Kissing her hard on the mouth, I shifted off, pulling her to stand with me. “Maybe one or two.”
Cassidy didn’t push me after that, instead getting dressed so we could head out.
Mike only lived a couple of miles away. By the time we made it there, she’d accepted the fact that she wasn’t going with me.
Well, somewhat.
“Stop pouting,” I ordered before knocking on the door.
Mike Holland was a country boy from Iowa who had been my partner for four years before we both went into different fields. He was now head of the Narcotics K-9 unit and one of the few people I trusted.
“What’s up, brother?” Mike greeted, opening the door. His German Shepherd, Nitro, right by his side.
“Hey, man. I really appreciate you helping me out.”
“Anytime.”
I’d given Mike the rundown early this morning when I called and asked him to look after my girl.
My girl.
“This is Cassidy Sky. Cass, Mike and Nitro.”
She extended her hand. “So you’re the babysitter.”
Mike grinned, shaking her hand. “You must be the brat.”
Cassidy glared at me, but I didn’t give her a chance to stay angry. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her sweet lips.
Resting my forehead to hers, she sighed. “How long will you be gone?”
“I’ll be back this afternoon.”
Her eyes held mine. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
I tightened my hold around her waist. I didn’t want to let her go. I knew she’d be safe here but not having her with me was going to drive me fucking crazy.
“Behave yourself,” I said, finally releasing her but not before giving her one final kiss. Then I turned my attention back to Mike. “Don’t take your eyes off of her, got it?”
“Got it.”
“Oh, and, Mike.”
“Yeah?”
“Touch her and I’ll break your fucking fingers.”
He laughed. “Wouldn’t even think of it.”
After Reid had left, it didn’t take long for me to warm up to Mike. He was a pretty laidback guy, unlike Reid who was more intense, but both held an air of authority, one that screameddon’t fuck with me.
Mike was more open than Reid in a lot of ways. I thought they probably made one hell of a team when they worked together and I was right. Over lunch, he’d shared stories of when he and Reid patrolled together. Some crazy, some really close calls, and some had me laughing until I cried. I found myself even more grateful that Reid had left Mike in charge of my care, it meant getting to know more of who Reid was now, and from someone who likely knew him better than anyone.
“That old lady was a trip. You should have seen Cunningham’s face. It took everything I had to keep it together.”
“Oh my God, are you serious?”
