Page 39 of Cop-Off

“You were having panic attacks, for God’s sake. This is not about being weak or strong. Although, I stand by what I said about you being strong as hell. This is about your health. How are you supposed to look after all these people when you don’t even have time to look after yourself, huh?”

Two lone tears tumbled down her cheeks. Framing her face, he used both thumbs to swipe them away.

“You’re not on your own anymore,” Cody continued. “I love you, sweetheart. And part of that love meansI’ve got you. You wanna go take care of other people, then fine, but I’ll take care of you. Whatever you need. Emotionally or physically. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” And he meant that.

He swiped more tears as a steady stream descended. They both let the droplets fall, not taking their eyes off each other as they did.

It would be another hour before they left their spot and re-joined the others. And when they did, Cody knew with great certainty that he was going to marry this woman.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The sun was on its way down. Cat and Libby hadn’t moved from their deck chairs for at least an hour. That was one of the perks of having a boyfriend, she supposed—there was always someone to refill your drink.

Despite her mini breakdown earlier, it had been a good day. Jack was getting along with all the guys, and she’d even had a chance to spend some quality time getting to know Mrs McBride.

“Are you seeing that?” Libby nudged her elbow.

“What?” Cat scanned her surroundings.

Everyone was still in the same place as the last time she’d looked up. Cody and Zach were drinking beer around the barbecue where even more burgers were being grilled. Benny, Luke and Hunter were sat around in a bro circle, probably cracking jokes. And Rachel, Dylan and Jack were playing cards on the picnic bench.

“Hunter and Rachel. They’ve been exchanging looks all day. Do you think somethings going on?”

Something was definitely going on. “Yeah, I think they’re banging.”

Her friend’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? Since when? And why didn’t you tell me?”

Cat shrugged. “Well, I don’t know for sure, Lib. I’ve not caught them exchanging bodily fluids or anything. But Hunter came into the bakery a while back, and their whole exchange was just odd. Sly glances and all that. I figured they were just banging and didn’t wanna tell anyone.”

“Well, if they didn’t want anyone to know, Hunter really should stop looking at her like a man possessed. Seriously, look, he’s doing it again.”

Cat did as her friend asked and glanced over at Hunter. She couldn’t help but chuckle. He really did resemble a man possessed. It didn’t help that his default look was already broody. He had the whole tall, dark and mysterious thing going on, too. Although, he was only mysterious because he barely uttered a word.

“I think he’s just jealous of Jack.,” Cat surmised. “That happens a lot. It was only a few days ago your man was actually growling at him, remember?”

“Yeah,” Libby agreed and slumped back into her chair. “Probably. I can’t believe Rachel didn’t tell me, though. I hope she doesn’t think she can’t talk to me about things like that.” Suddenly Cat felt her friend jolt up in her seat again. “Oh God, am I a horrible friend? You know, one of those awful women who ditches their girlfriends whenever they land a man?”

Cat’s eyes rolled. “Jesus Christ, Lib. Chill, will you? You’re not a horrible friend. You’ve not ditched me or Rachel for Zach. And of course, she knows she can talk to you. Have you ever thought that they just want some privacy? You know, to work out what’s going on before broadcasting it to the world? I mean, it makes sense, you guys are all in the same friend group after all...and things like that can get messy quickly.”

“You and Cody didn’t seem to care about getting messy.” Libby giggled.

“Yeah well, what can I say, I don’t do subtle.”

“You can say that again.”

***

It was Jack’s last day, and he was causing quite a stir at Molly’s diner.

“Will you stop flirting with that poor girl,” Cat scolded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, sis.” Jack gave her his signature smirk.

He knew exactly what Cat was talking about. Since the moment they’d taken their seat in Daisy’s section, Jack hadn’t let up. Not only did the looks he was giving her border on perverted, but every time he turned on the charm, the poor, sweet, innocent girl went bright red and skurried off.

“This isn’t the city, Jack. You can’t just seduce unsuspecting women without consequences. Especially not women like Daisy. Also, have you forgotten that I have to live here? I’d rather not be known as the sister of the manwhore, thank you very much.”

“What do you mean ‘women like Daisy’?” Jack looked genuinely confused.

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