Page 168 of Liar's Point

She removed her baseball cap and wiped her forehead with the back of her arm.

“I heard you talked to Brady.” He glanced at her.

Her jaw tensed. “Yep.”

“So, what do you think?”

She laughed. “About his job offer? Or the fact that I had to learn about my relationship from my boss?”

Emmet stopped and faced her. He’d known he was in trouble as soon as he’d talked to Joel.

“I’m sorry. I fucked this up, didn’t I?”

“Yep.”

“I’m really sorry, Nicole.” He took her hand. “I didn’t mean for you to hear it from Brady. I’d planned to talk to you, but I was waiting until they told me I officially had the job.”

She didn’t shake off his hand, but she gazed out at the water.

“I apologize.”

She looked at him, and the hurt in her eyes made his chest ache.

“Can we sit?” He nodded at a piece of driftwood near the dunes. “Please?”

She walked to the log and sat down. She stretched her legs out, crossing them at the ankles. He sank down beside her and stretched his legs out, too. He had on jeans and work boots, and his feet looked huge compared to hers.

“So, I guess this is why you’ve been totally MIA lately?” She looked at him. “You’ve been auditioning for this task force thing?”

“Partly. I was trying to keep up with work, too, so it’s been a lot of juggling.”

“I wish you’d told me. I would have tried to talk you out of it.”

“Why?”

“Because.” She scowled up at him.

“Nicole, we both know something had to change. We’ve talked about this. Our PD isn’t big enough for both of us. I can’t treat you like everyone else. I tried, believe me. And same goes for you. One of us had to go.”

Frustration flared in her eyes. “But you can’t just up and leave. I’m not okay with you making that kind of sacrifice for me.”

“It’s not a sacrifice.”

“Emmet, get real. This is your job. Your calling.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is. I know you.”

He took her hand. “I know you. And I’ve been watching your career for years. As a detective, you’re a natural. You’re great with people and interviews, and you think creatively. You’re so good at it, it’s scary, Nicole. I’m not like that. I’m more tactical. And I’ve talked to a lot of guys on the task force, and it’s a much better fit for me.”

She shook her head. “But the task force is dangerous. Just—shit.” Her voice cracked and she looked away.

He squeezed her hand. He’d known this would be a sticking point.

“Everything’s dangerous,” he said. “Being a cop is dangerous. Or a firefighter. Or, hell, even a schoolteacher. I mean, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow—”

“That’s a bullshit answer and you know it. We’re talking about a job where you have to wear Kevlar to work. And do raids and takedowns. And work crazy hours. It’s going to be a strain, Emmet. Just ask Miranda and Joel how easy it’s been for them.”

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