Page 49 of The Enforcer

A laugh bubbles up my throat as he continues to mutter about my choice of snack, taking it out on the poor napkin that he’s now ripping into small pieces.

Our food is soon placed in front of us and I take a hearty bite of my burger, making it a point to groan as I chew. Zeke raises an eyebrow at me, a slight smile on his face.

Around a mouth full of food, I say, “See? I eat.”

“Yeah, when I take you to lunch.”

Popping a fry into my mouth, I ask, “What are you up to today? Not on duty with …” I let my voice trail off, but he knows what I mean.

“Nah. Not right now. We’re still putting feelers out to see if he pops up.”

I nod, not sure what to say to that. There’s nothing I can do to help. My suggestion of asking Chance to check the notes from the interview between Kirk and Captain Matthews didn’t prove fruitful, because there was no address or phone number annotated on the form. They really have to do this the old-fashioned way—search the streets for Kirk.

After we finish eating, I check my watch and see I still have another thirty minutes to enjoy Zeke’s company. I’m not sure how much time I’ll have tonight, since Tucker and I are going to be burning the midnight oil, so I’d rather spend the time we have now just talking and vibing. Once I finish the discovery notes and get our defense started, I’ll slow down more and get home at a decent time. Just a few more late nights and I’ll be able to take my time.

After demolishing my burger, I sigh, cross my arms over my chest. I lean back against the back of the booth and stretch my legs out to tangle with Zeke’s. He mirrors my pose, a small smile on his face as he takes me in. “What?” I ask.

“I was wondering. You want something else besides a dog?”

Tilting my head, I ask, “Is this hypothetical?”

“No.”

He doesn’t explain more. Fuck it, what’s the harm in answering the question? If I have it my way, I’ll have everything I’ve ever wanted with him.

Sitting up and placing my hands flat on the table, I tell him, “I want to relax, honestly. I’ve been working myself to the bone to prove myself and I’m getting tired. Just a small break, a few days or a week somewhere I can walk around with no shirt and shoes, a drink in my hand and you by my side.” Zeke grins at me. “That’s short term. For the long term, I want the American dream, you know? A husband, a kid or two, and the house in the suburbs where we water our plants on the weekends and live next to a guy named Marv.”

Zeke snickers. “Do you even know someone named Marv?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” We chuckle, Zeke throwing pieces of his napkin at me. “What about you? Besides our dog, what else do you want?”

“Your dream sounds good to me. I can even help with the short term.” I raise an eyebrow at him. “I’m taking a trip to Cuba the day after tomorrow. You can come with me. There are plenty of beaches where you can walk with no shirt and shoes on with a drink in your hand.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “I wish, but this case will have my attention for the foreseeable future. Once it’s over, if you’re taking a trip, I’d love to go. You have to tell me in advance.”

He dips his head, looking chastened. “Sorry. I just got word Prez wants me to go. Next time, I’ll ask so you can request those days off.”

Just to fuck with him—and see his reaction—I lower my voice and ask, “You gonna fuck Finn and Rax while you’re there?”

It was worth it to ask the question; his expression is priceless. His eyes bug out and he looks like he’s going to swallow his tongue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him speechless, Zeke’s mouth opens and closes comically.

I can’t help it; I laugh, holding my belly as I wipe tears from under my eyes. Once I’ve calmed some, Zeke seems to have recovered from his moment of speechlessness. “How do you …” Well, not completely recovered.

“Please, Zeke,” I say with a barely contained chuckle. “Everyone knows. If it was a secret, no one treated it that way.”

His shoulders tense as he looks at me. “I haven’t … we haven’t … not in a while. When I realized how I felt about you, I stopped. And I wouldn’t cheat on you. Ever.”

Letting him off the hook, I wave him away. “I know. I’m kidding.”

“If it makes you uncomfortable?—”

Again, I wave him away. “I’m not uncomfortable that you’re around Finn and Rax after you’ve had sex with them. It doesn’t bother me.” My cheeks warm and I rush to get the rest of my thoughts out. “It’s actually pretty hot thinking about you and Rax fucking Finn.”

Zeke’s eyes flare and he licks his lips. Before he can ask any questions, our server slaps a check on the table and I scoop it up, sliding out of the booth so I can pay. Zeke tries to snatch it from my hand, but I stiff arm him, drawing a raucous laugh from his throat that has many heads turning in our direction. I’m not even the least bit embarrassed.

With the check paid, we walk out of the diner hand in hand. Before we can walk too far down the sidewalk, Zeke turns me towards him and wraps his arm around my waist. “I love you, you know that, right?”

“I know,” I joke, Zeke giving me a dry look. “I love you too,” I amend with a chuckle. Satisfied, he pecks me on the lips and I move in, trying to chase his mouth.

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