Page 86 of Don't Call Me Sweetheart (Something Borrowed 1)

Rylie actually seemed to consider her question before answering. “No, she is not.”

Dustin glanced between them, before running his fingers through his hair with a frustrated groan. “Why do you want it?”

“Because it has sentimental value,” Marley said.

Dustin didn’t look like he was buying it. “Maybe that’s part of it, but it isn’t all of it. Kelly wouldn’t be in without there being some kind of monetary recovery to it. So, if this is a business venture, then I want in.”

Marley glared at him. “That’s not gonna happen.”

“Hear me out. I already have the deed. I can just add your names to it, and then you’ve got another backer with a head for business. Despite your objections to my morality, I’m a pretty smart guy. You might need me.”

“Like a hole in the head,” Rylie mumbled.

Marley narrowed her eyes. “I want it in writing, and our names on the deed by Monday.”

“Done.” Dustin held his hand out. “Partners?”

Marley glanced at Rylie and the three of them shook. “Partners.”

* * * *

On Saturday after work, a bunch of the guys from the precinct headed over to Fornier’s house to check on his recovery, and enjoy a family friendly barbeque. Luke wasn’t really in the mood to socialize, but Fornier’s wife, Maria, had insisted he come.

Now, as he stood off to the side, drinking a beer, he’d wished he’d been able to turn her down. Watching the men around him with their wives and kids was painful, like a thousand tiny needles stabbing him in the eyes and heart. It reminded him of the moments when he’d been with Marley and however briefly it may have been, he’d imagined a future with her. Marriage and 2.5 rugrats.

All he had to look forward to when he left was a pint of Half-Baked ice cream in his fridge and a new Chicago PD episode he hadn’t watched yet.

“Hey, Luke!” Fornier said, making his way over to him. He still looked the same as he always did, except for the red, puckered scar on his neck. “What are you doing, hiding over here?”

“Just staying out of the way. I’ll come out of hiding when those burgers are done.”

“My brother-in-law is the one manning the grill and he does make a kick-ass bacon burger. Don’t ever tell him I told you that, though.”

Luke chuckled good-naturedly. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Fornier slapped his arm and nodded toward a couple of empty lounge chairs. “Come on, let’s take a load off.”

Luke followed him, figuring he’d have a little conversation, eat a burger, and when everyone was distracted, sneak out the back.

“Oh, and don’t think about sneaking out later, because Maria baked you a whole dessert assortment. She’ll be pissed if you don’t take it with you.”

Luke had seen Maria when she was fit to be tied. She seemed taller than five-foot-one, had this huge vein that popped out of her neck, and she started cursing in Italian.

It was actually pretty funny, as long as her fury wasn’t directed at you.

“I’ll be sure to say good-bye to her before I leave.”

“Good.” Fornier smiled, and Luke followed his gaze to the lanky boy of about nine. He had on a ball cap, jean shorts, and was currently showing off his dance moves to a couple of the cops’ wives, who laughed and cheered in delight.

“Is that your oldest with the killer moonwalk?” Luke asked.

“Yeah, that’s Kenneth. Lilly and Paula are inside having a tea party with some of the other little girls.” Fornier sank back into the chair, his expression somber. “I think about how close I came to missing all of this and…I don’t know, man. It puts things in perspective.”

“What do you mean?” Luke asked.

“Maria doesn’t want me coming back to SWAT.”

Luke wasn’t surprised, but he was a little thrown by Fornier’s tone, as if he was considering calling it quits.