Page 136 of Tapped

I hear heels again and wonder if she’s wearing something that hugs every beautiful curve on her body with those sexy shoes. “It’s okay. I just want it done.”

“Me too.”

“Micah?”

“Still here.”

“We need to talk about Chase. We’ve sort of … I don’t know. Evolved. We haven’t had an official discussion. He has to be my main priority, Micah.”

“He absolutely does. You tell me what you want, and I’ll follow.”

The heels stop again, but she says nothing.

I climb in my car, crank it on, and turn up the AC. “Baby, you there?”

“Thank you,” she whispers in my ear. “I’m not used to this.”

“To what?”

“To anyone making us a priority.”

I lean back in my seat and take a moment. I have too many things on my plate today and not enough time, but she needs to understand she’ll always be at the top of the list. “I don’t have to work hard to make you and Chase a priority. If you need me, I’ll make it happen. If you need something done, I’ll take care of it. Chase needs a man in his life, and if you choose me, I’ll be there. Don’t ever question that.”

“You’re going to make me cry before I meet with my brother.”

“Be sure and tell him it’s a good cry. I don’t need the Litchfields on my ass.”

This time I hear a smile through the sniffle. “You don’t have to worry about that. Cadence would never allow it. She’s a big Micah fan.”

I put my car in reverse and check for cars. “I’m just an Evie fan.”

“I’m about to go in and sign the papers. Can I call you back?”

“I’m headed to the station and then the office. Then I need to get to the hospital when Brax gives me the all clear. Landyn went into labor.”

“She did? I want to go.”

“What’s your day like?”

“Catching up on my patient files from last week. I’m at the clinic all morning. I just got word that I have a funeral tomorrow.”

I pull out onto the street. “I’ll go with you.”

“You don’t have to do that. Braim is behind bars. I’ll be fine.”

“Funerals are your thing, and no one should do a funeral alone. I might not be able to go to every single one with you, but I’ll do my best.”

She lowers her tone, and I think she might be crying again. “You’re really good for the health of my soul, you know that?”

“Never heard that one before, but I’m pleased the doctor of science thinks so.”

“Call me when you hear from Brax,” she demands. “My business is the elderly. I never pass up a chance to hold a baby—the newer the better.”

“I won’t rob you of the experience. We’ll get there as soon as we can. Enjoy the hell out of signing those papers, baby. We’ll celebrate tonight.”

I smile thinking of all the ways we’ll commemorate today.

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