Page 85 of Hero of Mine (Men in Uniform 2)

“Hola, Danielle. I called you a week ago, and you never returned my call.”

“I know, and I apologize, but like I told Angel, if you would like visitation, you need to go through the proper legal channels.”

Camila’s lips thinned into a hard line. “You know as well as I do that my son will not receive visitation the way that he is.”

It was hard for Dani to feel bad about that when her son had threatened Dani. “Then I would get him the help he needs, because I’m not letting him near my child the way he is.”

“And me? Would you allow me to see him? He is, after all, my grandson.”

Dani’s gut churned, screaming at her to slam the door in her face. There was something about Camila’s demeanor that was almost frightening, and if she had her way, the woman would never see Noah.

“No, I’m sorry. If you want to have a relationship with my son, then I suggest you help your son get his act together and go through legal channels. And if you or your son show up at my home again, I’ll file a restraining order against you both.”

Shutting the door and locking it with a rapidly beating heart, she could hear Camila cursing her in Spanish as she walked away.

Did she really think that Dani was going to be okay with her just showing up here, asking for visitation for her druggie son?

With shaky hands, she dialed Tyler on her phone. She knew he had the next week off, and when she’d told him she was heading back to work tonight, he’d decided to go out with his friends.

Was it clingy if she called him now? Would he think she was checking up on him, even though she was just calling for a little comfort?

He picked up on the second ring. “Miss me already?”

“I sure do,” she said.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Your voice sounds funny.”

“It’s nothing, really . . . ”

“Dani, just tell me, or I’m going to drive over there and tickle it out of you.”

Dani smiled at his silly threat. “I’m no longer ticklish. Totally immune.”

“Then I’ll kiss you until you’re so complacent, you won’t even realize what you’ve done.” His teasing tone disappeared as her laughter died, and he said, “Please just tell me, or I’m going to worry.”

“Angel’s mother showed up here, asking for me to reconsider letting Angel see Noah. When I said no, he needed to go through the proper channels, she asked if she could see Noah. I said no.”

“Understandably. These people need to stop harassing you. I think you should go down to the police station and report it, maybe file a restraining order.”

“I told her I would if either of them showed up again.”

“Do you want me to come over and follow you to work?” he asked.

“No, you have fun with your friends. If I get the heebie-jeebies, I’ll just take Shasta to work with me.”

“All right, well, if you need me, I’ll have my phone on. I love you.”

A chorus of male voices saying “Ooooh” blasted through the phone, and Dani’s whole face heated.

“Shut the fuck up, you idiots,” Tyler snapped.

“I didn’t realize the guys were all there.”

“Yeah, we’re gonna grab some food and head over to Mick’s. If you aren’t too tired and you want to come over after work, you’re more than welcome.”

“I’ll call you if I do. I love you, too, by the way.”

“Oh, good, for a minute there, I thought you were going to leave me hanging.”