Page 24 of Detective Daddy Next Door

I nod. "Okay. Strictly business. So what function are we going to next?"

"I don't think there’re going to be any functions at the firm anytime soon. I have an event to go to soon, but it doesn't matter because you can't go. It's my sister's wedding."

"Why can't I go?"

"Because my family doesn't have to know you. It's not my family you're investigating. It's the firm. If there's a function at the firm, I'll let you know."

"Are your colleagues going to be there?"

“No. Just Daisy. She’s hung out with Aria and me at my place a couple of times."

"Then I have to be there. Imagine what it'll look like if you go alone. I mean, Daisy knows you have a boyfriend. What will she think if you show up alone?"

She sighs. "I'll tell her you're out of town for work."

"Then I'll look like an inconsiderate boyfriend. Not a good look."

She groans. "My family doesn't even know you."

"Then tell them about me."

“Am I introducing you as Jasper to my family too?

“Yes. Daisy will be at the wedding. We don’t want any slip-ups.”

She groans again and falls back into the sofa. "I'm in deep shit."

Chapter 9

Bria

I'vebeenlookingfora way to tell Aria about Myles, but it's been hard. Today I'll find a way to. The wedding is only a week away. How do I bring a man my family knows nothing about to the wedding? I didn't sign up for this, but Myles is right, it would look odd if he didn’t come to the wedding with me after he came with me to Micha’s birthday party. Daisy would chew my ears off with questions I wouldn’t be able to answer. Plus I don't want anyone thinking I can't keep a man.

I'm going shopping with Aria today. She's looking for skincare products, hoping to up her skin glow before the wedding, as well as looking for clothes for her honeymoon. And being the more fashionable one, I'm to help her. We're going in her car, so I’m meeting her at her place. When I arrive, I ring the bell. Her husband-to-be, Connor, opens the door.

"Bria, it's been a while," he says as he lets me in and hugs me.

"It has been a while. Good to see you. I've been so busy. Life's been crazy," I say, meaning every single word of my last sentence.

I can't tell him that I now have a fake boyfriend, who happens to be an undercover detective who I have also had sex with. Crazy, crazy life, it's been.

Ethan and Ceci, their two kids, run over to me.

"Bria!" Ethan screams.

"You're growing so big, young man."

I turn to Ceci, who's gotten on her hands and knees and is crawling toward me. "You still haven't started walking yet?"

"She's just like her mother. Scared of trying anything new."

"Who's scared of trying something new?" Aria says from the top of the stairs.

"Oops. Nothing, baby," Connor says, and we all laugh out loud.

I'm holding Ceci in my arms. Connor takes her from me and carries her up the stairs. Ethan follows him up. When he reaches the top of the stairs, he kisses Aria. I love their life. I love what they have. I wish I had that, but my life with men has been an interesting one. One of pain and agony. All I can do is wish.

When Connor has disappeared with the kids, Aria jogs down the stairs.

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