Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Ace takes a second before nodding.
“Harley in the know?”
Ace nods again, this time holding his gaze.
“All the women in the know?” Hal pipes in.
“Harley and Jewls, yes. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Rowan yet,” I confirm.
“Anyone else?”
“The families will be in the loop, but to everyone else, we’re on special assignment.”
“Not hard to piece it together with James’s visit to the station and your involvement in the bust,” Rich says.
“True, but we signed an NDA for all details of specific cases.” Talon makes a signing motion with his hand. “We violate that, you should be afraid James will take care of us himself.”
I drop my chin to hide my grin.
“Okay, that’s good enough for me. Damn proud of you boys.” Pete gives his approval.
“Anything else?” I’m ready to get back to Rowan. With the wedding coming next week, and our new assignment, all of us have been working back-to-back to cover our time off and help the transition. Rowan’s been pulling twelve-hour days between the salon and working with her dad. When I get to Cruz’s at night, she falls asleep before I leave for my shift. This is our first night together since the morning I tried to convince her to move in with me.
It's past time for me to show her the benefits of being in my house full-time.
“One more thing.” Tom’s attitude is back to his normal grumpy disposition.
I glance at him with raised eyebrows. “Hollywood safe with her new roommates?”
At this, a collection of snickering fills the room. “It’s transitory, and yes, she’s safe.”
“Don’t know how you men find a way to screw things up…”
I don’t listen to the rest, stalking out to the sound of laughter.
Rowan is in the same place, this time flanked by Shayla and Ginger. All of them are doubled over in laughter.
Something inside settles at the sight. I scan the area to find the source of amusement, and my mouth splits wide.
Jewls is wedged between the service bar at an odd angle, struggling to get free.
“Stop laughing, bitches. I fit yesterday,” she yells at them, sending them into another fit.
“Maybe it’s the pound of Twizzlers?” I call back.
She sends me a death glare, the beams meant to singe my skin, but all I can do is laugh. Major appears beside her, pulling her gently until she is free. He’s resisting with his own amusement, which earns him a shove.
“This is all your fault!” she seethes.
He kisses the tip of her nose, backing away with his hands raised.
“I love ladies’ night. It’s been way too long.” Harley passes four bottles across the bar.
“Definitely a favorite,“ Rowan agrees.
“Really? Because last time you ghosted us with a text,” Shayla points out.
I brace, waiting for Rowan’s reaction. She side-eyes me. “Things change.”
“Bleck, ick, yack!” Jewls is at Jay’s side, scowling. “Not you, too! Do not turn into one of those lovey-dovey chicks. Harley cornered the market on that.”
“Sorry, not sorry.” Jay floats off, blowing a kiss to Ace.
“You have to try this.” Rowan offers me her drink. “It’s the best lemon drop ever.”
The scent of citrus and alcohol assaults my senses before I even taste it. “I can smell that.”
“Another round.” Jewls hands over fresh drinks.
“We’re going to be lit at this rate,” Shayla says to no one in particular.
“Enjoy my masterpieces while you can. This is probably my last Ladies’ Night ever.”
“Your last Ladies’ night?” Rowan asks, licking the sugar off the rim of her glass.
My cock stirs and I step to her back, leaning to her ear. “Watch that tongue, baby.”
She glances over her shoulder, her eyes glittering.
“I’m getting hot over here.” Shayla fans her face. “Can you keep that sexual energy to yourselves?”
“We didn’t do anything,” Rowan protests.
“You don’t have to. It’s impossible to miss,” Shayla counters. “Now back to the demise of Ladies’ Night.”
“I didn’t say it was ending.” Jewls glares at Major. “It’s most likely my last one.”
I slice my eyes to Major, who is casually drinking his beer, fighting a grin. We knew this was coming. I settle in, waiting for the show, noting Ace and Talon doing the same.
Jewls doesn’t disappoint. “My domineering brute baby daddy and my equally overbearing boss conspired together and decided I need to quit after the wedding.” Her voice pitches and her hands fly in the air animatedly, gaining attention from all around. “Neither one of them attended medical school or specialized in obstetrics, but all of a sudden, they are experts.”
“Girl, look at your ankles.” Tom glowers from across the bar.
All the girls lean over to inspect, and Rowan sucks in a deep breath, earning her one of Jewls’ lethal glares.
“Pretty soon, your ankles will be bigger than your stomach,” Tom finishes.
“They will be back to normal in the morning!” Jewls disputes.
“Now, would you like the rational and nurturing explanation?” Harley jumps in. “Jewls is determined to combat the stereotype and is pushing herself too hard. Working full-time and part-time, planning a wedding, building a house, and being pregnant has put a toll on her body. She’s lost weight and, at the same time, is swelling more than usual. The babies are developing fine, but she has to be more aware. We now have stricter instructions on diet, exercise, rest, and relaxation.”