Page 154 of Beyond the Badge: Nox

“You’ve been keeping him a secret.”

“Not really,” Liyah answered her.

“He’s handsome.”

“He is.”

“How is he with the boys?”

“Great.”

“Is it serious?” Cait asked.

“I’ll let you know that answer once I know.” That was the best she could do. She had no idea where their relationship was going. They were taking one day at a time.

“Well then, in the meantime, enjoy your time with him.”

“I plan on it.”

“I’d invite him over for dinner, but…” Cait sighed. “These goddamn stubborn-as-hell men. Just be glad your father has mellowed with age.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“Oh, he has, believe me. Ten years ago, I could see him busting a blood vessel over you dating a cop. He’s protective of you and always will be no matter what your age, Liyah. Telling him he shouldn’t would only be wasting your breath. You know that. He’s hard-headed.”

“I don’t know a man who isn’t.”

“Yes, but his skull is extra-thick. Anyway, I’m going to go back and encourage us to keep moving.”

“Or we can leave so they can take a break and grab something to eat at the food trucks,” Liyah suggested.

“Does anyone over there look like they’re starving? The sweet butts are back at Dirty Dick’s preparing a whole spread.”

“I don’t know how you tolerate club girls hanging all over your husband.”

Cait smiled. “Because I know he will always come home to me. You’ll be lucky to find anyone half as loyal as him.” She looked past Liyah to where Nox was. “Maybe it’ll be him.”

“Maybe.”

Cait squeezed her arm. “Okay, we’ll talk more in depth about your new man another time. I’ll want to hear all the details.”

“Thanks, Cait.”

“For what?”

“Being you.”

“Right back at you. Thanks for being open-minded when I ambushed you in the park that day fifteen years ago.” With that, she began to head back toward Magnum, now straddling his sled with a frown on his face. She stopped halfway and turned, “Do you want us to take the boys next weekend?”

Even from the distance, Liyah could see the mischief in her stepmother’s eyes. “That would be great.”

Cait gave her a nod and continued on back to her husband, who helped her mount the bike behind him.

After wrapping her arms around her ol’ man, Cait whispered something into Magnum’s ear, then pressed her cheek to the back of his cut with a soft smile on her face.

Liyah would be forever grateful for that woman. Without her, Liyah’s family would look a whole lot different.

ChapterThirty-Five

---