Five Ways 'Til Sunday by Delilah Devlin Read Free Book Online Page B

baby.”
    * * *
    Jackson caught up with Craig the next day for lunch. “How’s the canvassing goin’? Anyone see anything?”
    “Nope. And forensics came up with nada as well. No prints. Video from both places caught the thief, but he was masked before entering. And last night, he hit again—that voodoo shop just around the corner from the tavern, right at closing. They’re worried that he’s escalating. This time he knocked the store clerk out after he tied her up.”
    Disgusted, Jackson shook his head. “I’ll be sure Marti tells her staff to watch for any strangers who linger at closing time.”
    “Speaking of your girl…” Craig’s grin stretched. “Heard Gus had a fine ole time.”
    Jackson growled deep in his throat. “The point is that Marti had a good time.”
    “Bet she did,” Craig said, chuckling. “Gus is…impressive.”
    Jackson planted his fists on his hips and glared.
    His friend held up his hands in surrender. “Hey, man, just yankin’ your chain. You know, we’re all invested in this thing now. Gonna have room in the wedding party for four best men?”
    A rueful smile tugged at Jackson’s mouth. “I think we’ll elope. I don’t want any help with the honeymoon. That is, if she ever says yes. You do know that list was a crock.”
    Craig nodded; his expression turned serious. “Think she was hopin’ you’d balk?”
    Jackson sighed. “Yeah. If I caved, we could keep things like they are. She’s happy with that.”
    “But it’s not enough for you.”
    “No, I want kids with her, Craig. I want the white picket fence and to wake up with her blue hair in my face every morning. I want her under me every night.”
    “And sharing her with us? What’s that buyin’ you?”
    “I’m showing her I won’t tie her down. That she’s still free to be herself.”
    “Seems extreme. Sure you won’t be bothered by the fact we’ve been all over her by the time this is done?”
    “That’s my problem to deal with. And it’s why it’s you guys. I’d trust you all with my back. I sure as hell will trust you with my girl.”
    Craig nodded then rose. “Time to get back to my beat. See you later, bro.”
    “Make sure that back seat smells fresh.”
    It was a short walk to the bar. He ducked inside, inhaling the scent of lemon oil and cleansers. He nodded to Grady, an ex-cop, who was polishing the bar. “She in back?”
    “Just be sure to lock the door behind you, hot shot.”
    Jackson grinned and gave him a two-fingered salute before heading toward the office. He opened the door quietly then locked it behind him. Not that he planned on doing a thing, but he never knew what would happen when the two of them were alone. They were a volatile mix. Like kerosene and an open flame.
    Marti was at her desk, her eyebrows drawn into a fierce frown as her fingers clicked on her computer keyboard.
    He cleared his throat. “Hey, sweetheart.”
    Her gaze darted up. A blush colored her cheeks a pale rose. “Hi there, yourself. What are you doing here? I thought you’d be busy planning the next installment of Bang My Girlfriend .”
    Her voice crackled with irritation, but he didn’t put any pass on it. He’d gotten to her last night, and now she thought she had to shore up her defenses again. “I ate lunch with Craig. He had some news about the robberies.”
    Marti’s cheeks billowed around a deep exhale. “That’s all anyone’s talking about.”
    “You takin’ extra precautions?”
    One brow arched. “Do you really think he’d have the balls to rob a cop bar?”
    “Just be careful. Make sure you always have someone around. And you might consider lockin’ this door when you’re in here by yourself. If he’s local, he might know the safe’s here.”
    She nodded slowly then narrowed her gaze. “Is that the only reason you came by?”
    “I was hopin’ for a kiss. I know you’re busy, and you might be a little sore…”
    Her hand shot up. “Not going there. It’s hard enough to