Chapter 23

Walker

A car door slams loud enough to wake me, and I hear the faint jingle. There’s a familiar rustle before the scraping and clawing begins. Emi jolts, throwing her leg over my waist and clutching my chest.

“Is that a wild animal?” she whispers sleepily.

“No, babe. It’s my dad and Micky.”

As if Micky has sonic hearing, he barks at his name, causing her to jerk again.

“I take it Micky’s a dog.”

“What gave it away?” I tease, squeezing her shoulder.

“It’s way too early for you to mock me.” She nuzzles into my chest.

I grab my phone off the nightstand and check the time. “It’s nine. We slept in.”

“It feels like we just went to sleep. You kept me up late last night, or this morning.”

“What’d you expect when you finally gave me a pass to enjoy your piercings?”

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m pretty sure my entire body feels the after-effects.”

I smile to myself. “Then I did it right.”

“Wait! Did you say your dad is here?” She scrambles back and winces at the sudden movement.

“Yeah.”

“But I’m naked!”

“He’s not coming in until I answer the door. He knows better.”

“But I’m naked!” she repeats, this time a little more hysterically.

“He’s not going to see you.”

“Go get him.” She shoves me. “Don’t leave him outside or he’ll wonder what we’re doing.”

“We’re not doing anything. We’re lying in bed after waking up. There’s nothing even slightly sexual about that.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t know that.”

“Relax and take your time getting ready. I’ll go make some coffee and let him in.” I kiss her quickly and slide out from her hold, grabbing my jeans off the floor. When I get to the door, I turn to find her sitting up in bed with the sheets pooled around her waist, watching me. Those damn gems sparkle in the light, and my mouth waters to run my tongue over them again.

“Walker! GO!” She throws her finger to the door.

Micky’s face is plastered at the front window, and when he sees me, he goes crazy. I brace when I open the door, only to be greeted with him leaping onto me and licking my face with all the enthusiasm of a puppy. Technically, he’s almost two, but his energy hasn’t slowed down.

“Come on in.” I wave to my dad and try to calm Micky down.

He follows me to the kitchen, where I start the coffee and lay out a bowl of water for the dog.

“What’s got you here so early?” I ask him, opening the fridge and giving silent thanks that my mom stocked the place for me.

“Can’t a dad just want to have coffee with his son?”

“Sure, but when that son is in bed with his woman, maybe we should set ground rules.”

His eyes light up with humor right as he sits. “Noted. Tomorrow, I won’t barge in, but I came with a purpose. Actually, two purposes. Think you’ll thank me.”

Alarm bells go off at the suggestion in his tone. I stop prepping Emi’s coffee mug and cut my eyes to him. “She didn’t.”

“She did. But luckily not many were available on short notice.”

“How many are we expecting?”

“I think a dozen.”

I blow out a low whistle through my teeth, fighting back the irritation with my mom. I should have been prepared for this.

“No offense, Walk, but what did you expect? She’s over the moon excited. All morning, she’s been on the phone gushing over Emi. She wants to show her off.”

“I don’t mind showing her off, but I wanted one weekend alone without a ton of activity. Since we started dating, it’s been one thing after another.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have brought her here then. Your mom is on full speed. Try not to disappoint her.”

“You’re right, I’ll let Emi know. She’ll probably love it.”

“I think that woman would love anything having to do with you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means there’s no denying the way she feels about you. It’s written all over her face. I can say the same about you. Never thought I’d see the day you fell hard for a woman. It’s taken you long enough.”

“It took a while for the right woman to come along, but I’m not an idiot. As soon as I saw her, it was all over.”

He smiles his all-knowing smile that he’s had my whole life. Without spelling it out, he knows what I’m saying.

“Okay, so you mentioned two purposes. What else besides an impromptu party to show off my girlfriend?”

“I wanted to hear more about this drug case you’re working on.”

“I’ve basically told you all I can. Our team is solid and highly qualified to follow this through, but the writing’s on the wall. As soon as we get close, DEA is going to sweep in and take over.”

“You okay with that?”

“Hell no, but I know the process. It’s not my call. Not much I can say, and it’s not worth the headache of bitching. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to see it through.”

“There any danger involved?”

“Not yet, who knows what will happen as we get closer. But like I said, we’re solid. I trust these guys.”

“Stay safe.” There’s a sense of worry in the way he says it.

“Dad, I was in the service for a lot of years. I got this.”

