Page 29 of Cop Blocked

I know the feeling, I think to myself.You’re not the only one confused, Rachel.

Rhys keeps going. “Is she the same chick that you’ve been obsessing over lately?”

“Better not be,” Smitty says on his way past us, carrying a plate of hot dogs inside.

“Ignore him.” Rhys shakes his head. “If you like her, you should go for it, man.”

“The last thing I need is dating advice from you.” I can only imagine what sort of mess I’d create if I took any of Rhys’ advice.

Smitty comes back outside with another plate of food to throw on the grill and looks at Rhys. “Your wife wants you.” Then he looks at me. “We need to talk.”

Christ, everyone wants to have a chat with me today, though there will be no avoiding this conversation with Smitty.

Reluctantly, I follow him over to the grill and grab two beers from the cooler. I pop the top on one and hand it to him, hoping it serves as a peace offering, since it’s clear he’s got an opinion on this Rachel thing, and open the second one for myself.

Smitty takes a drink then grits his teeth at me. “Stay away from Rachel. Goddamnit, Walsh. She’s got a kid, you pride yourself on never wanting to settle down, and they both need someone who’s going to stick around, not run off and play hero every time the government calls.”

His words cut like a knife, and that cocky young kid that still lingers deep in my soul is ready to fight.

“Last time I checked, Rachel is a grown-ass woman who can handle herself. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t need you looking out for her. Besides that, it’s nice to know you think so highly of me. Did you give her this same pep talk? Tell her to stay away from me?” I throw a hand up in the air. “When did you become such an insufferable bastard?”

“When you started sleeping with my wife’s friends. You’re lucky I don’t beat the shit out of you.”

This time I stand up straighter and look him in the eyes. He may be my colleague and rank higher than me, but I’m not about to take any shit from him. “I’m going to say this again. You. Need. To. Calm. Down. You’re taking this attitude of yours to a whole new level. And, not that it is any of your damn business what I do off the clock, but I haven’t slept with any of your wife’s friends.”

“Whoa, Smitty.” Rhys rushes back outside and gets between us. “I told you to let that shit go, man.”

My anger continues to boil. “Unbelievable. Not only do you accuse me of doing something that I’m not, but you’re talking about it behind my back? What the fuck? For someone who claims he’s such a man, you’re sure acting like a pussy now.”

Smitty flinches, and for a second, I’m sure there’s a fist about to fly at my face.

“Fellas, it’s not often that I’m the voice of reason around here,” Rhys tries to joke. “But, I don’t think anyone is going to be pleased if there’s a brawl at a kid’s birthday party.”

“Wasn’t gonna hit him. Yet,” Smitty mumbles.

Rhys laughs. “Yeah, I’m calling bullshit on that.”

“I’m out. I’ll be damned if I’m going to stick around and deal with any more of your bullshit.” I flip Smitty off over my shoulder and head for the exit.

I’ve got a thousand thoughts running through my mind on the way home.

By the time I walk into my house, I’m still vibrating in anger. Pissed at someone who I thought was a friend and even more pissed off that his words hold more truth than I’d like to admit.

Cliche as it sounds, the moment I laid eyes on Rachel, I’ve felt something deep down. Something I’ve never felt with anyone else, not even Ensley. If I walk away now, I feel like I’m giving up what could be the best thing that’s ever happened to me, regardless of how scared I am about the fact that she has a little girl.

“Fuck, you barely know her.” I walk in the bathroom and splash cold water on my face.

What if, in the end, Smitty’s right and she doesn’t want a guy like me? I don’t know that I could handle another loss when Rachel decides deployments are too tough. And I already know, there’s not a chance in hell I’m walking away from the Marines, or the police department, just for a piece of ass. Made that mistake once, won’t happen again.

I’m not alone with my thoughts long when my phone starts ringing. Gunner’s name flashes on the screen, and I pick up. “You got the short straw again, huh?”

“Did not. Now stop being a grump and tell me what you’re going to do about thisthingwith Rachel.”

“I have no clue. I like her. I want to get to know her more…”

“But she has a child,” Gunner finishes.

“Right. She’s got a kid, and I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for that.”

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