Page 125 of Only Fate

“Oh, yeah?” she asks with a low laugh, her arms crossing. “Were you also squirrel chasing?”

“It was a bear, actually.” I shove my hands into my pockets and lean back on my heels. “I was rescuing a baby cub for the mama. Like my abuela said, I’m one of the good guys, always caring about others.”

She laughs, smacking my shoulder. “Okay, take your ego back outside, mister. You can come back when it’s hit a three.”

I pretend to backtrack a few steps and slap saidegoaway from my face as she fills up a water bowl for Tucker. Tucker ignores it, opting to snuggle in his new bed and chew on a bone instead.

She sits on the couch, crossing her legs, and stares up at me. “I read the email.”

Shit, she’s diving straight in.

This is what I wanted, right?

I sit on the floor at her feet, making myself comfortable, and stare up at her. “And?”

Silence from her.

One of Tucker’s toys squeaks in the background as he plays with it.

“I want to help you on Earl’s case,” she says in a quiet, even voice, shocking the hell out of me. “No, nothelp. I want to be in the loop. Everything you learn, you tell me.”

“Are you sure?” I ask in a whisper, scooting closer.

“There were claims that could possibly support Earl’s innocence, but there is still plenty of evidence against him. I’m asking you to find out the truth. I don’t want you to do this for the PEP. I want you to do itfor me.”

“I’ll do that,” I say, rising to my feet and joining her on the couch. “I promise I’ll find you the truth.”

And I won’t fucking stop until I doso.

I yawn, raising my arms into a stretch. “Tucker said he’s too tired to drive home tonight.”

Essie and I peer over at Tucker, who’s snoring louder than the TV.

We watchedAir Budand thenDogand thenBeethoven, keeping Tucker the theme of the night. Essie was adamant that no dog movies where a dog died were allowed. I had no disputes with that.

Essie dips her toes out of her blanket and wiggles them. “Good thing Tucker doesn’t drive.”

I chuckle, stretching my neck. “Tucker’s dad is also too exhausted to drive.” I attempt to force a yawn, but it ends up coming out as a real one, causing Essie to yawn right after.

I’m damn tired.

Sleep has been nearly nonexistent for me the past few days.

I’d do anything for Essie to let me sleep over.

Not for sex, but to just be around her.

To not have to leave and tell her good night.

Hell, I’ll even sleep on Tucker’s bed, if need be.

Just the presence of her puts me on top of the world.

Being in the same space as her is damn heaven.

Essie shakes her head. “You can pick Tucker up in the morning. I’ll feed him breakfast.”

I mimic Tucker’s snoring. “It seems I’m in the same shape as him.” I perform another fake snore, then gesture back and forth between him and me. “Plus, package deal. Remember?”

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