“Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask him as we park in my driveway.

“You baked me a cake, and I’m going to eat it.”

Eli was released from the hospital today, and he basically demanded we go straight to my house. He regained feeling in his legs after the first day, and he’s able to walk now with his walker. His doctors reiterated how important it is to stay on track with his medications and infusions, and he claims he understands.

We’ve spent the last few days making plans and trying hard not to focus on his condition. Matt granted me another week off work, and I’m going to New York with Eli.

I help him from the car, and he grumbles when I bring the walker out.

“Don’t gripe, you know you have to use it, Gramps.”

“You do realize in a week, I could be perfectly normal and be able to kick your ass for that comment.”

I smile, “I like my chances on outrunning you.”

He huffs and pushes the walker toward the house. “Thinks she’s all badass because she’s a cop, I’ll show her.”

I’ve missed this playful, smartass, and horny-as-hell side of him. However, I swear, he tried to get me to blow him in the hospital. That was a fun fight, where I did actually help him a little, however I was not on board with hospital blow jobs. He threatened that if I didn’t, he’d find a nurse to give him a sponge bath.

No one in that hospital was touching his junk but me.

We enter the house, and he sits on the couch. “You okay?” he asks for the millionth time. I don’t need to even bother asking what he’s referring to.

Tomorrow, Eli will hold a press conference to announce his condition along with our relationship. His publicist pretty much demanded we take control of the situation. They took thousands of photos of me coming in and out of the hospital. The constant barrage of questions was out of control. Eli was livid and demanded Sharon get here and handle things.

“Stop asking me that. I’m fine.” For the most part. “Am I excited about this? No, but it’s what has to be done. Honestly, I’m glad we had time before people figured it out.”

Eli pulls me to his side and kisses the top of my head. “You’re going to be great. You don’t have to talk, just stand there and look pretty.”

He’s ridiculous. His publicist, Sharon, is a lunatic. I swear, she’s her own brand of energy. She talks a mile a minute, has a Bluetooth constantly attached to her ear, and can carry on at least four conversations at once. She scares me—a lot.

“Sharon said they’re going to hound me more if I refuse to speak. She practically demanded I answer questions.”

“Baby, they’re going to hound you no matter what. It’s part of their game, but the beginning will be the worst. After that, some asshole will do something stupid, and they’ll move on.”

I look at him and grin. “Basically, we should hope for a celebrity shit show?”

“Pretty much. Give them a real juicy story, and they’ll all flock to that.”

This world is a little odd. I’ve never understood the appeal of stalking celebrities. Nicole tried to explain it to me once, but it was as if she were trying to explain quantum physics to a rock. I just didn’t get it.

“Your life is bizarre,” I muse while enjoying his warmth.

“And yours isn’t?”

I sit up with my jaw open. “Umm, how is my life weird?”

He chuckles. “Let’s see, you chase after criminals. People with guns.”

“Yeah, bad people who need to be in jail.”

“Even worse!” Eli laughs as his voice raises. “You’re nuts.”

“Oh, I see, now you’re just an actor again?” I nudge him. Not so long ago, Eli was claiming he was practically a cop, I guess he forgets that.

Recognition dawns on his face, and he rolls his eyes. “I’m a man who is dying for some cake.” He winks.

Smooth.

I kiss his cheek and get to my feet. I don’t even know if the cake survived, but if I know Kristin, she wrapped it up and put it in the fridge for me.

I, on the other hand, would’ve just tossed it. I will never be the class mom or the wife who organizes some big event. It’s not my style.

“You know,” Eli yells from the living room. “I could skip the cake and go for a sponge bath.”

“I bet you could, but I’m good, thanks.” I laugh as I open the fridge.

Sure enough, the cake is wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which is something I’m going to need to ask her about. Especially if it preserves cake for longer, that’s a good tip.

Cake is always a good thing.

“Killjoy! Did you find the cake?” he asks.

I walk out with the whole thing and two forks.

“It looks great. Is it edible?” he jokes.

I move around to the couch and sit next to him. “Ass. I’m not sure, but since it’s your birthday cake, you should totally have the first bite.”

He eyes the cake and then looks back at me. Then, he dips his finger in the icing and moves it to his mouth. His green eyes move back to mine before he smears it on my chest. I go to jump up, but he grabs my wrist, holding me down. “Stay there,” he instructs. “I want some extra sugar with my cake.”

His lips kiss a trail down to my neck, and then his tongue slides across my skin. Heat pools in my center at the feel of him on my skin. Eli takes his time, licking the frosting from my chest. I’ve missed his touch. My fingers glide through his thick hair, and his longer-than-normal scruff scratches in the best possible way.

I make a mental note to tell him to keep it for a while.

“I think the cake is perfect,” he muses.

