The Lucky in Love Collection - Lauren Blakely Page 0,124

too, when you’re hard.

She wraps a leg over my hip.

I yank her body against mine, bringing her closer. “So, should we try to get out of each other’s systems a few more times?”

Her eyes are flirty, giving me the answer I need for now. “I think that’s a really great idea. You do make me feel pretty damn good.”

“I can make you feel good again, kitten.”

“Is that so?”

“I can definitely give you more of the feel-good factor.”

Her eyes sparkle. “I’ll take it. Why don’t we work on feeling good till the kissing contest?”

I smile. “It’s a deadline.”

“It’s a deadline,” she repeats.

A deadline and a deal.

I roll her to her back, put on a condom, and do everything I can to get us out of our systems.

26

Perri

Jansen points at me, shaking a finger in admiration. “You’re brilliant.”

I beam as we talk in his office the next day. “That sounds possible, doesn’t it? An inside job?” Excitement blasts through me as I review the details I didn’t share with Derek last night.

From his spot behind the desk, Jansen lifts his coffee cup, nodding as he drinks. “Sounds not only possible, but likely.”

I tap the desk. “And insurance money has to be the motive.”

“I agree with you there. I’ll review it later, but good work on this, Keating.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I leave his office, walking on sunshine and hope.

For the rest of the day, I have to force myself to stop smiling. To wear my serious cop face as I finish my patrol work. But inside, I swear I can taste the promotion. I’m reaching for it. I feel it in my grasp.

When I leave the station that evening, I’m the one bopping down the steps, and it’s not because of a viral video or a dance move. It’s because I might have proven I’m the best man and the best woman for the job.

I don’t feel an ounce of guilt for going after the promotion and trying my hardest to nab it. I flash back to Derek’s advice from the other night. He was right. He kept me focused. He kept me from spiraling into a worry that’s far too common for women. And I’m damn grateful because I love my job and I love this town.

I head straight to Helen’s Diner, where I’m meeting the girls. Vanessa and Arden have already snagged a booth, with menus spread out in front of them, even though we all know every item by heart.

I’m glowing when I reach the table and stand before them with arms spread like I’m about to make a pronouncement.

Arden studies me. “My, my. Don’t you look like the cat who ate a couple of tasty canaries?”

I thrust my arms in the air in victory. “They were delicious canaries, because I’m pretty sure I just cracked a case.”

Vanessa cheers then offers a hand to high-five. I smack her palm and slide in next to her. “It’s CSI Lucky Falls–style,” Vanessa adds.

“You know it.” I take a deep breath. “Also, I’m going to tell you something that’s going to literally not shock either of you one bit.”

“Your brother is driving you crazy?” Arden offers.

“You bought more olives?” Vanessa suggests.

Arden goes again. “You finished knitting the pink sweater in one evening on account of sexual frustration?”

Vanessa takes her turn. “You’re hungry?”

I laugh at how they’ve nailed me on every single point. But still, that’s not what I want to tell them, so I roll my eyes. “It’s like you don’t even know me. I’m seriously disappointed in both of you. Try harder,” I say, emphasizing the last word.

Arden’s brown eyes bulge. Vanessa’s jaw drops, and she shoves my shoulder. “You didn’t?”

I wiggle my shoulders. “I did. I slept with Derek last night.”

“How was it? Scale of one to multiple orgasms?” Vanessa asks.

Arden snaps her gaze to Vanessa, giving her a you can’t be serious stare. “Look at Perri’s face. It screams so satisfied. I’m betting she had a lot more than one.”

I grin wildly as I hold up three fingers. “Twice the first round. One in the second. It was literally the best sex ever in the entire universe.”

Vanessa squeals. “Tell us everything.”

I give them more details, but I don’t share everything. I don’t tell them how Derek’s dark eyes lingered possessively on me the whole time. Nor do I tell them how intensely he talks to me, how he looks at me like I’m the only woman he’s ever wanted this much, this deeply. I don’t share how he cuddled me like