Page 36 of Callahan

Now my wheels were really turning, and I knew by the look in his eye, that Brian could tell he was getting to me.

“I said I’d think about it!”

Both men shuffled toward the door.

Angus reminded me, “You can name your terms…” before walking out, while Brian paused and said, “I’ll be back in a bit to check on you. If you decide to stay, or even if you just miss your bus and can’t leave until tomorrow, the offer for my guest room still stands.”

“I appreciate that.”

Brian closed the door, and I leaned back against my pillow.

It was a good thing I wasn’t supposed to fall asleep, because my mind was buzzing with a million thoughts. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep if I’d wanted to.

Chapter Sixteen

Adam

I glanced at Brian, confused when he parked his cop car outside Lainey’s bakery.

“She’d have my hide if we went straight to my place without stopping.”

I chuckled as I opened my door. “She does have that mother hen thing going for her.”

“I was thinking mama bear, but close enough.”

“Yeah, I could see that, too.”

She was in the middle of waiting on a customer, but the minute she saw us walk in, she called to her employee who was wiping down tables. The girl stopped what she was doing and walked toward the counter. Lainey said something to the customer with a smile, then seconds later, rushed to greet us before we’d even made it halfway through the shop.

“Oh my God. What did the doctor say? Are you going to be okay? You’re not still leaving today, are you?” She pressed on my shoulders to turn me around so she could look at the back of my head. “Oh, thank goodness. I thought they were going to have to shave your head to put the staples in.”

Brian scowled. “Why would you care about that?”

She pursed her lips as she looked up at him dismissively. “Wouldyoulike to have a big bald spot on the back of your head?”

“Well, no.”

“Exactly!” Lainey grasped my elbow and led me to a booth by the wall, essentially ignoring the sergeant now. “Are you hungry? Can I get you a croissant? An éclair? I saw you eyeing the tarts yesterday. Or I have some leftover pizza from last night.”

Brian answered on my behalf.

“I’m taking him back to my house and getting him situated in my guest room. We’re having steaks and potatoes for dinner.”

“Oh, good. Make sure you pick up a salad, too. You can buy them prepackaged, you know. I don’t think you eat enough vegetables, Bri. I worry about you.”

“Fine, I’ll get a salad, too.”

“Maybe pick up some green beans or peas to go with your dinner...”

Brian grumbled, “Okay,Mom.”

That made her stop short.

“I’m sorry. You’re grown-ass men. I’ll shut up.”

I reached for her hand, then pulled my fingers back under Brian’s watchful eye. Lainey’s eyes tracked my hand, but she didn’t comment.

With a tender smile, I told her, “I think it’s sweet you’re worrying about us. Thank you.”

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