Page 6 of Conflicted
By the time Ruby finished, she’d done matching crown tattoos on the newlywed couple, and a single red rose at the shoulder blade of an older bearded biker, who’d lost his old lady recently, and it was time for lunch.
Rebecca flipped the ‘closed for lunch’ sign and locked the door.
“How about we treat ourselves to a long lunch break? I’m craving a Skinny Peppermint Mocha with banana nut bread.”
“Sweet tooth,” Ruby teased, but she grabbed her car keys and purse. She needed a sugar and caffeine fix too, and Starbucks was excellent in providing both. “I’m buying.”
As the two women walked to Ruby’s Mini, Rebecca protested, “if you’re driving, then I’m paying.”
“That’s complete and utter bullshit, and you know it.”
A huge smile erupted on Rebecca’s face. “Is not.”
Ruby shook her head. “What? Are we five-year-olds now?”
Ruby enjoyed the company and the banter, although worries about her mother and questions about her father kept intruding on her thoughts.
Will Tolbert removed his utility belt and visually checked his partner. About two years ago, Jim got injured by an explosion in a meth house and today’s shift might have rattled the other detective.
Years in the police force made Will uncomfortable with talking about emotional subjects, but his experiences as a Dominant in Club Indigo taught him how important it was to process traumas. “How are you doing?” Inwardly he groaned at the inadequate, dumbass question.
Jim wiped his brow and leaned against the lockers. “A bit shaken. I froze when the car blew up, but then training kicked in. I’m just happy no one got hurt, although the material damage is excessive.”
Will bobbed his head at the cadence of his partner’s words and opened his mouth to say more, as the door to the men’s locker rooms flew open. Under a chorus of curses and grumbles, Paula rushed in and barked, “Martinez don’t be a baby, you don’t have anything I haven’t seen before,” as she flew into Jim’s arms.
“Are you all right?” The tough detective sergeant seemed torn between hugging Jim and checking him for injuries and finally his buddy pulled her against his chest and held her firmly until she settled.
“Relax, Melda. I’m fine,” Jim assured the unflappable blonde who wasn’t as cool as she liked people to think.
Before Jim, Paula had earned herself the nickname Haagen Dazs, because the male population thought her cold and unreachable. Jim found his way through her icy exterior and uncovered a wonderful submissive woman and lifetime partner. Will envied his friend for his closeness with her. Looking at the happy couple before him, his mind wandered to the club and a little colorful spitfire.
Over Paula’s blonde head, Jim grinned. “What has you going all dreamy?”
From within the circle of Jim’s arms, Paula shifted and assessed him like she was looking at an eyewitness who was going to give a full description. The collar of his uniform shirt itched, and Will reached around to scratch his neck.
“Just thinking that maybe I’d like what you two have, someday.”
“You, Will?” Jim asked. “Have we really managed to convert you to monogamy? What happened to the guy who never had more than three dates with one woman?”
“Be real, Jim,” Paula interjected before Jim could continue. “Will’s been playing with Ruby pretty steadily for a while now.”
“Playing isn’t dating. Lots of people play with one person at the club without having a relationship with that person outside,” Jim opined.
“So is it Ruby you’re thinking about?” Will was glad Paula had interrupted. He didn’t like to think about his past now that he’d settled on one woman. If only he could get Ruby to see what a great couple they’d make.
“Yeah, Ruby’s pretty great. I love having her in my ropes. Not sure if she’s interested in anything beyond the club, though. The closest she’s come to a date was GT’s Super Bowl party last winter.”
“You just have to keep trying. Persistence, as long as it doesn’t become stalking, is a virtue.”
Will gave a half-chuckle at Paula’s comment. Although he knew she was teasing him, he also knew she was serious about stalking.
“Are you coming to the club tonight? Ruby’s bound to be there,” Jim said. “We could make it a foursome?”
“No can do. I promised my mom I’d get the old cradle down from the attic. My sister’s due next month and my mother wants her to have it for the baby. My great-grandfather made it.”
“We won’t be there either. Superman, here, needs to recover from his exploits today. I think I’m on desk duty tomorrow night though, so maybe we’ll see you then?”
“That would be good.” Will finished changing and walked out with the two of them, thinking of both the dinner his mother had promised him for his help and the beautiful sub he couldn’t seem to get out of his head.
