The Do-Over (The Rooftop Crew #5) - Piper Rayne Page 0,67

public indecency.” Patrice sits down next to us.

“Hey, Patrice,” Kamea says.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

Kamea smacks my stomach.

“I’m invested in this whole thing too,” Patrice says. “I had to see if she showed.”

Patrice doesn’t have to be here since I signed off on the paperwork. She’s choosing to.

We all sit there and listen to case after case until they announce Leilani’s. I grab Kamea’s hand and squeeze it, wondering if Leilani’s out in the hall. Maybe she lawyered up and the lawyer will speak on her behalf. But the judge checks the clock and looks at the bailiff. I’ve seen that look before.

“Next case,” the judge says.

The bailiff takes the paperwork from the judge and carries it over to the record keeper. Leilani now has a warrant out for her arrest.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I slide it out to see that it’s the station.

“I’ll meet you in the hall,” I whisper and excuse myself down the row and out the doors. I look around, hoping I see Leilani. Not showing up to court has taken her misbehavior to a new level.

I answer my phone. “Hello?”

“Officer Whelan?”

My stomach tightens with anticipation. “Yes, this is he.”

“This is Chief Jenkins. I just wanted to be the first to congratulate you on the detective position. We’re happy to have someone like you on board in our investigative department. You did excellent on your detective’s exam, and your interview filled in the picture of what kind of cop you are. Captain Donnelly has all the information for you, but I needed to offer my congratulations.”

I feel almost as if I’m floating. In a way, his words sound surreal. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re very welcome. I’ll see you at the swearing-in ceremony. Have a great day, Officer Whelan.”

“You too, sir. Thank you.” I click off the phone and stuff it in my pocket.

Patrice and Kamea walk out of the courtroom, and I run over and pick up Kamea.

“I got it,” I say, swinging her in a circle.

“I knew you would.” Her arms tighten around my neck. “Congratulations! We need to celebrate.”

I lower her to the floor. “Not yet. First, I’m taking you out. A real date where I can woo you.”

“Woo me?” She giggles.

Patrice gives me a thumbs-up from behind Kamea’s back and waves goodbye.

“Yes, I’m wooing you.”

“Well, you don’t have to, but I’m super excited to see what’s involved.” She raises on her tiptoes, stopping when her lips are millimeters from mine. “Congratulations, Detective Whelan,” she says before kissing me.

I pull her into me until someone clears their throat as they walk by. “Let’s get out of here.”

I take her hand, and although Kamea didn’t get her money, I feel as if there’s closure now that Leilani’s court date is over. Whatever happens, happens. All I care about is Kamea and the two of us moving forward together.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kamea

I borrow a blouse of Rian’s and pair it with my dark slim-fit jeans in the hopes it’s fancy enough for wherever Knox has planned. He’s not exactly a five-star restaurant guy, which is something I love about him. I don’t even need this date for him to woo me, although I appreciate the effort.

A card slides under my bedroom door at Rian and Dylan’s. I can’t stay here forever. I know that. From Dylan’s reactions and body language when we’re alone together, I’m not really welcome. But like all his friends, Dylan does what the woman in his life wants rather than what he wants.

I pick up the card to find my name written in guy’s handwriting. When I slide my finger under the seam, my stomach feels fizzy with nerves and excitement. It dawns on me that Knox and I have a lot to find out about one another still. I have no idea when his birthday even is.

I take the card out of the envelope, sitting on the edge of my bed, and read “I’m bananas for you” on the outside. Inside, there’s a short note.

Kamea,

I’ve never been so happy, and it’s because of you coming into my life. I’m so thankful we found our way to one another again. Rest assured, you’re on my mind every minute of every day. Although I’d like you to move back home, at least you’re only across the hall, but please come back home. :)

Pick you up in a half hour.

Love,

Knox

I giggle and stuff the card in the top drawer of the dresser, under my panties and bras. I’m ready early, so I