Page 177 of Beyond the Badge: Crew

Crew caught the slight flare of the man’s nostrils. “I’ve been proud of everything she’s accomplished. I just don’t see what a forty-three-year-old man sees in a twenty-eight-year-old besides being able to brag about having an attractive young woman hanging on his arm.”

Crew had to remind himself that helikedCabrera, herespectedhim. And he’d get fired if he broke the man’s nose with his fist. He also had to tell himself that he might act the same way when it came to his own daughter. “First of all, I don’t need to brag about shit. I wasn’t looking for eye candy to hang on my arm like an accessory, whether in her twenties, thirties or in her eighties. Second, I see past her age to the woman Cami is. It’s a shame you are reducing her to her age.”

Pot meet kettle.

“She has her whole life ahead of her and by being with you, she’s limiting that life.”

“That’s for her to decide and she made that decision. I gave her an out. She didn’t take it.”

“What out was that? Your vasectomy?”

For fuck’s sake,how fucking deep did the man dig?

“All my shortcomings you already listed.” The inability to give her children, Sasha and his kids. Luckily, none of those scared her away. He was done with this line of discussion. “Does she know you’re in town?” Because if Cami did, she didn’t warn him.

“I didn’t tell her. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

It certainly would be that. “She’ll be happy to see you. I can make reservations for dinner somewhere if you plan on staying in the area overnight.”

“I plan on staying with C.C. at her place for a few nights to get caught up. I’m sure she won’t mind.”

That meant Crew would have to sleep at his own place. Alone.

Annoyed, he drew a hand down his beard.

“Is there a problem with that?”

There sure as fuck was.“Not at all. I’ll make dinner reservations for the three of us for tonight. Six-thirty work?”

“Perfect.”

“Great. But let me say this… I’m letting you get your cuts in now but once we walk out of this office,” Crew jabbed his finger toward the closed door, “this conversation doesn’t go past that door. Do not bring it with you to dinner. This discussion ends here.” He pointed to the floor. That was a warning, not a request. “You don’t have to like our relationship, but it’sourrelationship, not yours. You have no say in it, only we do.”

“I want what’s best for my daughter.”

“That makes two of us.”

“And you think that’s you?”

“No, I don’t, but she does. And that’s all that matters.”

Cabrera tipped his head and studied Crew. He did not avoid the man’s gaze but met it head-on.

“You’d fight for her, wouldn’t you?”

Did he mean physically? Or metaphorically? Either way… “I would. And I’d do everything in my power to protect her, too, whether she likes it or not.”

“She’s a challenge.”

And that was news? “I’m aware.”

“I want grandchildren.”

“Step-grandkids will have to suffice. And even if it doesn’t, it’s her choice whether to have children or not, not yours.”

“You’ve made that decision for her.”

“You raised her to be independent. Do you really think she’d allow me to make that decision for her? I was completely open and honest with her about both my vasectomy and what stage I’m at in my life.”

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