Page 31 of Lieutenant

I inwardly groan.

It’s likely aspects of the whole situation that Carter’s already taken into account and researched himself.

Fucking bastard.

I smile and shake my head.

Damn, I love that man.He keeps us on our toes, that’s for sure.

I can’t help it—my hand goes to my tummy. I know there’s no logical way I could be pregnant right now. Hell, I’m just barely due for my next pill.

But wouldn’t it be…cool?

Dray returns a few minutes later as Owen and I are talking to a couple of people who are heading out. From behind them, Dray catches my eye, nods, and holds up five fingers.

We’re back on the clock.

Fuck it, my feet hurt, and I’ll carry my damn shoes. I grab my purse and my wrap and stand, patting Owen’s shoulder to give him the signal. He stands and we’re fully “on” again as we make our way out of the ballroom, my arm hooked through his and us pausing near the main doorway where Dray has us hold for a moment.

Carter returns three minutes later, offering me a smile. “Sorry.” He leans in and pecks my cheek before giving Owen’s shoulder a friendly squeeze. “Got to talking with Jace and Gene and lost track of time.” Those are two of his older brothers, whom he hasn’t seen since two Christmases ago.

We spent last Christmas Eve and Christmas locked up at home, the three of us alone, because Owen asked for that the night he won the election.

He’d needed it.

Weallneeded it.

The limo is ready and the security detail escorts us out. This time, Owen insists I get in first, and I’m too tired to argue. There’s no one outside now behind the barricade lines.

Moments later, we’re on our way. Both of them loosen their ties and sit back with nearly identical exhausted sighs.

At the mansion, I grab Owen’s hand and hold him back, pecking him on the cheek and smiling as I rub the lipstick off. “Good boy,” I mouth, and he smiles.

Tired, but he smiles.

Then I kiss Carter on the lips before he gets out, and I whisper in his ear. “Give him that for me please.”

“I will, pet,” he whispers back, dropping me a wink.

Then they’re gone, heading inside the front door as we pull out of the driveway.

I sit back for the short ride home, somehow keeping my tears at bay. I want to curl up in bed with both my men tonight and celebrate what we’ve achieved, and I can’t.

I shiver as the officer escorts me up the walk, because I’ve left my shoes off and the concrete feels cold against my bare feet on this relatively mild Florida January night. Once I’m inside with the alarm reset…

I’m alone.

I head upstairs, missing our big soaking tub at the Brandon house.

The hot tub.

The pool.

Our bed.

My men.

Butthisis what I wanted, and I know it’s the exhaustion talking. A full night of sleep under my belt will help immensely.