Page 50 of Fighting for Brielle
“I really like that idea.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist as he walked Brielle back to her house.
Before they parted, Justice kissed her. “Have I told you that I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met? And I’m not talking about the way you look.”
She shook her head. “No.”
He cupped her face and gazed at her, eyes smoldering with a dark blue heat. “You are. Without a doubt. And I’m lucky to have you in my life.”
“I’m lucky, too,” she murmured before she melted into him.
* * *
After checking in at the station, Justice called his father to discuss what occurred with Arnold Dewitt and the latest development in his relationship with Brielle.
Franklin offered his support of the rough situation regarding the deaths of nine innocent people, ten including Dewitt, but cautioned his son not to invest so much of himself in one woman.
“This is what you do, Justice. Go all in with your heart, and before you know it, it’s ripped out of your chest. Have you forgotten what Clara did to you? How many times do I have to say this before you listen to me?”
Justice ran his free hand through his hair. “Dad, you’re right. I’ve done it again. Jumped in without thinking. But this time I laid out my expectations, what I wanted, and Brielle didn’t run for the nearest door. She’s the one. I feel it in my gut. If you could just see us together, you’d agree. So, when are you coming out to California for a visit?”
“I don’t know, son. Maybe next month.”
“Perhaps for the first time in your life, you leapt before you looked, and now you regret it,” Justice gently chided his father. “Have you thought at all about Adrienne? Or spoken to her?”
“Yes and no. Look, just take care of your own life, and I’ll take care of mine,” Franklin snapped.
“Okay, Dad. No need to bite my head off. I’ll call you in a few days.”
“Sure. I’ll talk to you then.”
Justice shook his head. He wished his dad would move on with his life and find some measure of happiness.
While he waited for Brielle to rejoin him, he searched online for military surplus stores. There were a couple in the general area, but unfortunately, they were closed on weekends. At the first opportunity, he planned to show them a picture of Nash Carson and see if they could ID him. He didn’t find anything in Carson’s past to indicate he’d been in the military, but that didn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t true. Looked like he’d have to call Tex and ask him to check out Carson.
When Brielle sent a text to let him know she was on her way, Justice quickly changed into a pair of board short swim trunks and a tank top. He met her on his deck, and his eyes lit with admiration. She wore a pair of navy shorts and a white tank top over her bikini.
Pulling her in for a kiss, he commented, “You look hot.”
Brielle tilted her head as she eyed him. “Where’s your badge and your gun, Chief?” she teased.
“I’m off duty today. Completely. I’m all yours.”
Earlier they’d decided to walk up the beach to the Westfalls’ house, and as they started down the steps of the deck, Brielle grabbed his warm hand.
“Yes, you certainly are. In every way.”
Her words caused his heart to soar. Though he suspected Secretary of State Washburn’s true motive for sending him to Laguna Beach, he’d have to thank her one day. He’d found his reason for living.
When they climbed the wooden steps to the Westfalls’ deck, Rosie shuffled out of the house and plopped into a chair.
“Hi,” she mumbled.
She wore a cute one-piece bathing suit, anticipating their picnic on the beach. Justice hugged her and dropped a kiss on her head. “Hey, squirt.”
“Who’s this?” Rosie asked, looking with interest at Brielle.
“This is my girlfriend, Brielle.” No need to mention she was also a cop just yet.
