Page 34 of Nails

“Something like that,” Riley chuckled.

“That’s so cool!You’re really pretty.”

Riley blinked, but then laughed as she was caught off guard by the compliment.“Well, thank you.That’s sweet of you.”

Amira grinned proudly, then leaned closer and whispered like it was a grand secret.“You’d be the perfect lady friend for my Uncle Nails.”

“Your uncle, who?”Riley asked, her brows lifting.

“Uncle Nails,” Amira said, nodding seriously.“He’s in the Navy and he’s really strong and brave, just like my daddy and my other uncles.But Uncle has lots of lady friends.But he only needs one.”

Riley bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing.“Lots of lady friends, huh?”

“Yeah.But my mommy says it’s because he hasn’t found the right lady friend yet,” Amira continued.“I think that’s silly.He just needs someone pretty and cool.Like you.”

Riley’s amusement faded for a slight moment as her mind wandered to Carson.

It was ridiculous how easily he slid into her thoughts now, uninvited and persistent.She hadn’t known him long, and yet there was something about him.Something steady.Something real.If Amira thought her Uncle Nails needed a lady friend, Riley was pretty sure her brain had already picked its candidate, and his name wasn’t Nails.Sorry, Uncle Nails, but I already have a guy I have my eyes on.

Still, she didn’t want to bust the little girl’s bubble.

“Well, he sounds like quite the catch,” Riley offered.

Just then, the blonde from the table walked over, smiling apologetically.“I hope she’s not bothering you.”

“Not at all,” Riley said.“She’s been great company.We were just talking about her Uncle Nails.”

The woman winced with a smile, brushing a hand over Amira’s curls.“Of course she was.”

“I’m Jocelyn,” she said, offering her hand.

“Riley,” she replied, shaking it.

“Mommy!Ms.Riley’s a cop!And she’s really pretty!She’d be perfect for Uncle Nails!”

Jocelyn closed her eyes like she was begging for patience from the heavens and then laughed under her breath.“Sweetheart, we’ve talked about this.Uncle Nails can find his own lady friend, okay?”

“But mommy, she’s perfect!”

Jocelyn gave Riley an apologetic smile.“I swear, she’s convinced it’s her life mission to help her Uncle Nails find a girlfriend.”

“I honestly don’t mind,” Riley said, chuckling.“She’s adorable.And surprisingly persuasive.”

Amira beamed, clearly proud of herself.“Uncle Nails is coming soon with Daddy.Maybe you can meet him!”

Before Riley could respond, she heard someone call her name.

When she turned, she saw Russell heading her way with the keys in hand.

Amira gasped, “You’re leaving?”

Riley crouched down to her level.“Afraid so.I’ve got some work stuff to do.”

“Work stuff sounds boring,” Amira said, looking upset.

“It usually is,” Riley said with a wink.

Amira frowned, her lower lip pushing out in a dramatic pout.“I really wanted you to meet Uncle Nails.”