Page 13 of Second First Kiss

His look said he’d let her get away with it this time, but before he spoke, she felt a hint of disappointment roll off him and, surprisingly, it felt like a wrecking ball to her chest.

“From what I understand, you were the Superman earlier, acting as legal counsel for each and every kid, not letting them speak to the deputies until their parents got here,” he said.

“I made the mistake of trusting a cop when I was a kid. Gave into the whole Good Cop act and ended up with a record. So yeah, I don’t trust law enforcement, and I’d rather go to jail than have those kids get jammed up like I did.”

“You know we aren’t all bad, Kitten,” he said.

“Prove it.”

“I do every day,” he said, his chest puffed out with pride. “Come on a ride along with me and see.”

She crossed her arms. “That sounds an awful lot like that date I said no to.”

He snorted. “Trust me. A ride along is as far from a date as it can get. And it will show you that there are good law enforcement officers out there.”

“And let people think I’ve been arrested? I’ll pass.” Because it wouldn’t matter if she were in the front or back of that cruiser, people would talk. And the talk wouldn’t be good. “Plus, being locked in the car with you would be like being crammed in a soup can with Thor.”

“Thor, huh?” He puffed his chest out more, if that were even possible, and Kat told herself not to look, but she couldn’t help herself. Damn, if the way he flexed said anything, he noticed.

“I’m more of a Dr. Strange myself. Brains over brawn.”

“Good thing I’m both.”

She rolled her eyes and that smile of his was back. “Tough girl, my ass. Beneath the steel-toed boots you’ve got a big heart, Kitten.”

“I hate it when you call me that.”

He threw a wink her way. “I know. Now tell me how I can help.”

She huffed at the ceiling, then opened her eyes as if looking for divine intervention. When none came, she gave in.

“Get me and my sister out of here.” He hesitated long enough that she cursed herself for even asking and mumbled, “Good cop, my ass.” Louder, she added, “You know what? Never mind, I’ll figure it out.” She turned to punch the bulletproof glass wall when he caught her by the hood of the coat and held her in place.

“I was just strategizing. Why wasn’t she released with the others?”

“Because, like I tried to explain earlier, I am not her guardian. So until they can reach my dad they won’t release her to me.” And then it happened, the tears she’d been holding back silently slid down her cheek. Not a lot but enough to have her hiding her face in embarrassment.

Showing weakness was not something she did. Showing it in front of a guy who had it all together—talk about horrifying.

“I didn’t think they’d keep you overnight,” he said, and to her surprise he tilted her chin up and caught a tear with his thumb. “I’ll fix this.”

“Why now and not earlier?”

He looked genuinely confused and hurt. “Because this is my fault. And because while I was listening, I wasn’t hearing you and that’s a problem I need to work on.”

Kat wasn’t used to people, especially men, admitting when they’re wrong. Or what their weaknesses were. She’d rather string herself up by her shoelaces than give someone that kind of power over her.

“Normally I wouldn’t need your help,” she stated, and he smiled. “But today is your lucky day. The sheriff is trying to get ahold of Judge Cramer to get permission to release Tess to me. But if that happens, he’ll find out about tonight and it will sink my chances for custody.”

“So you need me to stop the judge from being notified?”

She nodded with uncertainty. Because what she was asking him went against everything he stood for. Just look at earlier. But to her surprise, he turned to Carl and said, “Please tell the sheriff that ISB Agent Carmichael is picking up the witness Tessa Rhodes and escorting her home.”

Carl stood and looked around for someone, anyone, to step in and help. “I don’t think the sheriff will like that much. I was specifically told to keep them here.”

“Then I’ll tell him. Buzz me back.”

Without further question, Carl buzzed him back and she watched as the imposing man moved gracefully through the maze of desks and walked right into the sheriff’s office. He was inside for under thirty seconds and then he was making his way back to her.

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