He starts to say something else when an ear-piercing, bloodcurdling scream tears through the cabin. My heart stops at the sound, and I take off to the bedroom; my dad on my heels. When I get there, I find Emi shielding her face as Micky enthusiastically greets her. He’s leapt up, using her shoulders for balance, licking her relentlessly.

“Micky! Down now!” I yell at him, and he stops, looking at me with his wide puppy eyes. He lands and slinks to the bed to hide.

“Micky? That’s Micky?” Emi looks at me in horror. “He’s bigger than me!”

“He’s a Great Dane.” I go to her, wrapping my arms around her shaking body.

“I came out of the bathroom, and he pounced. It scared the shit out of me.”

“He’s a big fan of greeting people with a kiss,” I try to explain.

“Sorry about that, Emi. He’s used to having free reign when he’s here,” Dad tells her. “He’s very friendly.”

She turns in my hold and looks at him. “Morning, Travis.”

“Morning.”

“Okay, let’s try this again.” She goes slowly to where Micky is pouting. He perks up a little when she crouches in front of him. “Hey, Micky.” She carefully holds out her hand for him to sniff.

That’s all the encouragement he needs, licking her fingers a few times then rolling so his legs are in the air, his belly fully exposed. She scratches him, cooing as he waggles excitedly. He nudges her foot, and she plops on her butt, letting out a little squeak.

“Be careful, Emi. He may be a large dog, but he’s truly a big baby. He’ll snuggle like one, too,” Dad warns her.

As if on cue, Micky curls into her lap and lays his head against her chest, licking her neck.

“I’m sorry I screamed at you. What a sweetie.” She continues to give him a rub down.

He melts into her, huffing in contentment. The dog’s a smart fucker. I let them get to know each other for a few minutes, listening to her praise his sweetness. When she mentions he’s such a beauty, I have to intervene.

“Emi, he’s a HE, which means he’s not beautiful.”

“I think he is. These eyes, this grey coat, the floppy ears—he’s the most beautiful dog ever.” She looks over her shoulder at me. “And for the record, you’re a HE, and I think you’re beautiful, too.”

My dad tries to cover his laugh with a cough, but fails.

Now would be a great time to change the subject. “My mom has been busy. Tonight, she’s throwing a barbeque and invited some family and friends.”

Emi’s eyes flare in surprise as she bites down on her bottom lip. For a second, I think she’s upset, then she snaps and looks at my dad. “Can I help with anything?”

“No, we have it covered.”

“Does Leslie like margaritas?”

“Loves them,” he answers.

She turns her head back to me. “Is there a liquor store close? I can make my margaritas.”

“Sure, we can run up there after our shower.”

Her face heats up and eyes grow wide at my blasé announcement, not caring that my dad heard.

“That’s my cue to go.” He claps his hands for Micky, who doesn’t listen, pawing at Emi for her attention.

“I’m gonna bring Emi up to the house to show her around the property later. Micky can stay with us,” I tell him.

“Okay, see ya later.”

“Wait, aren’t you staying for coffee?” Emi struggles to get free and stand.

“Not this morning. I’m going to help Leslie, but tomorrow, I’ll take you up on the offer.” He turns to leave, but not before flashing me that all-knowing smile.

Once again, he understands. It’ll be a while before we make it up to his house.

“You did what?” I glare at my best friend with fire searing in my blood.

“I dropped off my stuff at the cabin on my way up here,” Marcus repeats, finishing off his beer.

“You can pick it right up on your way home.”

“No can do.” He shakes the empty bottle in my face. “No drinking and driving.”

“Well, take your sorry ass to your parents’.”

“Emi already approved.” He raises an eyebrow as his lips start to twitch. “She’s making everyone breakfast tomorrow.”

Of course, she is…

“Man, you look ready to kill. What’s happened to you?” He opens the cooler and gets us both a fresh bottle.

“I wanted one weekend alone to relax. Don’t take it personally.”

“I don’t take it personally, but your mom is the one who sent out the PJIH message. Once I knew your quiet getaway was hijacked by Leslie, I jumped in the car. Although, I’ll admit my bag was packed by the door. I had no doubt, once she met Emi, all bets were off.”

I groan, thinking of my mom and her ‘Praise Jesus, It’s Happened’ messages.

PJIH- Walker’s graduated.

PJIH- Walker’s out of basic training.

PJIH- Walker wasn’t hurt on deployment.

PJIH- Walker’s being discharged and coming home.

And now—

PJIH- Walker’s met a woman.

“Doesn’t mean you need to stay with us tonight. Your parents are four miles away.”

