Page 66 of By the Book

“It’s okay, you know. That you weren’t ready for this. You’re young and it’s your girl being targeted. That’s gotta be the worst part.”

“Alright, see you later, Deputy.” I give him a wave, about at the end of my rope with niceties and politics for the day.

The drive to the Brick District is peaceful, at least. And when I wrap my hand around the etched fox handle at The Open Book, I already start to feel the stress melt away. There are a handful of people milling about the store, none of which I know. Maybe the day is turning around, because I’m able to pass right by them without any mention of me failing at my job. Ivy looks up from the checkout counter as I approach, that sweet smile of hers spreading across her face as she surveys me head to toe. It feels good, just being in her presence. Being able to come to my girlfriend for support.

I make my way around the counter and take her hand in mine. “Hi, you.”

“Hi,” she giggles as I tug her back into her office. “What are you doing here?”

I sweep her up in my arms and press my face into her sweet, flowery hair. “I just needed to see you,” I murmur.

Ivy must hear it in my tone, because she pulls back and searches my eyes. “What happened?”

Quick and painless, just get it out. “The recall started,” I tell her.

“Tripp,” she whispers, leaning in and wrapping her arms around me, “I’m sorry.” She doesn’t try to tell me it will be okay, she’s just here. And that’s exactly what I need. Tightening my hold on her, it’s a relief to give in to the voice in my head that Ivy is the only thing that will curb the pressure in my chest.

With each soft kiss she plants along my jawline, I feel that pressure loosen. It dissipates like a cloudy day giving way to the sun. “I just need to wrap this case up,” I reason.

“You will.” There’s not an ounce of doubt in her tone, there never is.

“And I’ve been thinking about the last note you got. Running the risk of sounding too conceited, I’m starting to think this whole thing is actually about me.”

Ivy pushes me down into her chair and perches on the edge of the desk before me. “What changed your mind?”

For a moment, I forget where I was going with this. The only thing I’m thinking about is her tight little sweater paired with those white jeans that sit high on her waist and hug her hips. The lines of her body call to me, and I reach out, taking hold of those perfect curves. “What was I saying?” I murmur absently.

“The vandal has it out for you,” she replies with a shiver as my hands drag up her ribs.

“Right. It only started after I was elected, and when random hits in less risky locations didn’t get to me, they started coming after you. The notes threatening you specifically mention your boyfriend. The tone is personal.”

“It makes sense, do you think that would be Jackson then?”

“No, that doesn’t sound like Jackson.”

“Where does that leave you with suspects then?”

“I guess I’ll be spending patrol thinking of people that don’t like me,” I say with a shrug. “And speaking of, it’s about time for me to head out.”

With a gentle pull, I slide Ivy down off her desk until she’s straddling my lap. This is the opposite of getting up to leave. But it was too tempting, the way she was sitting there. I move my hands up her back, tilting my face to meet hers and taking her bottom lip with my teeth.

Ivy gasps, her own hands coming to lace together behind my neck. “My office doesn’t have a door,” she groans into my mouth.

“I can change that.” I chase my words with a series of short kisses before burying my face against her neck. I can feel her smile against me, like an imprint straight to my heart. This is exactly the break I needed, but it is only a short break.

Lifting her off my lap, I rise and press a kiss to her temple. “I was also thinking I’d meet Wes for a drink tonight, tell him that I fell for his sister.”

“Tonight?” she balks. “You wait to mention that as you’re leaving! Should I… is this something we should tell him together?”

“You’ve been through so much lately; I’d like to take this one for us. But if it’s important for you to be there, I’ll happily change my plan. Besides, in his eyes, I’d be the one betraying him.”

“That was some equal betrayal we did in bed last night,” Ivy whispers. She doesn’t need to remind me about last night. Best night of my life.

She studies me for a moment before nodding decidedly. “Okay, but after you’re done with Wes, come straight over?”

I kiss her, signaling my agreement to her plan. “I’ll see you tonight,” I promise. Withdrawing my phone from my pocket, I head back out to start patrol, pulling up my best friend’s name.

Tripp

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