Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 69537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 348(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 348(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
His dad had even shown up at one point, and I realized that nearly his entire family had worked at Dallas Police Department.
That had changed only over the last couple of years.
His oldest brother, Quincy, was now a detective at Sunnyvale PD, along with Auden, his middle older brother.
The vet had come back in after a few hours and explained that the dog would be fine but might have some lasting effects that might hinder his “job.”
I’d immediately offered up my home to him.
His mom had immediately calmed my fears, however, when she’d explained that Garrett was really attached to all the K-9 officers since he’d helped train all of them before they were released to duty.
He’ll take care of Rufus, honey. He’ll love every second of it. And if it turns out that Rufus can’t do his job anymore, that’s okay. He’ll have a very happy home. You won’t have to worry about my Garrett mistreating him ever.
Garrett’s dad, Germaine, had taken Garnett home after we’d gotten word that Rufus would need to spend the night at the vet hospital.
Which left Garrett and me alone in the truck that his brothers had brought up for him and exchanged the other officer’s cruiser for.
“Are you sure you should be seen in public with me?” I asked, trying to keep the pain out of my voice, and failing a little bit.
He cleared his throat as he caught my hand and led me down the steps of the vet hospital.
How bad was it that in my rush to get in here, I didn’t even realize I’d climbed steps?
I allowed the hand holding until we were back on solid ground, then wiggled it free and put Rooster’s body between us.
Garrett sighed.
“I hate it when you call me Garrett,” he grumbled.
My brows rose. “Why?”
He opened the truck door for me and helped me inside, then helped Rooster into the back seat before climbing in himself.
Only when the truck was running did he explain.
“You called me Gee.” He drew in a deep breath. “Then you stopped when I told you that I couldn’t have anything to do with you.”
I shrugged. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” he admitted. “Hell, it’s not even mine. These months that I haven’t seen you, they’ve been some of the worst of my life.”
My heart jolted inside of my chest. “What?”
“Before I explain anything…do you want something to eat? It’s been a long day, and I’d love to have dinner with you now that I can,” he offered.
Now that he can.
Holy shit.
That was great news.
Was the threat to his “head” gone?
“What happened?” I pushed.
“Dinner?” he held off.
I smiled and looked down at my lap. “As long as it’s dog friendly, and no one is going to give me a hard time for having an animal in their place of business.”
He started tapping his toe on the floorboard. “Why do I feel like you have experience with that?”
“Because like clockwork, it happens to me at least once a week,” I grumbled darkly.
“I’ll find you something to eat where they’ll not complain. And if they do complain, I’ll use my authority to arrest their asses,” he offered.
I giggled.
“Where?” I asked.
Because that was important.
“How do you feel about a hole in the wall burger joint?” he offered. “I know they like all dogs, because I take Boss in there all the time.”
“Sure,” I agreed immediately.
Because obviously, I wasn’t a stupid woman.
I’d known that I wanted Garrett in my life the first time I met him when he saved me on that mountain. Why would I push him away now?
“Let’s go,” he ordered.
Then he started talking.
He told me about the last few months.
And when he got to his brother’s shooting, and the man that’d done it, my heart instantly felt bereft for him.
Poor Garrett.
“You’ve been blaming yourself, haven’t you?” I asked.
“Well, it was my fault.”
“Was it?” I asked. “Because from what you told me, you and your brother traded out undercover. So, what makes you think that they weren’t after both of you?”
“Because it was my name that got plastered all over the news when it happened,” he explained. “They were after me.”
“Okay.” I rolled my eyes. “But let’s just say that I think you both had equal participation in this entire thing. Not just you.”
He shrugged.
“Have you ever seen a therapist?” I wondered.
He was already grumbling. “The department requires it.”
“Then what did she tell you?” I wondered as he slowed the truck, then stopped.
“She told me that I needed to stop blaming myself for everything and allow others to hold some of the responsibility. Especially the douchebag that ordered the hit.” He paused. “Though she didn’t exactly say ‘douchebag.’”
I snickered as I got out of the car.
I was already at the back door letting Rooster out when Garrett was at my side.
“Can I hold your hand?” he asked.