyes rolled over my body, following the curves of my tight bodycon dress. If he was trying to be casual, he was failing, biting his lip as he cleared his throat. “Yeah, he . . .errr. . . got a call . . . from Shapiro.”
It was adorable how much