I’d had a hankering for the latter since yesterday, and it was possible I’d asked Kiera to get me a jar for tonight.
“What the fuck are cornichons?” Quinn asked.
“Divine, is what they are,” I muttered, checking the sideview mirror. I didn’t know if it was Riggs or Emerson behind us. Probably Riggs.
“Like, extra crunchy baby pickles,” Kelley supplied. “I’ve seen Operator Riggs down an entire jar for lunch. I’ve never been so sexually confused in my life.”
I coughed a laugh. Beckett cracked up too.
“What was the confusing part?” Quinn chuckled.
“I considered trying out women,” Kelley replied frankly. “I mean, Riggs is clearly the hottest man alive, but those pickles looked fucking disgusting.”
I smirked and shook my head.
For the record,Iwas the hottest man alive, according to Kiera.
“We can’t all be the hottest man alive,” Beckett noted. “Leighton’s assured me it’s me.”
The heated debate that immediately ensued between Kelley, Quinn, and Blue was easy to tune out because we were officially back at HQ. The second Blue pulled in, I opened the door and got out.
Emerson, Danny, and three of the graduates were almost at the doors.
I’d grab my bag later.
I stalked toward the entrance, cursing the reflective glass of the building. A safety measure, of course, but I wanted to see Kiera. And get a look at the families. I knew junior Quinn had a senior Quinn or several here. The new operator was the nephew. I’d worked extensively with Darius over the years, a fair amountwith Ryan too. Operator Kelley probably had family present too. Some were more open with their parents and siblings than others. I’d sure as hell never had family set foot in there. My folks knew somewhat what I did for a living, but the details would just make Ma worry.
Some twenty people, Kiera had reported.
I was gonna shut them all out.
Something fluttered and tightened in my chest as I reached the revolving door, and I could finally see inside. The reunions had started. Sure enough, Darius was here, and he’d brought his hubby. They were waiting for the nephew. But in the meantime, they were talking to Emerson and Danny. Ortiz had family here. A big family. Operator Kelley had returned from Europe and was presumably waiting for his kid brother, who was right behind me. One of them better choose an alias, ’cause we’d had this issue when Beckett and his big brother had worked together.
Where are you, hellcat?
I was through.
“Pilot!” Kiera’s voice echoed above the din, and I spotted her scurrying from the back with a big smile on her face.
The fucking relief. Jesus Christ. Tension faded in my shoulders, nerves knotted in my stomach, and Beckett should see the grin on my mug, becausethatwas unlike me.
I met up with her halfway without my even making the decision, and then she jumped into my arms as she’d promised, arms locked around my neck, legs wrapped around my hips.God-fucking-damn.I hugged her tightly and buried my face against her neck.
“You’re finally home.”
I’m finally home.
“You smell so damn good.” I kissed my way up to her jaw, then got her lips. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too—so, so much.” She pressed herself impossibly close and kissed me deeply.
Just like that, the world disappeared. The greetings and congratulations faded. The movement ceased.
“And I’ll have you for five weeks now?” she asked to make sure.
“Mm, but the next gig is just three days.” I helped her back to the floor but kept her close. Across the street, where our bed waited, had never felt so far away.
“Then your six-month training program—close by,” she said.
