Page 69 of Without Judgment

“Hi, Mason. I saw you called.” He sounded anxious, something I’d never have associated with him. The man always seemed calm and collected. The consummate professional.

“Yes, sir, I did. I’m checking in as I indicated I would. Avery is safe and doing well.”

“Can I talk to her? I’ve tried her cell phone, but it goes straight to voicemail.”

“Sorry, sir. She doesn’t wish to speak to you yet.” I added the last word to soften the blow.

“I— God. I really messed things up.”

“Your campaign or things with your daughter?” I couldn’t help asking.

“I deserve that question. I screwed up with her. Underestimated her and didn’t listen. Can you tell her I love and miss her? That I’m sorry?”

“Yes. I’ll do that.”

“Thanks for checking in. And for taking good care of my baby girl.”

Guilt tasted bitter as I considered exactly how I’d taken care of her. Twice this morning, in fact. Ugh.Stop thinking about sex with his daughter. Get off the phone, for Christ’s sake.

“Yes, sir. Talk to you tomorrow.” It came out quickly, and I ended the call before he could respond.

As I walked back to the truck, I saw Avery sliding out of the passenger seat.

“How did it go with my father?”

“Okay. He said to pass on a message that he loves you and is sorry.” It felt weird to say those words to her even though they were really from her dad.

She bit her lip. “Sorry you have the job of messenger.”

“It’s fine. Shall we?” I walked up and grabbed a grocery cart from the outside.

“Sure. What all do we need besides...you know?”

Glancing over, I chuckled at the way her face was turning red. Adorable. A word I didn’t think I’d ever used. “I know what?” I feigned ignorance, earning me a swat on the arm.

“If you can’t remember, then this morning wasn’t as good as I’d hoped.”

I fought the urge to kiss her right then and there at the Walmart entrance. What the hell was wrong with me? Because that was a hard no and definitely in the relationship zone. And now I was willing myself not to recall this morning. Otherwise, I’d have to walk around Walmart hoping to hide my erection with a shopping cart.

“Keep reminding me, and we won’t get any food on this trip.”

She smiled before falling into step beside me as we pushed the cart into the mega-store.

“That’s quite a choice. Food or sex. Sex or food.”

I returned her grin. “Let’s hurry and get both.”

Just then my phone buzzed with the name of my contact with the FBI. “Shit. I have to take this. It might be a lead on Theo. If you don’t mind grabbing some meats we can grill, eggs, two bags of ice, and whatever else you want. I’ll find you when I’m done.”

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