Page 29 of Fighting for Brielle
Chapter 8
“Dad, I reallyhaveto go,” Justice insisted as he glanced at his military wristwatch for the tenth time.
“Hit the pause button, son. You’ve been alone for a long time. It’s been years since you were in a serious relationship, and don’t forget how that one ended. In aDear Justicetext message. I don’t want that to happen to you again. All I’m suggesting is that you slow down.”
“Okay, okay. May I please be excused now?” he demanded, half amused, half exasperated.
Franklin expelled his breath. “Call me later.”
“Yeah, of course.”
Justice pinned his badge to his belt and shoved his Glock into the small of his back. He picked up his helmet, wallet, and keys and headed outside. He hopped on his motorcycle and revved the engine. Pure power vibrated through him, filling him with energy. It exhilarated him, pumping him up for the day ahead. But thoughts of the woman who revved hisotherengine interrupted his concentration, causing his heart to slam against his rib cage. His father had the gall to caution him about Brielle when Franklin jumped into bed with Adrienne after knowing her for forty-eight hours. At least he didn’t have any plans to dothat. Not yet anyway.
A couple of minutes later Justice pulled into Brielle’s circular driveway. He hung his helmet on the handlebars and approached the double set of dark walnut doors. Ringing the bell, he waited, heart pounding and blood racing through his veins.
Brielle pulled open the door and smiled at him. “Hi.”
She looked adorable in a pair of jeans and a light blue T-shirt with a fluffy white kitten on it. Her shiny dark hair hung loose this morning, parted on the side. Justice felt his gut tighten.
“Aw…sweet,” he commented, staring at her chest.
Brielle grinned at him as heat rose in his cheeks. “What can I say? I love fluffy white kittens.” She clipped her badge to her jeans and tucked her gun into her waistband.
Justice glanced around the enormous, airy living room. Its entire west side was comprised of glass which provided a magnificent view of the ocean. “Do you own a kitten?”
She reached for her helmet. “No. I haven’t lived here that long, and, honestly, I’ve been too busy to adopt a pet.”
“Oh? I just assumed you’ve lived in Laguna Beach since attending the police academy.”
“No. I moved down here from LA several months ago.” She saw the question in his eyes. “Long story, which I’ll tell you over breakfast.”
Justice followed her outside. When she saw his bike, she burst into laughter.
“You didn’t tell me your ride was the same make and model as mine!”
He shrugged, smiling at her. “Yours is prettier than mine. I’m actually jealous.”
Brielle chuckled, fastened her helmet and climbed on behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. His heart rate spiked.
“Hey, I almost forgot. Do you have the ammo?”
“It’s in my backpack. Where’s the HK416?”
“I locked it in the evidence room last night.”
“You’re learning, Beach Boy.”
He smiled. “Hang on.”
Out on the open highway, Justice went full throttle. Brielle clutched him tighter, her breasts crushed against his back. She pressed her hands against his abs and ripples of pleasure coursed through him. As he reveled in her touch, he was sure he’d just taken a nosedive off a cliff. Something that had never happened to him. Ever. He wanted the ride to Pop’s Diner to go on forever and regretted its brevity.
As they entered the diner, choruses of “Hey, Chief!” and “Good morning, Chief!” greeted Justice. He took the time to shake hands and speak to everyone who addressed him.
When he and Brielle slipped into a booth, an odd feeling gripped him as he drowned in the gold depths of her eyes, glowing with admiration for him. Oh, God, what was happening?
After a waitress poured two cups of coffee and took their order of pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon, Justice cleared his throat.
“So, how did you end up in Laguna Beach?”
