me when I open the door and Kamea isn’t at the breakfast bar, on her computer. Silently, I prepare my omelet like most mornings I get off shift. Sitting down on the couch, I turn the television on low so as to not wake Jax. This was my routine before Kamea came into my life, so it shouldn’t feel as weird as it does right now.
My gaze roams to her room, and my heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach. But I remind myself that I can’t go all caveman and drag her back here. That’s how I’ve lost every other woman I’ve ever loved. Not that I love Kamea. Not yet anyway. But it would be like me to suffocate her before we got to that part.
I cut my omelet, watching the football highlights on the sports channel.
Jax comes out of his room, heads to the bathroom, and I roll my eyes when I hear him piss. At least Kamea isn’t here to witness it.
“What, Kamea moves out and you stop being our chef? Where’s my damn omelet?” Jax plops down on the couch across from me, his gaze traveling to the television.
“Pretty much. I had to act like a good guy to impress her.” I smile at him.
“You’re a cop. Most people view you as a good guy.”
He says that now, but back in the neighborhood when we were punks causing trouble late at night, we didn’t think that highly of cops.
“Kamea and I are going to the old neighborhood tonight,” I say.
His eyebrows shoot up. “Why?”
“Mickey called. He saw Leilani the other night. I think she might be hanging out at Johnny’s. I used to find her there sometimes when we were dating.”
“I remember.” I doubt he’s trying, but if he is, he’s not successful at keeping his dislike of Leilani and her disappearing acts to himself. “When are you gonna stop looking for her?”
“Whenever Kamea wants to stop. It’s her money we’re trying to get.”
He nods, but I’ve known Jax a long time. The look on his face says he doesn’t believe it’s about Kamea.
“What?” I ask.
He shrugs. “I worry you’re about to blow it again.”
I sigh. “Blow what?”
“Your chance with Kamea. She’s the one for you, yet you still want to fix the one who doesn’t want fixing.”
I push away my plate and sip my coffee. “I don’t want Leilani,” I say truthfully.
“Are you sure? Because if you do find her, how do you think it will play out?”
My friends worry about me, which is a great problem to have. Especially when I see a good person like Kamea, who doesn’t have nearly the friend circle she should. I’m fortunate to have guys on my side who have been there since the beginning. Although Jax traveled the world for a while, we still kept in contact.
To answer Jax’s question, I say, “I’ll make sure she either pays Kamea back or gets her ass in for her court date.”
“So you’ll arrest her again?”
“If she’s in the city, it’s not my jurisdiction. And she hasn’t technically missed her court date.”
He nods but holds that smug look, like there’s so much more he wants to say.
“Just spit it out.”
“Are you finished with that?” He points at my half-eaten omelet.
I slide the plate toward him. “Have at it.”
He goes to the kitchen and grabs a new fork before sitting back down across from me. “Listen, I’m not a mind reader, especially when it comes to women. I’ve never really had a serious relationship, but you and Dylan, you guys were meant for the role of doting husband and adoring father. That’s why I don’t understand why the two of you can’t see when you’re about to fuck up a great thing.”
“What do you mean? Kamea and I are already together.”
He blows out a breath. “Leilani is only going to cause a divide between you and Kamea. One the size of the Grand Canyon. Kamea already feels second best to her. Your relationship is new. It’s not going to end well if Leilani makes an appearance.”
“I assured Kamea I want her. That I’m over Leilani.”
He just chews the omelet.
I’m not sure what people want me to do.
Jax must see my confusion, because he says, “I think it’s inviting the devil into your relationship. Leilani is twisted and conniving, and I’ve witnessed you fall for her shit too many times.”
I stand. “Kamea wants her money sooner than later, and as long as she wants it, or until Leilani misses her