Page 28 of Cop Blocked

FIFTEEN

Logan

The minute I step out Smitty’s back door, I take a deep breath and text the DEFCON Crew like a lost puppy.

Me: Remember how I’ve been sort of seeing someone?

I’m not surprised when they all respond at the same time.

Defcon1 (Gunner): What did you do now?

Defcon1 (Louis): She’s really a man.

Defcon1 (Sunny): Let me guess, she bailed.

Me: Oh, shut up. All three of you. What the hell?

I hit send then type another message.

Me: She’s a single mom.

Defcon1 (Sunny): ABORT MISSION

Defcon1 (Gunner): I’m with Sunny on this one. RUN.

Me: Thanks for the support. Shortstack, you got anything to say?

Defcon1 (Louis): I’m gonna sit back on this one. But, I still stand by carrying condoms. Be safe.

Me: Okay. Forget I mentioned it. Y’all can bugger off. That was not helpful.

Defcon1 (Gunner): You messaged us, Playboy. Don’t get your panties in a twist.

I send them the middle finger emoji.

Defcon1 (Sunny): Aww. Calm down, Daddy. Aren’t you at a birthday party for one of the guy’s kids?

Me: Jesus. Christ. DO NOT CALL ME THAT. But yes. Yes, I am. That’s how I found out about the child spawn. She knows Smitty and Zoey.

Defcon1 (Gunner): Ah, fuck. So now you’re trapped.

Defcon 1 (Louis): Remind us again, why you went to some kid’s party anyway? Did you take your Benadryl before you went?

Me: Annnnd, I think we’re done with this chat. Peace out fuckers.

So much for thinking they’d help me figure my shit out. It looks like I’m on my own. I wonder how pissed Smitty would be if I bailed right now.

I’m contemplating my exit when Rhys hustles out the back door and slaps me on the back. I guess I’m not going anywhere, yet.

“Did you buy my niece a tricked out hot pink Hummer PowerWheels? You had to outdo her favorite uncle, didn’t you?”

“Aww, don’t be jealous.” I force a smile. “She only pretends to like you anyway.”

“Riiight. Kinda like how you’re out here pretending you don’t like that Rachel chick who’s in there playing with all the kids?”

On impulse, I turn and look through the door. Sure enough, Rachel’s in the middle of the living room floor, playing with all the kids who are giggling and smiling back at her. She must sense me watching because she looks up and catches my gaze with a confused look on her face.

Fuck.