Page 48 of Babydoll

I hold up my hand. “Okay, I’m amazing,” I say, cutting him off.

“It also doesn’t hurt that you love me, have access to adorable puppies, and are helping to bring their daughter’s and mother’s killer to justice.” This time he clicks the latch for my seatbelt, as if he’s prodding me along slowly.

“We don’t know that yet. They might not need my testimony.”

“Doesn’t matter because you’re brave enough to do it if you’re needed.”

I’m silent then, worry eating at me as I take in the huge oak tree with the tire swing hanging from it that looks slightly out of place. What if me being here brings back all the bad memories of losing their daughter?

“And haven’t you just come into some money too?”

I glance at Jeff, and he winks at me.

“Oh, yes I’m rich now.” I make an exaggerated gesture with my chin low, my palm flat over my chest and my left shoulder high, and then I laugh at my silliness. “I still can’t believe they gave me back every dime Satan’s Ransom extorted from me.”

“Python had your back and you didn’t even know it.”

“You mean Sergeant Case Callen?”

He shakes his head, brows high. “Still hard to think of him as anyone but Paul ‘Python’ Keller. But yeah, Case. He kept meticulous notes, and held onto the cash, so he could make sure you got it back. I almost feel bad for clocking him with those brass knuckles now.”

“I wish you had’ve clocked the other two.”

“Agreed.”

“Forty grand, plus the twenty I gave them up front from my savings. It’s unbelievable. I kept track of it as well, but I never really focused on the numbers. It was too painful.”

“And now? After three months in a safehouse, you’re ready to get back on your feet with a fresh start.” He props his wrist on the steering wheel making no attempt to leave the vehicle.

“So ready,” I say, closing my eyes, grabbing his hand and sighing.

He links our fingers, and I smile. “Thank you for letting me stay with you. I promise it’s just until I figure out if I’m going to use the money as a down payment on a small condo, or get a rental. A month tops.”

“I don’t mind having you in my bed while you decide. Besides, I want you close, at least until the trial’s over.”

“The trial won’t start for at least a year.” I arch a brow at him.

“So.” He shrugs. “Stay with me for a year.” Freeing his hand from mine, he leans across the console, putting both his hands on my face. “A month, a year, forever, I want it all.” He pulls me to him for a kiss. It’s soft and sweet and just a bit filthy with the way his tongue teases, but then he’s back on his side of the vehicle and I’m back in my head.

“They don’t think I’m a mooch, do they?” I glance once again at the two story home with wraparound porch and pretty stained-glass windows.

“I moved back home when Lisa died to help take care of Reece. My old condo has tenants with really good leases, but if it makes you more comfortable, we can get a short-term rental for a while.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want you to take you away from Reece or your parents. They need you. Maybe I should do that myself. I can afford to rent an Airbnb. I’ll just keep working two jobs so it doesn’t eat into savings.” I press my lips to suppress a smile. “My savings. It sounds so good.”

“You’re not touchingyour savings. That’s for your house, or whatever you decide. And you’re staying with me. Period. You’re mine.”

When I look at him, his expression is firm. I bite my lip and he growls.

“Not another word about it. The whole upstairs and attic are ours. I converted them four years ago—separate bathroom, living room, kitchenette and a huge bedroom in the attic. The only difference from an apartment is there’s no separate entrance, and the apartment comes with a grizzly daddy who plans to spank your ass and make you come regularly.”

“Who could ever turn down that offer?” This time it’s me that leans across the console to kiss him. “Besides, we have three months of pent-up sexual urges to make up for.”

“Not another word, now. Or we start the spankings immediately.”

“Promise?”

He growls. “Woman, I promised Reece she’d meet you today, do not make me disappoint her by carrying you caveman-style up to our place right away.”

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