Page 85 of Renegade

He immediately stopped me. “You want me to rush back to town and push up my divorce? How is that going to help?”

“David—listen to me. In the state of Texas, if a woman is pregnant, the judge cannot grant a divorce. All you have to do is request a pregnancy test in the hearing. That will give me the time I need to get proof. Okay?”

He laughed softly before thanking me.

“Don’t thank me yet, I’ve still got to prove that Jess tampered with the paternity test. Also, Elizabeth could still file for divorce, but the baby would have to be born before they would allow it.”

He assured me, “You worry about the test and I’ll take care of Beth’s desire to leave. Don’t book any flights—I’m going to get her.”

The minute the call ended, I was in Mike’s arms. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” I plastered kisses across his face.

He nipped my neck and pulled me in closer. “If this is how I get thanked, remind me to do shit for you more often.”

A sharp knock at my office door had us separating guiltily. My lips and chin were still tingling, so I knew there was a good chance that I had a wicked case of beard burn. Deciding there was no way to hide it, I threw open my door and Dr. Mulloy strode in.

“Lauren, Mitzi’s got a hand-piece that’s not working. Can you call the company and find out if it’s covered under warranty? Oh, hello,” She greeted Mike with surprise.

His face paled the minute he saw her. It was obvious that he remembered her from Elizabeth’s wedding. I mean, if I went to a wedding and got groped, I’d probably remember too.

“Dr. Mulloy, this is my boyfriend, Mike Sullivan.”

Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she took his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

He nodded uncomfortably. “Likewise.”

She grinned again. “Lauren, just let me know when you talk to them.”

I nodded and she left, closing the door behind her. Mike stood, still completely pale. “Are you okay? I promise she won’t get handsy with you again. I’d have to kick her ass.”

He managed a weak smile and pulled me back into his arms. “I had no idea she was your boss.”

I sighed, “Yeah, for seven years now. Lucky me.”

He cupped my jaw in his massive hand. “I’ve got to get into the office. I’ll call you if I can make any headway with the paternity test. Okay?”

I nodded, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.

“I did it!” I exclaimed cheerfully

Monica laughed on the other end of the line. “I think you missed your calling in life. You should’ve been a private investigator.”

I leaned against the courthouse bricks and pulled my shirt away from my body, allowing the breeze to cool my overheated skin. I might’ve gone a little overboard—David told me he and Elizabeth were going to the courthouse that afternoon, so I’d rushed in, guns blazing.

Apparently, it was considered bad form to burst into a courtroom and shout,“I have information the court must hear!”

The court police hadn’t taken me seriously and were in the process of prying my hands from the courtroom door when David had walked up, ruining my moment of glory. I’d imagined the two of them tearfully telling their lawyers that there was no way to make it work when suddenly, I burst in, holding the documentation in my hand.

“Stop everything,”I would’ve screamed, before brandishing the actual results, earning the respect of everyone in the courtroom.

In actuality, David and Elizabeth had been in the middle of withdrawing their petition to divorce when I’d burst in. He told the court police to knock it off and led me back to some random desk in the middle of a large room. It was nothing like what I’d envisioned.

My only moment of glory had been when a nurse, Rose, showing up with the actual paternity test results. Oh, well that, and seeing David and Elizabeth back together.

“So, what’s next, Detective? Got any other cases on your agenda?” Monica teased.

I tapped my chin. “Hmmm…you up for an early dinner? I could tell you all about my life as a private investigator.”

“Oh yeah? I think I caught most of it.” Her voice came from the front doors of the courthouse. She took a couple of steps toward me and held up her arms. “Surprise!”

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