Carli walks out of the shop just as I’m hopping up into my seat. Our eyes lock. I force myself to look away before Grey notices. He’s worse than a police dog when it comes to sniffing out details—always watching, noticing what others miss.
Patrick hops into the truck next, followed by Dustin.
“I’m going to ask Daisy to marry me,” Patrick says.
“Duh,” Dustin answers.
“Really?” I say at the same time.
“Yeah. We know we’re going to spend our future together.We were just taking our time. But I’m done with that. I want to share a home with her. I want to wake up next to her.”
“Tell me about it,” Dustin says.
“You want to wake up next to Daisy?” Greyson asks in full deadpan. “That could be a real issue.”
“Har har,” Dustin says.
“I think that’s great, Patrick,” I say. “When are you going to propose?”
“I’ve got to work out the details. But I’ve already got the ring.”
Greyson whistles.
Patrick smiles this contented smile. It’s the kind only the right woman can put on a man’s face.
The evening is uneventful. We run through the routines at the station. Dustin makes pasta and garlic bread for dinner.
I’ve been waiting all afternoon—ever since lunch—to find a time when I could text Carli without anyone noticing me and possibly seeing who I’m texting.
Once the guys are settled with books or their show, I step outside. It feels weird to text her. I’ve always texted Jace or McKenna. Never Carli unless it was about one of them.
Cody: Hey. Sorry it took me a minute to text.
Carli: That’s okay. I know you’re busy.
Cody: Yeah. It was a crazy morning and then I couldn’t get a minute alone. Are you home?
Carli: I am. I had to go into the office for some last-minute paperwork today. Tomorrow’s official hands-on orientation with the other inspector.
Cody: Congrats on getting the job—again.
Carli: Thanks. I’m nervous and excited.
Cody: You’ll do great.
Carli: Thanks.
Cody: I thought we should talk—you know—if you still want to.
Carli: Agreed. We should.
Cody: I’m really bad at texting. I’d call, but the guys are all here. There’s no privacy.
Carli: You’re doing fine. So far … ;)
I smile. This is just Chuck. I don’t need to impress her or be something I’m not. Only, for some reason, she’s the only person whose opinion matters to me right now.
Cody: Could you meet up sometime?