“Yeah?”

“Oh, most definitely.”

I dip my finger in and then pop the sugary goodness in my mouth. “Mmm,” I moan. “It’s good, but I think maybe it’s missing something.”

He takes a bigger swipe and places the frosting on my thigh. Eli grips my calves, pulling so I fall backward. “I need another taste,” he explains.

“Well, by all means.” I’m not going to stop him. Eli is the fire that I never want to extinguish. When he’s around, I’m alive, and I never want to go back. I’m beautiful, special, and precious to him.

His tongue moves higher and higher up my leg before he stops. “Eli,” I groan, wanting him to keep going.

He leans back, fire blazing in his eyes, and I know this cake is going to be eaten very creatively.

“Mr. Walsh will read a brief statement, and then we’ll allow a few questions at the end,” Sharon says as we stand in front of a crowd of reporters.

Eli squeezes my hand before releasing it. I hate this for him. I hate this for me, too, but he’s the one talking. Hours before, Sharon explained the importance of the wording and our body language before making us review each possible way to handle any questions. When she was satisfied we wouldn’t screw it up, she berated me for another fifteen minutes about my outfit. After she finally found a black pants suit, red heels, and jewelry that she found adequate, we were on our way.

Now, it’s really happening.

My heart races in my chest when Eli clears his throat. I wish this weren’t necessary. He’s kept his condition a secret for years, and today, he’s going to tell the world.

“Good afternoon. I’d first like to take a moment and thank you all for the get-well messages. The staff at Tampa General Hospital is truly phenomenal, and I received the best care while I was there.” Eli clenches his hand and then flattens it. “Six days ago, I was in my home where I fell and hit my head. Thankfully, I didn’t sustain any lasting damage from the concussion, and my face is fine, so no worries about filming.” He winks at the camera before tossing a smile to the reporters. “However, my fall was due to a condition I was diagnosed with ten years ago. I have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and have been able to manage my disease with a fantastic team of doctors and regular medication.”

The faces of the reporters vary from shock to worry. I listen as he explains more about his MS and how it affects him. He speaks about his medication, the fact that he wasn’t symptomatic, and what it means going forward.

I wish I could take this for him and handle it, but a swell of relief washes over me at how well he’s doing. Eli didn’t need me to do anything but be by his side. We talked about how to deal with the press in regards to me, and we agreed as a couple that I wouldn’t speak today.

Eventually, we got Sharon to agree to it, but we had to give her something in return. So, as soon as he’s finished with this, he’ll head outside where there are barricades to keep the fans at bay. Sharon thought it would be good for him to sign autographs and appear normal after he tells them about his illness. I thought he should get rest, but I was pretty much overruled.

“My girlfriend, Heather Covey, has been by my side through the entire week.” Immediately, the press get to their feet, hands are raised, and people are calling his name, but Eli doesn’t flinch. He gives them a second and just smiles. “I’m going to give you all the run down so hopefully you won’t have any questions by the time I’m done. Although, I’m sure that won’t happen.” Eli laughs as a few of them do as well.

After he tells them a very abridged version of our relationship and who I am, I can breathe a little. My heart is still going a mile a minute, but he commands the entirety of their attention. He’s truly in his element right now, and it’s downright sexy.

He finishes, draws a deep breath, and asks, “Any questions?”

“Are you saying you’re officially off the market?” A young reporter asks.

Eli rocks back on his heels with a grin. “Yes. I’m very much off the market.”

He points to the next person with their hand up. “Do you plan to move back to Tampa?”

“I plan to fulfill my obligations to A Thin Blue Line and make time for my relationship as well. Does that mean I’ll be in Tampa a lot more? Yes.” I watch in awe as he takes each question with ease.

“Any plans to get married?”

My eyes widen at the leap from being off the market to marriage. We both love each other immensely, but Jesus.

Eli chuckles. “We’re taking things day by day right now.”

“So, it isn’t serious?” The same reporter asks.

I can almost feel Eli’s mood shift from amusement to anger. “If it weren’t serious, I wouldn’t be here, Joe. In the last ten plus years, when have you heard me talk about a girlfriend?” Eli challenges him. “It’s serious.”

Joe doesn’t respond, and Eli moves to the next hand. It goes on with the same variations of questions, all centered around our relationship, none about his multiple sclerosis. Which is baffling since that’s what the point of this was.

I stand one step behind Eli as he moves to the next question.

“Ms. Covey.” She looks at me and a flash of fear hits me. “Do you plan to quit your job as a Tampa Police Officer?”

Eli starts to speak, but I touch his arm as I get closer to the microphone. I don’t know how I got here, but my feet somehow moved toward him. “I don’t. I love serving this city, and I’ll continue to do so.” I slide my hand down his arm and rest it on top of his hand. The smile on Eli’s face is full of pride. He laces his fingers with mine, and I’m not afraid. He’s up here taking the hits and standing strong.

