Page 61 of Under the Radar

“Hmm. Headache. But it’s gone.”

“Headache? Why? Are you getting sick?”

“No, just a long day.”

“Dan?” he asked.

“He was a bit of a jerk, but I think I nipped that in the bud.” I told Chase about our conversation, and he chuckled at my words.

“So fierce, Hannah.” He rolled me over, hovering above me. “So protective of me.”

“I dislike people who want to prove they are more powerful. And thinking because you made a mistake in the past you should keep paying for it only shows how narrow-minded he is. Not very tolerant for a cop either.”

He kissed me gently, his lips soft on mine. “Not everyone is as understanding as you, Cinnamon.”

“You need to be understanding to be a cop. You have to show empathy at times. I remember once we were on a call, and I thought we were going to have to arrest a woman for her behavior in a bar. She was out of control and breaking things. My partner and I went in and talked to her, and she broke down and told me that her husband had left her that day, she lost her job that afternoon, and when she got to the bar, her best friend told her she was the reason her husband had left her. They were having an affair. By talking to her, I found out her story—she was normally a peaceful, kind person, but she’d had an epically shitty day and reacted badly. The owner didn’t press charges, and she paid restitution for the damages. Ross taught me to ask first before assuming the worst about everyone. I try to do that on the job and in my life.”

“Do you know what happened to her?” Chase asked.

“She got another job and found a new guy. She came to the station and dropped off cookies a few times. She found her feet and got back on track, but if Ross hadn’t shown her some patience and empathy, she would have had a record that would have followed her around the rest of her life. He taught me to listen and watch. See things with your heart.”

Chase leaned down and kissed me again. “I think your heart is beautiful.”

I cupped his cheek. “Thank you.”

“I think you’re beautiful.”

I smiled, lifting my head and kissing him. “If you’re trying to butter me up, Chase, here’s a hint. I’m a sure thing now.”

He grinned. “Is that a fact?”

“Yes.”

“And how’s the headache?”

“Nothing you couldn’t help with.”

“Well then, let me take care of that. And you.” His mouth covered mine.

Dinner was very late.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Chase

The entire week, the garage buzzed, busier than ever, and I could barely keep up. But the smile never faded from my face. I knew at the end of the day, I would see Hannah. I could hardly wait to get home every night to her. Her schedule changed due to a staff member being ill. Her boss had asked her to cover the office while her coworker was out, and Hannah had agreed, which meant she would be Monday to Friday regular hours for a while. I didn’t react when she told me, except to acknowledge her change of shift. Even with the low crime rate of the area, I still worried about her as a police officer. You never knew what could happen during the course of a shift. Knowing she was in a more stable working environment made me breathe a little easier. I would never tell her that, although I had a feeling her mom agreed with me.

Thursday, I was deep into paperwork when a rap on the door made me look up. Hannah was there, holding a bag. Her smile was warm, but she hesitated until I waved her in.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, standing and pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“I brought you lunch. I was out getting burgers for everyone, and I thought you might like one.”

I was touched by her thoughtfulness. “Thank you. Wally’s are the best.”

“I should have got some for the others, but I had no idea how many were here.”

“It’s fine. They are talking about pizza for lunch. I’ll eat this instead.” I grinned at her. “But the best part is seeing you.”