Jackson winked before backing up two steps.“Moreif you take the job.”
“I’llthinkabout it.”
“If nothing else, you could remain a consultant and I can bug you for intel on occasion—or run tough cases past you that need a fresh eye.”
“ThatI can probably agree to. More? I don’t know.”
“I’ll takewhateverI can get,” Jackson said, opening up the door to his Guard sedan. “Take care and tell Walker I said hello.”
“Will do.” Dash returned to where Harper was waiting on him. “Ready to head out?”
“Yes, sir,” Harper said, rounding to the driver’s door.
Dash smiled at the agent. He’d come to like the young man. He had good instincts. After he slid into the passenger side, he eyed Harper. “I hear you’re leading the next extraction.”
Harper’s eyes widened. “I am?”
Dash smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll have your back. Well, I’ll have yourear.”
“You won’t be there?”
“You’ll be fine,” Dash said. “I trust you.”
Harper smiled, starting the engine. “Is there a reason you won’t be there?”
Dash ran a hand over his swelling belly. “I’m assuming you’ve noticed some changes”
Harper’s cheeks grew red. “Yes, sir.”
“You know I’m not your boss, right? Youdon’thave to call me sir.”
“You’re the youngest man ever to be hired by the Black Guard, getting a nearly perfect score on their entrance exam. Not only were you one of the first alphas, but you were also the first omega Guardsman agent in history—and their only hybrid consultant. You’ve led over a hundred successful missions, and your capture rate is one of the highest in Guard history. If all that doesn’t deserve the respectful title of ‘sir’, I don’t know what would.” Harper paused.“Sir.”
Dash smiled to himself. “I don’t know if I should thank you for the ego boost or call you a kiss-ass.”
“Yes, sir,” Harper said.
Dash chuckled. “Mind dropping me off at home before you head back into the office? I’m exhausted and ready to call it a day.”
“What about our end of mission report, sir?”
Dash stretched his sore legs. “We can save it for tomorrow morning. Go home, rest up. We’ve had a long day.”
Harper smiled. “Yes, Sir.”
Emerson tossedthe veggies in the pan, hoping he was doing Lucas proud. The cooking lessons his brother had given him had helped give a little confidence, but he was still learning. Still burning. Though, he hadn’t burned anything in at least a week. When he heard a car door slam outside, he shut off the burner and walked to the door, swinging it open just as Dash approached.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hey,” Dash said, leaning close for a kiss.
When Emerson pulled away, he noticed a pair of Dash’s elderly neighbors walking past and frowning at them. He lifted his hand, waved, and smiled. “Evening.”
The pair sped up and didn’t respond.
“Assholes,” Emerson grumbled, ushering Dash inside.
Once the door was closed, he kissed his mate again. “Have a good day?”
