Page 98 of Perfect Pitch

“Always a cop,” I correct.

“Then maybe you’re just the man I need to keep me out of trouble.” I’m rewarded for every mile I walked, every bust, by the admiration in her eyes.

“I think you have it backward.”

“How’s that?”

“I’m the man planning on getting you into trouble.”

She laughs. “I can’t wait.”

* * *

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

My best friend sent me a card in the post. I laughed so hard my boss stormed into my office and yelled at me.

I just waited until he left and read the card again. It made me feel better, which was the entire point.

—Moore You Want

I may have to kill Kane if he doesn’t stop laughing. “Did you say you’re flying... commercial?”

“Fuck you, Kane.”

“You could just ask him for the jet, and he’d let you have it to go to see your girlfriend.”

I panic at the idea of having to spill my guts to Beckett that I’m going to see Austyn in Milwaukee. “No thanks.”

He leans against the door jamb as I zip up my weekender. “What, you don’t want to deal with a thousand questions?”

Nor do I feel like having the shit kicked out of me before I even make the flight. I think to myself. “Let’s just say I would like to escape with some minimal fuss so I have a chance of seeing her.”

He rolls away from the door. “I wish you luck.”

I frown. “She’ll be happy to see me.”

“That wasn’t who I was talking about. Becks is going to be on a rampage when he finds out—and he always does.”

I hiss, “Shit,” because Kane’s not wrong. “What’s the worst that can happen?” It’s not like he knows who I’m dating. Not yet anyway.

“I hear he’s been working on a live a cappella version of the Backstreet Boys reunion album.”

With that, I race for the door. There might be some punishments that could keep me in New York.

Then I think about how surprised Austyn will be and decide it’s worth it.

She’s worth it.

She’s everything.

* * *

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

I’m in Milwaukee for two reasons. One is for the Comet Cafe that #flavortownusa recommended. The other is to hear #DJKensington play. I’d better not miss out on seeing her again.

—CuTEandRich3

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