and kiss her slowly until she opened those gorgeous brown eyes. I wanted to run my fingers down her back, feel the softness of her skin underneath my calloused hands, watch in awe at the strength in her muscles as she stretched and flexed.
It was the reason I was almost late, making it to the station just in time to stuff my backpack in my locker before Mack started his briefing.
“Nice of you to join us, Tibbs.” The chief shot me a pointed look. “You need me to wait until you get situated? Get you a coffee? Roll out the red carpet?”
“Nah, Chief, I’m all good,” I laughed, sinking into a seat as I shook off the sarcasm. The chief had a tendency to be prickly in the mornings, but not even his surly mood was going to ruin mine. “Carry on.” I waved my hand, watching as he swore under his breath before continuing.
It wasn’t until the briefing was over that North and Leighton cornered me.
“Didn’t hear from you yesterday. What kept you so busy?” Leighton grinned like he already knew the answer.
“Really, North?” I glared at him, assuming he’d been the one who’d talked. “I figured you and Quinn would discuss me and Ricci, not start a phone tree.”
North laughed, holding up his hands. “Hey, I didn’t tell him shit. I was just standing here because I wanted to watch you squirm. You just copped to that all on your own.”
Fucking Riley North.
It wasn’t the first time the asshole had tricked me into admitting shit I hadn’t planned. But since it was out there, I wasn’t going to hide it either. “Fine, I was with Tessa.” I lifted my chin, liking the way those words sounded as they came out of my mouth.
“Wow, Tibbs,” Leighton wiped a fake tear from the corner of his eye, “I’m your best friend and you told North before me? I thought I meant something to you?”
The bastard was grinning, trying to stifle a laugh as he pretended to give me the third degree.
“Yeah, yeah,” my hand shoved his shoulder roughly, “Well, you know now. And I like her, we’re going to be spending a lot more time together.”
“Has she been informed?” North chuckled. “While I’m glad you finally got your head out of your ass and worked it out, it is customary for you to tell the girl involved she’s in a relationship.”
The two of them were so fucking smug. Grinning like assholes and completely amused by the news that I had finally found a woman I really liked. And if I hadn’t had the most awesome night ever, it might’ve bothered me. And considering I’d already made plans to go see her as soon as I finished my shift, I just couldn’t work up a shit to give.
“Yes, she fucking knows.” I rolled my eyes as I flipped them off. “Anything else? Or should we go get some work done before Mack tears us a new one?”
North shrugged. “I’m good, Leighton?”
“Yep, me too.” Leighton nodded.
“Awesome, now let’s get moving before one of us ends up in Mack’s office.”
As much as I loved the chief, the idea of sitting down and getting yelled at for a solid ten to fifteen minutes didn’t fill me with joy. Besides, I was already itching to check my phone to see if Tessa had woken up and I didn’t want to do it in front of an audience.
North tipped his chin in agreement and then headed out the door, leaving me with Leighton who I was positive had more to say.
“Hey.” I got in first, figuring I owed him at least a partial explanation. “It wasn’t personal me going to talk to North. It’s just I know you and Presley don’t get a lot of time together, and to be honest, I didn’t want to walk in on you fucking my sister.”
Leighton laughed, slapping me on the back before cupping my shoulder. “Dude, firstly, do not talk about Presley like that. You know I love you, man, but you cheapen my relationship with your sister like that and I’m going to have to teach you some manners.” The bastard grinned, but I didn’t think for a second he wasn’t serious. “And I don’t care that you went to North instead of me, I’m just glad you spoke to someone. Tessa is amazing. Not only is she a kickass cop, but one of the coolest women we know. I’m fucking ecstatic for you. I’m glad you’re done