Page 13 of Wanted: Forever (Murdock Brothers #3)
Cash
Labor Day Weekend
My family showed out for picnics, that was for sure.
This year was a little different for me. It was the first time I had a rock-solid relationship and my parents actually liked the woman. Bonus points they loved her family too.
The Olsens, Murdocks, and significant others were over twenty people strong. Once the word was out the guest list kept multiplying until we had to use the park for our get together.
I’d been volunteered for an ice run and I was waiting for Parker to get off shift. Falling for a cop meant I needed to get used to her time not being her own a lot of the time.
I sat on the roof of my truck, grinning when my girl came running out of the station. I slid off and my boots hit the ground just before she launched herself into my arms.
“Well, hello there.” I caught her against me, laughing when she wrapped those Amazonian legs around me.
She kissed me, hot and quick. “Hurry, before someone finds me.”
I glanced over my shoulder. “Are you on call?”
“No, but that means nothing.”
“Got it.” I carried her to the passenger side of my truck and settled her inside. Before I could step back, she linked her fingers around the back of my neck.
“Guess what?”
I lowered my mouth to hers. “What?” I asked against her mouth.
She sighed into the kiss, this time taking her time. When she pulled back her eyes were hazy and unfocused. “I love you.”
My heart kicked against my ribs. “Say it again.”
“You first.”
I shook my head. “Again.”
“I love you, Cash Murdock.”
I pressed my forehead to hers. “I was afraid to say it. I thought I was being too impulsive again.”
She wrinkled her nose. “You haven’t said it yet.”
I laughed. “I love you, Parker. More than I ever expected or thought I deserved.”
She covered my mouth with hers. The kiss sweeter this time, as if we’d both been holding something back and now it was free.
“Guess what?”
I huffed out a laugh. “What?”
“You completed all your required hours of community service.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “You’re officially off the hook when it comes to the town.”
“But not you.”
She nipped at my lower lip. “Pretty sure you’re stuck with me, sir.”
“Definitely not the one who’s stuck. And I’m definitely not done with the town.”
“Oh? Planning on getting in trouble again?”
“I’m sure I will.” I laughed as she rolled her eyes as I closed her door. Getting in on my side, I turned to her. “Actually, I talked to Sully about the warehouse district.”
She turned in her seat to face me. “What about it?”
“I think we’re going to buy it.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Really? It’s in pretty bad shape.”
“The bank wants to get rid of it since a private equity company backed out of the deal. Their initial idea to make it loft apartments was a solid one. The Murdock Brothers have the talent and the capital to make it actually happen.”
“Wow.”
“And that will stop kids from using it as party central.”
“Hallelujah.”
I laughed and cranked my engine. “Now, are you ready for some food?”
“I’m famished.”
We chatted about the crazy antics of the townspeople on her shift as we stopped for bags to fill up my huge cooler as well as a few cases of soda. When we got to the park, my brothers came to help unload the truck bed.
She grabbed my hand. “Hey, I’m really proud of you.”
I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that from her.
She laced her fingers with mine and pulled me toward the crowd of our friends and family. “And I’m really happy to show off my sexy boyfriend.”
And her delighted laughter at Daisy Rae, the duck—on display with red, white, and blue balloons—sitting directly behind our family’s table was officially my favorite sound.
Wondering what happened to Gus? Turn the page and find out.