My heart stops. It’s been three weeks since I took the exam, three weeks of trying not to think about it, trying not to get my hopes up.
“Yes, sir.”
“Congratulations, Edwards. You scored a 94, highest in your testing group. The promotion is yours if you want it.”
I sit down heavily in my kitchen chair. “I want it. Yes, sir, I definitely want it.”
“Excellent. You’ll start Monday. Report to Chief Martinez in the morning for the details.”
After I hang up, I sit in my kitchen staring at my phone. Sergeant. After thirteen years of patrol, thirteen years of working toward this moment, it’s finally happening.
And I have someone to share it with.
My hands are shaking as I scroll to Alice’s number.
Me: I passed. Scored highest in the group.
My phone rings immediately.
“Sawyer!” Alice’s voice is bright with excitement. “You got the promotion?”
“I got the promotion.”
“I’m so proud of you! This is amazing!”
“I can barely believe it. Sergeant Edwards.” I test the words out loud. “That has such a nice ring to it.”
“It sounds perfect. We have to celebrate.”
“What time do you get off work?”
“Five. Why?”
“Come straight to my place after. I have some ideas about how we should celebrate.”
There’s a pause, and when she speaks again, her voice is softer. “What kind of ideas?”
“The kind that require privacy.”
“I’ll be there at.”
At the station, Chief Martinez congratulates me and goes over the details of my new position. I try to focus on his words about supervision and responsibility, but my mind keeps drifting to Alice, to the way her voice changed when I mentioned celebrating privately.
The day drags. Every call, every report, every routine traffic stop feels like it’s taking forever. By four-thirty, I’m practically watching the clock.
Alice’s car pulls into my driveway. I’m waiting at the door before she can knock.
“Hey, Sergeant,” she says, grinning as she steps inside.
“I like the sound of that,” I say, pulling her close.
She drops her purse and immediately wraps her arms around my neck. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Proud enough to help me celebrate?”
“Depends what you have in mind.”
Instead of answering, I kiss her, backing her against the front door. She melts into me, her hands fisting in my shirt, pulling me closer. I can feel the heat of her body, the way her breasts press against my chest, her nipples hard and begging for attention.
