After a shitastic day at work, I am eager as hell for a beer and a juicy steak on the grill, but before I can grab a bottle from the fridge, my phone rings and I groan.
It’s my partner, Dwight. Today he was promoted to detective, and, while I’m proud of him, I don’t want a new partner. Shit, I’m half afraid they’ll put me with Roberts and I’ll end up killing the guy on the first day we’re together. While that might do the world a favor, it won’t help me when I’m up for promotion.
“Sloan.”
“Now he speaks,” Dwight says with a laugh. “Wasn’t sure if I would get the silent treatment or not.”
Rubbing my forehead as I walk to the window and peer out, I say, “You know I’m proud of you. Just not too keen on possible candidates for my new partner.”
“Aw, I love you, too, man.”
I roll my eyes, then push a couple of blinds apart and spot Evangeline in the parking lot, washing her car. Right then and there, my day goes to one hundred percent.
“It won’t be the same without you,” I point out. “If I get stuck with Roberts, then I’ll have to listen to techno.”
“Better than that mariachi shit you made me listen to.”
“One song and it was because my momma called the station to play it on my birthday. Man, I can’t believe you would insult my mother. You know how she feels about you.”
“Yeah, yeah. We both know she’s in love with Hayden. He speaks en espa?ol better than me.”
“Hayden speaks better Spanish than I do.” But I have my father to thank for that. He liked to brag to his friends that he beat the Mexican out of me while keeping my back strong. The asshole. Not sure why he married my mother, or even got involved with her, since there was no denying her heritage.
“How she doing?” he asks, even as I keep my gaze on Evangeline. She picks up the hose, her leggings stretching over an ass so fine—fuck. I can’t be thinking about a woman’s ass while my mother’s in the conversation.
“Fine. She’s still in Tijuana. I think she’s extending her visit by another month or two.” I’ll keep sending her all the money she needs to stay down there for as long as she wants, if it makes her happy and gives her peace. The woman has been through hell and back, toting me on her hip until I was old enough to willingly hold her hand, and she deserves peace.
“Good for her.” Dwight exhales. “Alisha says to stop by for dinner sometime.”
“I will.”
“So we good?”
“Very good,” I reply, then let the blinds fall into place. “I’m happy for you, bro, and we’ll go out to celebrate soon.”
As soon as we wrap up our conversation, I grab a beer and head to the door, checking on Jake as he snoozes away in his bed in front of the fireplace.
“Want to go outside, boy?” I ask.
He opens one eye and then lets out a huff.
“I’ll take that as a no.” Ruffling the fur on his head as I pass by, I have to laugh. Jake’s no spring chicken, but he’s not ancient. However, when he’s done, he’s done for the day. The college kid over in apartment A comes to check on Jake and walk him twice a day between classes, so I know he’s being taken care of.
“Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the dog park when I get home.”
Jake’s tail thumps on the floor.
“Yeah, I’ve seen the honey you have your eyes on. We’re going to make that happen.” If I could fist-bump Jake, I would, mostly because I’m sure he would give me the same back. I’m really going to hate it when a family finally adopts him.
By the time I get to the parking lot, Evangeline is scrubbing the right side of her car. I make sure my steps are loud so that she hears me. Sneaking up on her would only make her run.
“Need some help?”
Blue-green eyes peer up at me through black lashes and her plump lips part. Damn, she’s pretty. Those plump lips of hers thin for a moment. “I’m perfectly capable of washing my own car.”
“Yeah, but washing a car is a two-person job.” I won’t be deterred by her brush-off, but I won’t frighten her, either. It’s a seriously fine line I have to walk for this woman. But for some reason, I already know she’s worth it.
Sticking my hand into the bucket between us, I grab a sponge and start washing the front-door panel while she works on the back. She makes a noise but doesn’t order me away.
I consider this the greatest victory in the history of victories. We work in silence until it’s time to rinse. Our hands reach for the water hose at the same time and my hand covers hers.
Desire flares. I tighten my grip a little.
Evangeline’s eyes widen and she gasps, but before she can snatch her hand away from mine, I let go.
“Ladies first.” I give her my friendliest smile, but the pink blooming on her cheeks turns red.
“I—um…thanks.” She sprays the car down and moves to the front.