Page 187 of Nocere

"I always liked her name. Like that old nineties cartoon."

"Don't tell her that. She'll frown at you." She pulled the door open after swiping her card then waved me through. "I mean, it's Daria so it'll be a mild frown, probably coupled with a caring gesture anyway, but you know."

I chuckled as we stopped in the hall by the front desk area. "Not really. I've only met her a few times when she has intakes here."

"Ah, you're missing out." She grinned as she tucked her hands into her back pockets. "Later, Bryant. Awesome work catching psychos."

"Thanks." I laughed as I waved to her and headed back to my office.

The prospect of Walsh's offer of a promotion once Sadie retired returned to me and, for that moment, I could imagine myself in her shoes and being in charge of something. A few months ago, I wouldn't have believed that I could handle it. Now, however, my capabilities appeared clearer to me.

While packing up for the day, I thought about my sister. Just the word struck a chord of unusualness that I couldn't yet process. I hadn't told anyone about it and neither had Alex, as evidenced by the fact that Ainsley hadn't stalked me today. I would tell them eventually, but first I wanted to get to know Juni better, then introduce her to everyone I knew.

"Honey," I heard Sam's voice call the moment my heels hit the pavement. I swung around to see her approaching, a broad smile on her lips.

"Hi." My heart skipped a beat when she rushed in to hug me. "You surprised me. I was about to head to your place."

"I wanted to surprise you," she said, catching me in a kiss that brought me to my toes. "And have you to myself for a few minutes before we go to Ainsley's."

"Oh yeah?" I grinned while lacing my fingers behind her neck. "Why?"

Her hands fell to my waist and she held me against her. "Because I love you."

"I love you, too. And I love that you tell me you love me now."

"It's my first favorite thing to do," she said, her bottom lip finding its way between her teeth.

I laughed hard while toying with her hair. "I recognize that horny lip bite, baby. What's your second favorite thing?"

Sam grinned and brushed her lips over mine. "Turning your rump varied shades of pink."

"Well, good. Because that's my second favorite thing too."

"C'mon." She took my hand, kissing it before we headed off to her car together that sat parked in a visitor space in the parking lot. I laced my fingers with hers while we walked and leaned my head on her shoulder.

"Are you ready for two days of parties in a row?" I asked.

"I am. Are you?"

"A little. Rebecca's I can handle, but Ainsley's big shindigs make me anxious sometimes."

"I know, but I'll keep you safe. Stella really wanted us to go…"

"We haven't seen them in awhile," I said while Sam opened the passenger door for me. "Thank you, honey."

She winked at me before hurrying around the car to hop in.

We drove off while continuing our chatter about our friends, until I offered, "I'm going to get promoted at work."

"You are?" Her expression lifted with her smile as she glanced at me.

"The senior analyst is retiring at the end of the year and Walsh wants me to take her position. First though, he wants me to work with a private investigator who has a lead on some cases. I think it's a pressure test."

"That's amazing, babe. I'm happy for you." She reached over and stroked my cheek. "So many changes."

"So many… Juni and I have been texting a little."

"What's that like?"

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