Page 53 of Pulse
Troy frowns. “I don’t think it’ll be over that fast. Stay positive but base it in reality.”
“Have you heard anything?”
“They’re tracing the IP address from the email and looking at security footage from your neighborhood. Ford has someone tailing Freddy, too.” His brows pull together. “What kind of name is that, anyway?Freddy. Did his mother hate him?”
I grin. “I hope whoever’s tailing him likes strip clubs because that’s where he spent the past couple of weeks of our relationship.” Or likely through our relationship, but I don’t really give a damn now.
“Did you know my first job at Landry Security, once I left Barrett’s team, was at a strip club?”
I laugh. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. These two football players, Best and Miller from the Legends, came to town. They just won the big game and were in town to party with someone. Can’t remember who. Anyway, Sebastian and I were assigned to them for the weekend, and I saw more asses shaking, tits bouncing, and bills flying than I’ve ever seen for a continued stretch of time in my life.”
“I’m jealous. Not of the strip club, per se,” I say, adding the last bit in quickly. “But you guys have such exciting jobs. Office work isn’t fun.”
“But you have Snack Wednesdays.”
“Shut up.” I laugh, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I want to go into the field and work, even if it’s only for one job.”
“Not happening.”
“Love the opinion, but let’s remember you aren’t my boss.”
He lifts a brow. “Sure.”
“Don’t patronize me. You know I could talk Ford into letting me try it.”
“Until I threaten to quit. Then your cute little ass will be back behind your desk.”
I gasp.
He shakes his head. “Look, I don’t mean that like it sounds. I’m not one of those assholes that thinks a woman should be in the office or the kitchen. That’s bullshit. But I do think you, specifically, aren’t equipped to deal with shooters, home invasions, and men with knives. Do a few years of training and then come talk to me.”
I smile.
“But you’re still not going out there.”
“Troy!” I laugh again, pulling the blankets down. “Have you felt this mattress yet? It’s a freaking cloud.”
He presses his palms on the bed. “You shouldn’t have a hard time sleeping in here.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll take the couch.”
“Oh. Okay.”
I turn away from him, so he won’t see the disappointment on my face. It’s not like I expected him to fuck me or anything, but I did hope I wouldn’t be alone. I’ve kept it together all day, and I’m proud of myself for that.But the night? Nights hit differently after a good day. This has not generally been one of those.
“Are we stuck in this house the whole time we’re here?” I ask, slipping under the blankets and getting comfortable on the pillows.
“Got somewhere you want to go?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I flipped through this booklet about the island while you took your marathon shower to avoid me earlier, and there’s this charming little village with a coffee shop and a bookstore not too far from here. I thought maybe we could explore it one day.”
He’s clearly bothered by this but doesn’t want an argument. “Maybe. Let’s see what happens.”
Good enough. “What do you usually do at night?”
