Page 73 of Identify

“Yes, like my work. We can hire you on as a consultant. You could assist me with apprehending the guys that you usually . . .you know. . . now.” He looks around to make sure no one else is near. “And then instead of doing that, we arrest them.”

“It’s not—”

“Before you jump in and say no, let me give you a few things to consider.”

I nod in agreement.

“To be honest, the pay is shit, the benefits mediocre, and the hours hell. BUT, how did it feel when we were out there dancing just now?” He points back to the area of the dance floor we just left.

“What do you mean,how did it feel? Like, did I like it?”

“Yes. Was it enjoyable? Are you turned on?”

“Of course it was. And none of your business.”

He smiles. “Tells me everything I need to know.” He takes my hand in his and holds it between us loosely. “Think about if we could do that all the time. Then go and replicate it horizontally, on a bed, while we’re naked.”

My face heats as I remember how great sex was between us.

“I want to say yes, Mack. I really do. But you and I both know it’s just not fleeceable.”

“Fleeceable?”

“Yes. You know, possible, a good idea, fleeceable.”

“Feasible.”

I roll my eyes. “Feasible. Fleeceable. You do remember that English is my third language, right? You and Quinn think it’s so funny to correct my grammar and my word choice. It’s annoying.”

“You really should be thanking us. I mean, if it weren’t for Cutie and me, you’d still be running around telling people they hit the nail on the bed and kissed the boat.”

He’s right.

Not that I care.

“Your point?”

“My point is we’re good for you, woman.”

“I’m not arguing that,” I admit.

His face softens. “Dar—”

“Don’t.” I hold my finger up to his lips.

“You don’t even know what I was going to say,” he argues from under my finger.

“I know that look.” I try to take a step back from him, but he holds fast to my hip.

“Not this time, beautiful. I’m giving you two options.”

“You don’t set the rules, Mack.”

“Option one, we talk this out and reach a compromise that I like better than what’s going on now.”

“I don’t think you’re getting it; you don’t tell me—”

“Option two, we kiss and make up.”