I can do this because together, we’re unrelenting.

“Is it true you were married before?”

I watch Eli’s knuckles turn white from gripping the side of the table he’s holding with his other hand. I squeeze my fingers and take a page from his book. “Yes, I’ve been divorced for five years. Eli is aware of my previous marriage.”

Sharon moves to the other side of Eli and pulls the microphone out. “That’s all we have time for today.”

Sharon ushers us to a private room, where Eli takes a seat. He refused to use the walker today. I didn’t even attempt to convince him otherwise. However, it’s clear that it took a great amount of energy for him to stay on his feet and perform.

“You did great,” I say, wiping his forehead.

“You weren’t so bad yourself.” He smiles and takes my hand in his.

“Yes, yes, you both were great,” Sharon says as she types on her phone. “We need to get you out there as quickly as possible. They all need to believe you’re the epitome of health.”

I’m suddenly thinking this meet and autograph thing was genuinely a bad idea.

I roll my eyes and fight back the urge to slap her. “Are you good?” I ask him.

“I’ve got this, baby.”

The instinct to protect him rises, but I repress the urge. I have to trust him, which means not trying to control the situation. It’s so much easier said than done. I’m a cop. I thrive on being in control. It’s who I am, but I also know that it’s his greatest fear within our relationship.

Instead of doing what I really want to do, I smile. “Okay.”

Eli bursts out laughing and pulls me on his lap. “You’re such a shitty liar.”

“Don’t laugh at me.” I smack his chest.

“You should see your face. Don’t ever go into acting.”

Whatever.

“Let’s go, Eli.” Sharon claps her hand. “I want you to go for as long as you can.”

I glare at her. “Don’t you think you should be a little concerned for him?”

“I’m concerned for his career, which is my job.” Sharon doesn’t even look at me. She goes back to her phone and huffs. “I’ll meet you out there. Don’t take long.”

I get to my feet once she leaves the room. “I’m pretty sure she’s Satan’s daughter.”

He chuckles. “Makes me glad she’s on our team then.”

Eli pulls me into his arms, and I wrap mine around his waist. “I love you,” I tell him.

“I love you.”

He drops his lips to mine, and I couldn’t give a shit less about his fans waiting or Sharon, who is probably ready to butcher me. Right now, I have him all to myself. I love how centered he makes me feel. I never worry where his mind is. When we’re together, it’s on us.

“You should go,” I mumble against his mouth. “And be careful, those women are crazy and will try to kidnap you.”

He pulls back. “Don’t worry, we have police protection.”

“What?” I ask.

Eli shrugs. “I know you’re able to take care of yourself, but this is a new set of rules. You’re in my world now, and I’m going to do what I can to protect you.”

I’m still not understanding. What the hell does any of this have to do with police protection?

He waits a second, and it hits me.

“Oh my God! You have people here to protect me? Other cops? I am a cop, Eli. I don’t need protection.” There’s no freaking way this is going to work for me. I’m not getting other cops to shadow me. A lot of us do it part time. It’s great money when the celebrities are in town. I’ve done it, and over my dead body will I become one of those.

“You have no idea what the hell crazy fans are like, I do. We do this my way, baby. No room for discussion, at least in the beginning. I have a bunch of off duty guys who will stay with me and some will stay with you.”

My eyes narrow. There are so many damn things to say to him, but the worry in his eyes makes me swallow every single one of them. He’s truly afraid and doing what he can to ease his own fears.

“We’ll talk later. Right now, you need to go.” I table the discussion.

His brow raises, but he doesn’t say anything. We both know what this means . . . one hell of an argument followed by some fantastic sex.

We exit the room, and I see a bunch of my squad leaning against the wall.

“Hey! Look who it is, our very own celebrity officer!” Whitman laughs and looks around.

“Look, it’s my over-aged security detail.” I smile. “I’ve missed you jackasses!”

And I have. I’ve been off work since Stephanie passed away, and I’ve been itching to get back on the road. This squad is part of my family. We may give each other a hard time, but I would literally take a bullet for them. They’re my brothers, and I don’t forget how lucky I am to have these kinds of people in my life.

Whitman and Vincenzo pull me in for a hug. “It’s good to see you with a smile.”

“Yeah, it’s all thanks to this guy. Boys, this is Eli Walsh.”

“Eli, this is Whitman and Vincenzo.” I point to each in turn. “They were who responded to your fall.”

“Oh, wow.” Eli shakes their hands. “Thank you, guys. I’m really grateful.”

