The Do-Over (The Rooftop Crew #5) - Piper Rayne Page 0,65
to finally make me feel better?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Knox
After our roll call, Cap says, “Stay back, Whelan.”
I haven’t heard anything in the past week about the interviews for detective, and I keep thinking they’re going to ask us to interview a second time. “Yes, Captain?”
Patrice heads out, giving DuPont crap about his wife getting pregnant for the fifth time and asking whether he’s sure they’re all his because they’re way too cute to have his DNA. Cap glances at the door, waiting for everyone to leave. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
“Ben, shut the door,” he says, and Ben does shut the door.
The poor guy had some reprieve until the retirement party. Now I no longer get hell since I’m dating Kamea. Kind of amazing how right Cap was with that move. But that leaves Ben as the butt of every joke once again.
“Leilani’s court date is tomorrow morning,” Cap says. “If she doesn’t show up at nine o’clock, a warrant will be issued. I just want to make sure you’re okay arresting her if you see her?”
“I arrested her once already.”
He tips his head side to side. “Yeah, but a warrant is very different than being a suspect in an active case. Things with you and Kamea…”
“They’re great,” I half-lie.
Although they’re good, ever since that night at the bar, Kamea feels withdrawn. She hasn’t said anything to make me think she’s still bothered about what happened. And she’s always got a smile. We still have sex and she’s right there with me every time. She came in just this morning and slid into bed with me after her shift at Rian’s. There’s nothing that says something is wrong, but I feel as if maybe she’s still holding back.
“Good. Well, I just wanted to warn you.” He shuffles through his papers as though he’s ready for me to leave now.
“Captain, any word on the detective position?”
He smiles. “I heard announcements will be made tomorrow morning. I haven’t heard any specifics yet. I’ll let you know if I do hear something. Otherwise, tomorrow.”
I nod. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” I walk out, and when my hand lands on the door, Cap calls, “Whelan?”
I glance over my shoulder.
“I’m really proud of you. You grew up overnight.”
“Excuse me?”
“The relationship you had with Leilani must have been all about the bedroom because you didn’t fit with her. I get it, I forced it with my second wife. I was so hell-bent on being married again after my first wife screwed me over that I forced a relationship that never should’ve happened. We all do it. Don’t beat yourself up about it, but don’t let Kamea slip out of your grasp with any ‘what-if’ scenarios.”
“Yes, sir,” I say and walk out, his words not registering until I’m out of the office.
Patrice walks by me with her special tea the fertility doctor gave her to induce ovulation. “Ready, cowboy?”
I follow her out to the car, dissecting the captain’s words. Did I force things with Leilani just because I had been screwed over by my college girlfriend?
No. I shake my head. Those feelings for her were real. They’re gone now, but they were real at the time. They had to be.
“Hey, I’m going to drive if you don’t get out of this comatose state you’re in.” Patrice dangles the keys in front of my face.
I’m so sick of thinking about Leilani, I snatch them out of her hand and climb into the driver’s seat. Leilani’s been way too much a part of my life than she ever should’ve been.
Once we’re on the road, Patrice babbles about her procedures and how she might have to go on desk duty.
I smile and act interested, but as soon as she stops for breath, I interrupt. “I’m desperate to get Kamea to understand that she’s the one for me. That Leilani means nothing compared to how I feel about her. How can I do that?”
Patrice laughs and glances over. “About damn time. How about you take the girl out on a damn date? Without your friends.”
“We do go on dates.”
“Looking for Leilani is not a date. Going to a bar with your friends is not a date. You making her an omelet in the morning is not a date. And fucking like bunnies is not a date.”
My lips press into a straight line. “I tell you too much shit.”
She giggles. “I’m masterful in getting information out of you. But you need to show her, not just tell her.”