Justice laughed softly. “Oh, I took care of that problem for you. I suspended the officers who disrespected you for two weeks without pay. Not only that but all sworn officers and civilian personnel are required to complete a minimum of six hours of sensitivity and sexual harassment training. They’re not happy about it, of course, but there it is.”
“You were there, and did this for me?”
“Yes, I did. I will not tolerate that kind of behavior from the men?or women?under my command.”
Her eyes held his, a soft light turning them into molten gold. “Okay, then. Breakfast at Pop’s Diner.”
She helped him wrap the HK416 in a large black trash bag, and as he started to walk down the steps toward the beach, he suddenly snapped his fingers.
“I almost forgot. I hope you don’t mind riding on the back of a motorcycle. Other than my department vehicle, it’s the only transportation I have. I picked it up yesterday afternoon, much to my dad’s concern. He thinks motorcycles are dangerous.”
A lovely smile crossed Brielle’s face. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”
He followed her down to the garage. Its glass windows afforded a spectacular view of the beach. Just as spectacular, though, was the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883N parked proudly in its sacred spot.
“Awesome!” Justice exclaimed, running his hand across the handlebars and the seat. He checked out every inch of it, commenting on its features. “What a beauty.” He glanced at her.And so are you.
She beamed with pride. “I love it. When I started commuting to LA, I wanted something economical that would also give me freedom. I hate being cooped up in a car for long periods of time.” She let out a soft sigh of exasperation. “My parents, on the other hand, think I’m going to kill myself on it. That’s not an exaggeration. I literally have to text them every time I head to work and again when I get home. They are more afraid of my being on a motorcycle than they are of my being in the field.”
“They love you,” he responded, his voice quiet.
“I know. I’m very fortunate. So, to answer your question, I can’t wait to ride your bike.”
She smiled at him. His heart somersaulted.Oh, Christ. Hutch was right. I’m in deep, deep doo-doo.
They returned to the deck. Moonlight glinted on the dark Pacific. Somewhere down the beach burned a small fire, and the strains of a guitar floated on the breeze.
“I think I’d better check that out after I lock this up,” Justice remarked.
He took her hand and drew her toward him. Looking deep into her eyes, he kissed the palm of her hand, then her wrist. “Thanks. For listening. And for a great dinner.” Leaning down, he pressed his warm lips against her soft cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
* * *
It wasn’t a date, Brielle convinced herself. Not. A. Date. The dinner she just shared with the hottest guy she’d ever seen. No. Not just hot. Sweet. Sensitive. Strong. His bulging muscles, even the veins on the back of his hands, were a testament of Justice’s strength. And oh how gentle were those hands caressing hers. And oh how incredibly sweet were those lips pressed against her cheek. And oh how blue were those eyes watching her, assessing her, trusting her. No, it wasn’t a date. Their meeting had been entirely an accident. Or Fate. But it was better than any date she’d ever been on.Ever.
In that moment the universe revealed itself in a vivid splash of color. For the first time she envisioned a future that didn’t just include becoming a SWAT commander. She finally understood. And there was only one person who could reassure her that she wasn’t crazy for feeling like this.
Collapsing breathlessly onto her multi-sectional sofa, she reached for her cell phone on the glass-topped coffee table and pressed the CALL icon.
“Mom, hi, I hope I’m not calling too late,” she said in a rush.
“No, of course not,” Brianna replied, her warm voice as soothing as always. “Your father is tending to a sick mare down in the stable, and I’m just puttering around in the kitchen. What’s going on?”
“Puttering” usually meant Brianna was whipping up something fabulous to eat.
“It’s true. It’sall true. Every word you write in your novels. Everything you and Dad always said about looking into each other’s eyes and justknowing, because…because it happened to me,” Brielle declared, her voice rising with excitement. “Today. All he did was take my hand in his, look into my eyes, and kiss me on the cheek, and I thought I would swoon.Swoon, Mom! A swoon-worthy kiss on the cheek! When have you ever heard me say something like that?”
“Never,” Brianna returned.
“I know, right? I’ve never felt like this about anyone. He’s perfect, Mom. Not only is he gorgeous, he’s so incredibly sweet, sensitive, and intelligent.” She paused to catch her breath. “He has a quiet, commanding presence that makes me feel safe.Safe. I’ve never felt safe with any other man I’ve been with. That’s important, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is, but there’s something even more important, sweetheart.” Brianna’s voice held a teasing note.
“There is?”
“His name.”
Brielle laughed self-consciously. “Oh, right. Justice McQuaid. Chief of Police, Laguna Beach.”
