Page 99 of Just This Once

We both agreed it was just sex.

I knew the moment she said those words that they were a challenge. She needed me to fight for her, and yet I was the stubborn prick whose feelings got hurt because I was scared she would leave. Instead of calmly talking with her and working out a plan, I got defensive and screamed in her face that I loved her.

Real smooth.

The next morning, still irritated and uneasy, I went in search of the only person I knew could set me right.

My knuckles rapped against the door to the Martin home, and I shifted in my boots. The front door pulled open, and Mrs. Martin smiled at me. “William. This is a pleasure.”

She widened the door and gestured for me to enter.

I stepped inside, tail tucked and shoulders slumped with shame. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Her laughter was gentle and quick. “Marilyn, please.”

I nodded and cleared my throat. “Is the chief in?”

A sly smile spread across her face. She tipped her chin toward the long hallway that split the center of the house. “He’s in his office.”

“Thank you.” I had turned to leave when her hand stopped me.

“Thankyou.” My shoulders shifted to face Emily’s mother. She was beaming up at me. “Thank you for really seeing her and caring so deeply for her.”

Warmth pierced my rib cage, and I dragged a hand across my jaw. “I’m not sure it was much of a choice, if I’m being honest.” A soft chuckle rattled through me.

She patted my arm. “Even so. I couldn’t be happier.”

My throat went thick and tight. The implication that Mrs. Martin wouldn’t be upset, but ratherhappyEmily and I were together was overwhelming.

I have to fix this.

With a slight nod, I left Mrs. Martin in the kitchen and found the chief’s office at the end of the hallway. My knock was swift and sure.

“It’s open.”

I pushed through the doorway to find Chief Martin behind his desk, feet propped and reading a book. Despite the warm summer day, a sweater covered his shoulders, and his glasses were perched low on the end of his nose. His steely eyes met mine, and he closed his book.

My lips formed a flat line, and I dipped my chin. “Sir.”

A slow smile spread across Chief’s face as he tossed his reading glasses to the side. “Have a seat, son.”

His choice of words pierced my heart, and I settled into the plush chair across from his. My insides were tight, and my palms were already sweating.

“I was going to wait until I saw you at the station, but I suppose now is as good of a time as any.” His hand stretched across his desk. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.”

I shook his hand and looked him in the eye. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” His legs stretched beneath the desk. “I do want to get something clear, however.” His eyes were focused and intense. “Youearnedthat position. It has nothing to do with any personal relationships you have outside of work nor any of my personal feelings toward you.”

A swell of pride tightened in my chest. Chief Martin was an honest man, and it meant a lot for him to have so much faith in me. “Again, thank you.” My knee bounced. “Though the job isn’t really why I came to speak with you.”

His laugh rumbled in his chest. “I didn’t think it was.” I searched his eyes, but there was nothing in them but kindness. The knot in my gut slowly unfurled.

“Uh...” I cleared my throat. “I’m not exactly sure how to start this.”

Chief shrugged and clasped his hands together. “From the beginning is usually a good place.”

My lips flattened. “Maybe, but in this case it’s probably best to start at the end. I’m in love with Emily.”

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