Page 22 of Having HIs Back
Brian rolled his eyes. “I always figured I’d either be a police officer or a bartender. I guess the second part of my personality is coming out.”
Kerry chuckled as he wiped his eyes. “I should have anticipated this.”
“How could you? You’ve never experienced this before.”
Kerry nodded. “And I don’t think I could have gotten through this without you.” He rested his head on Brian’s shoulder, and they stayed like that, quiet and together for quite a while. “I know you have to go back to work.”
“Yeah, I do. There are going to be more reports and paperwork than you can imagine. But we got him, and the person who took your sister away is going to be behind bars for a very long time. Take as much comfort in that as you can. Then go on home to the boys and find something fun for all of you to do.”
“Yeah. I know it sounds like a cliché, but life goes on.”
Brian backed away. “It does, and you’ll always miss Caroline. But the loss will lessen over time, and those two boys will always know that they’re loved and cared for. As the boys keep saying… that’s what their angel mommy would want to see.” Brian’s own eyes began to tear, and fuck it all, he couldn’t let the rest of the guys see it.
“That got to you too?” Kerry asked.
Brian sighed. “If I’m honest, this whole case has gotten to me. You and the boys have really gotten under my skin, and I don’t quite know what to do about it.”
Kerry actually smiled. “Then since it’s largely over, how about we go on an official date? You know, one where you don’t arrive in an unmarked police car or one of those work suits of yours. We can go out for a real dinner that doesn’t involve chicken fingers, mac and cheese, or pizza.”
“I like that idea.” Damn, that actually sounded amazing.
“Good. I need to get the boys, and you can call me to find out when I’m free. You know, my schedule is so very full right now, I’m not sure how I’m going to fit you in.” Kerry headed for the door, and Brian rolled his eyes as he smiled.
ChapterNine
“Is Mr. Briancoming to play with us?” Phillip asked as Kerry got ready for an evening out.
He smiled in the mirror in Caroline’s room. He’d spent the last couple of days on the phone with the managing partners of the practice, and they had come to an agreement. Kerry would work three days a week at the Olympia office, and two days a week at the Seattle office to ensure that he didn’t leave any of his current clients. Over about six months, he would transition full-time to the Olympia office. If everything went well, then once Kerry transitioned, he was going to head the Olympia office, which didn’t have a managing director at the moment. Apparently, they had been wondering if Kerry would be interested in the position before all this happened. So, it seemed everything was going to work out.
“No. Miss Karen is coming over to stay with you.”
Phillip seemed happy with that answer, and Kerry finished getting ready. There was still so much running through his head. He needed to find another place for all of them to live. Caroline’s lease was up in two months, and Kerry didn’t want to renew it.
The doorbell rang, and he slipped on his shoes, hurried to the front, and opened it to Karen, who gave him the once-over. “Don’t you clean up nice.”
“Thanks.” He closed the door and checked himself in the mirror one last time. “The boys should be in bed by nine, and there’s plenty of food in the house. Help yourself to anything.” He was so excited, he hadn’t seen the plastic container she carried. The boys, followed by Pebbles, all raced out to greet herand asked for cookies. They all knew. She offered him one, but Kerry thanked her and declined.
The boys led her off to show her things as the doorbell rang again. This time, Kerry opened it to Brian, looking nearly edible in tan trousers and a light blue shirt, open at the collar. “Are you ready to go?”
Kerry swallowed hard, words escaping him. Damn, Brian looked good. Finally, he nodded, and Brian grinned.
“I like that I was able to make you speechless. That says a lot… so to speak. And you look really nice.”
“Thanks,” Kerry said after clearing his throat. “Where are we going?”
“Well, you made it pretty clear. No pizza, mac and cheese, or chicken fingers, so there isn’t much left.”
“Funny…,” Kerry quipped.
“There’s a really good steakhouse, and I made reservations. I’ve eaten there a few times for special occasions, and I thought this qualified. They do a nice job.”
“I’m glad.” He was really getting tired of eating what the boys wanted. He liked pizza and things, but there were times when he really wanted grown-up food. Kerry approached Brian’s deep-red Mustang. Brian opened the door, and he slid into the passenger seat. By the time he had his seatbelt on, Brian was in the driver’s seat, pressing a button and lowering the top. “I never pictured you as a convertible kind of guy. Muscle car, yes, but….”
“I love this car. I got it a few years ago. Mostly, I drive what I’m assigned at work, and this sits in my garage. But it’s a wonderful night and warm enough that we won’t freeze with the top down.”
“Do you get to tool around like this very often?” Kerry asked as Brian pulled away from the curb, the breeze rustling his hair.
“Not as much as I like. But this time of year, when it isn’t raining, it’s so much fun.” He drove through the city, ambientlighting down by their feet and along the dash. It only added to the coolness of the experience. “But it is fun having this.”
