Page 74 of Enemies with Benefits

“Well?”

“Weird angle,” I reply, and her smile slumps.

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s even bigger.”

Chapter23

Ben

“Everything’s cleaned and stored.”

“Thanks, Brady. See ya in a couple days.” I turn, grab my backpack, and head out just as Abel walks in. “Hey, thanks again for picking up my shift. I owe you one.”

“No problem. I can use the extra cash. Wife’s about to have a baby and all. Hey, heard your crew had a bad fire today.”

“It was a close call. But we were even able to save the kid’s fish. That’s a win. See ya arou—”

“Wallace! In my office. Now!”

Fuck.

“Damn, what’d you do?”

Didn’t get out of here fast enough.“Guess we’ll find out. Later.” I run back inside and head to the chief’s office, sticking my head in. “You rang?”

“Shut my door and sit down.”

Great. “Did I do something wrong, Chief?” I ask, taking the chair in front of his desk.

“Yourgirlfriendis a teacher at my wife’sschool?”

Was not expectingthatone.Oh, and she’s not my girlfriend.“I mean, sure. I guess—”

“Do you know what this means?”

“That they know each other—”

“That I have to have you over for dinner. At my home. Where I go to get away from you people.”

I cover my mouth with my hand to fake a cough. Chief loves pretending he despises us all. In reality, he’s a big softy. “Tell her I said no.”

His burly mustache twitches. “You want me to tell my wife you said no?”

“Sure. Solves the problem, doesn’t it?”

“No. No one tells my wife no.Idon’t tell my wife no. Which means you don’t either. Make it happen. And when you’re over, eat fast and don’t stay for dessert. Hear me?”

“Sure thing, Chief.”

“Good. Get out.”

I shake my head, not bothering to hide my humor, and take off. I’ve been waiting to leave work since I stepped foot in the station. The day was stacked with call after call, but it kept my mind off Makayla. Because every time she invaded my thoughts, I got lost in the image of her from this morning. The way her creamy thigh stuck out from the covers. Her parted lips. The little sounds that fell from her sweet mouth. She looked so damn adorable. I had to fight not to call into work, risk being fired, and climb into bed with her. My lips curled at the sight of her sleeping like the dead in my sports T-shirt. The thought of her waking up and realizing what shirt she was wearing made possibly losing my job worth it, just to see the look on her pretty little face. This little game of cat and mouse is becoming the highlight of my day. The thrill of one-upping her. The anticipation of what she’ll have up her sleeve.

I just want to get home and bask in her presence. I can’t touch her, but I can admire her from afar. Steal glances. Memorize her little giggles and pouty faces. Knowing I only have one more day with her, I took time off. Luckily, Abel was willing to pick up the rest of my shift so I could spend time watching over Makayla. Making sure she healed and got the answers she needed about the fire—a conversation I’m not thrilled to have with her.

The report that came back wasn’t promising. Definitely arson. New evidence proves it. Now, I have to talk to Mak about the hows and whys.

---