“Don’t want to disappoint Emi. She’s already looking forward to breakfast.” He grins into the rim of his bottle.

“You do realize the term open invitation doesn’t apply to this weekend, right?”

I look across the patio to find Emi eyeing me suspiciously. She’s surrounded by women on the other side of the pool, where she’s lounging on an outdoor papasan with Micky on her lap. It’s obvious she knows what I’m thinking by the scowl that forms on her face.

“Give me a minute.” I leave Marcus and go to her, my eyes never moving. When I’m at her side, I slink between a few women who are chatting loudly and kneel down so only she can hear.

“You encouraged Marcus to stay with us?”

“I did. He’s your best friend, and I want to make him and your parents breakfast in the morning.”

“Why? We are supposed to be chilling out, alone.”

“Why? Because it means something to me. This is going to be our life—which, by the way, I love. He’s your best friend, and I hardly know him. I want this, Walker, all of it.” She says it with such conviction, I decide to let my irritation go.

“Okay, Emi, but I wanted this weekend to be about us.”

“Isn’t this us?”

The way she points it out makes me realize she’s thinking about what I said in the truck yesterday. “Yeah, but not exactly what I had planned.”

“Plans change, and besides, I think I’m broken.”

“Broken?”

“I’m pretty sure the horseback riding, paired with the activities last night, may have crippled me. You may have to haul a crane in here to get this chair back to your cabin. My whole body is aching.”

“Mine, too, but not in the same way.”

Her face softens and eyes start to glimmer. “I love you.”

“I would believe you more if you didn’t invite my nuisance of a best friend to stay with us.”

“It’s one night.”

I reach over to run my fingers along her cheek, only to be head-butted by Micky, who’s taken a protective edge.

“Buddy, back off.” I nudge his face to the side. “She’s still mine.”

“Your mom told me about his breeder. I’ve decided I want one.”

“He’s a big dog, Emi. Great Danes need land to roam. They also need attention as puppies. It’s a huge decision to make after only a few hours with him. It’s not always going to be this easy,” I point out.

“You mean kinda like making a decision you’re going to spend the rest of your life with someone almost immediately?”

It takes a split–second for me to rethink my stance. “You want one, I’ll get you one. We’ll talk to the breeder.”

Her eyes light up, and she reaches for my hand. “We have time. Once life calms down and we can be out here more, we can get Micky a playmate.”

There’s a heavy, heartfelt sigh behind us, and I turn to see Mom and two of her friends with their hands at their mouths and eyes shining bright.

“Fuck,” I whisper under my breath and focus back to Emi. “Can we go back now?”

She nods. “I think twenty pounds of barbeque, five pitchers of margaritas, and a full day have caught up to me. Does your dad have a crane lying around to transport me?”

“I won’t need a crane. I’ll carry you.”

“How about trying to help me stand before you swoop me up? I’m scared I’ll hurt you.”

“Impossible.” I put her hand to my mouth and kiss it lightly then stand. “Micky, down,” I order, and he audibly whimpers before obeying. Once Emi’s lap is free, she uses me to help her up.

“Mom, we’re going to go.”

“Okay,” she replies dreamily, still watching us with the gleam in her eyes.

“Thank you, Leslie, for a wonderful night.” Emi leaves my side to hug Mom and say goodnight to her friends.

After several minutes of hugs and promises to see them again, I drag Emi to my truck, waving at my dad and a few other men on the way. Marcus is close behind.

On the short drive back to the cabin, Emi recaps the night and gushes over my parents’ property. Then she surprises the hell out of me when we park and she turns to me with a serious expression etched on her face. “I have a confession to make. There’s another reason I invited Marcus to join us tonight,” she announces.

The hair on the back of my neck starts to tingle.

“Maren and I agreed that we want to tell Marcus about TA.”

“Why?”

“Because of his interest. He brought his curiosity to you, and now that you know, I don’t want you to lie to him.”

“It’s giving up another layer of your anonymity. I can handle Marcus by evading his interest.”

“You trust him?”

“With my life.” I don’t waver.

“Then we do, too.”

My chest squeezes with a pleasant ache. “Okay.”

She nods happily, her face relaxing.

Marcus is waiting for us, watching Emi closely as she makes her way to the door. “Are you limping?”

“I’m not sure it’s limping as much as waddling. I haven’t been on a horse in about fifteen years. That, mixed with hours of sex and a new set of nipple piercings, has left me a little sore,” she responds openly, not missing a beat.

