Page 27 of Love in the Storm

Lyric raised her head and sighed. “I’d love to have kids someday, but I don’t know if it’s in the cards for me.”

Asa chuckled at Lyric’s serendipitous comment. “Speaking of cards, you up for a game?”

10

ASA

Asa dealt the flop and picked up his cards. “What do you have?”

They’d been sitting on the floor by the fireplace while he taught Lyric the basics of Texas Hold ‘em, and a sheen of sweat formed on his temples. Was it the fire or sitting so close to Lyric that had his blood heating?

Lyric leaned closer so he could see her cards. “Seven and two.”

Asa chuckled. “Of course you’d get the worst possible hand.”

She looked up at him and frowned. “Hey!”

“It’s a real thing. Seven two off suit is almost impossible to win with.”

Lyric threw her head back and grunted. “I’m terrible at this game.”

“Hold ‘em is really all about the bluff. When Iwas in high school, my friends and I used to have a side bet. Anyone who could win with seven two off suit got the side pot.”

“You just said it’s the worst hand.”

“But if everyonethinksyou have a better hand than the one they’re holding, they might fold.”

Lyric narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not! At least not right now.” He tried to keep a straight face, but his mouth was stretching into a smile, despite his best efforts.

“Did you ever win with this hand?” she asked.

“Never. I’m a terrible liar.”

Lyric bumped his shoulder with hers. “That makes sense. You definitely have a good cop vibe going on.”

Asa folded his hand and stacked the cards. “You’re not the first one to say that.”

Lyric nudged him with her elbow. “I didn’t mean anything bad by it.”

“I know. The phrase always reminds me there are bad cops.” Blackwater had a decent force, and he was proud to be a part of it. Unfortunately, he still ran into troublesome officers in his line of work.

Lyric tossed her cards onto the stack. “I’m getting the sense you try to save the world on a regular basis.”

“No.” His response was quick.

Lyric cleared her throat. “Or yes. Police officers are people, and people aren’t always good.”

“Yeah, but we’re supposed to be better.”

Lyric laughed. “Better people? You don’t really believe that being a police officer makes you a better person.”

“No, it doesn’t. But it would be great if the people who took on this responsibility cared about their mission–to serve and protect.”

Lyric leaned back against the couch and tucked her legs to the side. “You’re a better man than most, police officer or not. Be prepared to be disappointed if you keep those high expectations.”

Asa leaned on the couch beside her. “Someone’s cynical.”

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