“We’re glad we could help.” They both brush it off. And in all honesty, it’s our job. Being praised for doing what we took an oath to do is sometimes weird. I always feel awkward because I love it. I want to help others. I like the calls where I get to make a difference, and those two did so much—for Eli and for me.

“I’m glad Heather had someone she knew there to help,” Eli says and then kisses the side of my head.

Federico coughs, and I glare at him before finishing the introductions. “You know Brody. This dumbass is Federico, that’s Jones, and—” I stare in to the eyes of one man I didn’t think I’d see here. I don’t know why I never thought it was a possibility, but it’s happening. “My lieutenant, Matt Jamerson.”

“Nice to meet you guys.” Eli shakes all their hands and then wraps his arm around my waist when he reaches out to grab Matt’s hand. “I appreciate the help with the crowd.”

I look to Brody and purse my lips, using my mind to yell at him about not warning me. In a weird way, he seems to understand my internal screaming and has enough sense to look contrite.

This is going to be so damn awkward.

“Well, we all love Heather and don’t want anyone to hurt her,” Federico says, as if I don’t know they bitched about it.

“Yes, we do,” Matt says in agreement.

Is he unhinged? Eli’s hand constricts against my side. “Good to know.”

Matt steps closer. “She’s one of us. We protect our own.”

I feel as if I’m having an out-of-body experience. I must be dreaming, because there’s no way my boyfriend and my ex-asshole are having this discussion, right? I’ve had some weird shit go down in the last few days, but this isn’t real.

“I completely understand,” Eli says smoothly. I look up, slightly confused by how he managed to miss the hidden meaning in Matt’s words. I’m not a guy and I get it. “It’s why I hired you all. Heather’s safety is paramount. I always take care of what’s mine.”

And there it is.

“She wouldn’t need protection normally.”

“When she fell in love with me, things changed. However, I clearly have all intentions of taking care of her . . . in every way. I don’t walk away from my responsibilities, especially when it comes to people I love.”

This conversation is going to get out of hand real quick. I look to Brody, who is about two seconds away from popping popcorn, and the rest of the guys are grinning. Matt is a good cop, but no one likes him as a person.

Time to end this.

“You guys about done?” I ask. “Want to measure who is bigger? Although, I already know the answer to that.”

Matt huffs and shakes his head. “I’ve got paperwork to fill out, I’m sure you’ll be fine with Brody.”

I watch the man I thought I loved for so long walk away. Someone I made vows to, and would still probably be with if he hadn’t left, and I wonder how I was so blind.

Matt would never have hired a bunch of police officers if my safety was at risk. He’d tell me I was being stupid. He wouldn’t go out of his way to make me feel comfortable or just take my hand for no reason.

Eli does all of those things and more.

I turn back to Eli, who has his chest puffed out, his smile is ridiculously bright, and is probably two seconds away from him pounding his chest like a caveman.

“You’re that happy with yourself, huh?”

He grins at me. “You’re welcome.”

I roll my eyes and drop my forehead to his chest. “You’re a mess.”

Eli’s arms encompass me. “Your ex-husband is an idiot.”

“I’m well aware.”

“I’ll handle him if he becomes a problem.”

I’m not sure what he’ll do, considering Matt’s my boss, but I’ll never tire of his desire to care for me. It’s nice having someone there for me. We’re truly partners in every sense of the word.

I lift my gaze back to his with my hand on his chest.

We don’t say anything, we don’t have to.

The depth of Eli’s love is soul shattering, and I feel it in my bones. He gives me things I didn’t even know I needed. He looks at me as if I’m the only thing that matters. It’s the kind of love I saw in my father’s eyes when he looked at my mother.

We could’ve fallen apart last week, but we didn’t. We stand here, stronger and even more secure than before.

“Thank you,” I say.

He takes my hands in his and smiles. “I should be thanking your ex.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve never been more grateful than I am right now. If he weren’t such a dick, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” He drops lower and kisses my lips. “And this.” He places a kiss on my forehead. “Or this,” he says before he cups my face and kisses me deeply. His tongue slides against mine, and I forget where we are. My hands grip his shoulders as I kiss him back.

I hear someone clear their throat, and we both pull back. Shit.

Brody stands there with a shit-eating grin. “Now that was some funny shit. Glad someone finally told him what a piece of shit he is.”

“He’s lucky I’m recovering or I would’ve kicked his ass,” Eli concurs.

Oh, dear God.

I scowl at Brody and then look back to Eli. “Go be the famous hot guy who everyone loves.”

He dips his head, giving me a sweet, short kiss. “Good thing I only love one person.”

“Good thing she loves you back.”

Eli smiles and taps my nose. “Once in a lifetime,” he says before he heads out of the room.

I lean against the door, grateful that Kristin was in the Four Blocks Down fanclub. Otherwise, this chance would’ve passed us by, and that would’ve been a tragedy.