“Jesus.” I drop my chin to my chest. “Emi, thought we discussed this.”

“Sorry.” She starts to giggle. “It was too good to pass up. Look at his face.”

I glance at Marcus, who’s frozen in place looking shell-shocked at her bluntness. Even if inappropriate, it’s funny as hell.

He recovers quickly, pinning his eyes to mine. “Is it way too late to use the bro-code, I knew her first, therefore—”

“Don’t even think of finishing that statement if you want to live to see tomorrow,” I growl, narrowing my eyes in warning.

Emi giggles louder, leading us inside.

“I’m going to change, then I have a story for you, Marcus. It’s a surefire way to make you change your mind on the bro-code.” She goes to the bedroom, leaving me standing with a gawking Marcus.

I smack the back of his head. “Stop staring at her ass.”

“I’m not,” he lies, still gawking.

“Take a seat. I’ll grab us a drink. You’re gonna need one.”

A few minutes later, Emi joins us, coming to sit by my side. She looks at me for approval to start, and I drape my arm around her shoulder and squeeze gently. This is her show.

She launches into her story, telling Marcus all about Trixsters Anonymous. I’m surprised at the level of detail she goes into, yet still keeping her clients’ identities a secret. The only one she names specifically is Jean and her friend.

He sits quietly, his face expressionless, listening intently. His eyes are locked on her, soaking in every word.

“Well, that’s about it,” she finishes, blowing out a deep breath and looking at me for support.

“Come here.” I nudge her.

She crawls into my lap, laying her head on my shoulder and her hand on my chest. I kiss the top of her head then focus back on him.

Emi starts to squirm, growing uncomfortable with the silence. “Why isn’t he saying anything?” she whispers.

“Because he’s soaking it all in. He’s a natural thinker.”

Finally, she loses her patience and points to him. “Say something!”

“I think you may have accomplished what no one ever has. You’ve stunned me speechless.”

She turns to me with a question in her eyes. “Is this a bad thing?”

“I don’t know. It’s never happened before. Quiet, processing, reserving judgment… I’ve seen it all, but never speechless.”

“You two have quite an operation. How the hell have you remained uncaught?”

“Disguises, roaming VPNs, untraceable phones, impenetrable firewalls, timed email deletion, excellent technological expertise, blanket business profile…” she rambles.

“And luck. Pure luck.”

“And there’s that. But I’d like to think it’s more professional acumen than luck,” she insists.

“Walker caught on. Who’s to say someone else won’t trace all this back to you?”

“Walker caught us because of his intimate knowledge of me personally. And my ass. We can’t forget my ass,” she adds proudly.

“Damn.” He sucks in a breath and shakes his head before shifting his eyes to mine. “What do you have to say about this, Walk?”

“Not much I can say. We’re working through the details as we go. I’m not thrilled with any of it, but I can’t demand she quit. The way I see it, I’ve taken on another full-time job—a lifetime of making sure she’s safe.”

“Have you thought about getting your license? Making this a little more legal?” he asks her.

“It hasn’t come up until Walker mentioned it,” she admits.

“I’ll cover the costs, for you and Maren.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“That didn’t come out right. I want in. I want to be able to refer people to you, but I’d need to have the proper licenses in place.”

“W-w-what?” she sputters.

“Obviously, there would need to be a few contracts in place, and I’d do my best to keep you anonymous.”

“No, I didn’t tell you all this for a job. It was for Walker. I didn’t want him to lie to you. We’re not interested in being in business with anyone else. Our secrecy is our platform. People feel comfortable coming to us.”

“I know! That’s why I want in. Think about it, run it by Maren. Having a license will give you more and more access to things.”

“Won’t we have to register our names with the state and follow other complicated processes that will compromise us?”

“I’ll look into it next week and report back to you on the full process. If you’re not interested, I won’t push.”

“Actually, I think it’s a good idea to let him look into it, Emi, especially if you’re going to be crawling in backyards for surveillance and hacking into people’s personal finances.” My arms tighten around Emi.

“Fine, but this is not an agreement of any kind. It’s me allowing you to look into what it takes to become a certified Private Investigator,” she huffs.

“Marcus, maybe we should leave it as it is tonight.”

He sits back and finishes off his beer. Then he shoots me that fucking smug-ass wicked grin. Knowing whatever he’s going to say is going to piss me off, I dig around in the cushions, finding one of Micky’s tennis balls.

“She’s mine,” I remind him.

He’s smart enough to cover his face before I pelt the ball at him.