Page 84 of Coveted Justice

That hadn’t crossed Maddie’s mind, but it was a frightening thought. The wife and the ex under one roof? Not a good idea.

“I was more concerned with her asking Emily or Chris for money.”

“I doubt she’d do that but at this point, I’m not sure of anything anymore. I didn’t think she’d assault an officer of the law either and I was dead wrong.”

“She’s going to apologize, right?”

“She said she would. With any luck, she’ll be released to sleep in her own bed tonight.”

“While we wait for the ballistics report?”

“They’ve put a rush on it, but it will still probably take a few days.” Tanner stood and began to clear the table. Maddie jumped up to help him, checking to see how much spaghetti was left. If there was enough, she’d pack up the leftovers. “Should we save what’s left for Amanda? She didn’t say what she was doing tonight but she might be hungry later.”

“I think she’s having dinner out,” Maddie said. “And a movie, too. But we could save it anyway just in case.”

“Is she out with Lulu?”

Maddie couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed on her face. She was happy about Amanda’s date tonight. She liked Josh a great deal.

“She’s on a date…. with Josh.”

Tanner froze, a plate in each hand.

“Josh…Mitchell?”

“Yes, the very one. They like each other. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Her husband carefully set the dishes on the counter before wiping his hands on a dishtowel.

“I like Josh. He’s a fine young man.”

There was a “but” at the end of that sentence.

“And you remember what you were thinking and doing when you were his age.”

“By the time I was his age, I was in the military and married with a kid, so it was a bit different.”

“You know what I mean.”

“You mean how guys that age are horndogs and only think about one thing? Then yes, I do remember thinking about that. As a father, I try not to ponder what my consenting adult children are doing if I can at all help it.”

“I know it’s not easy. I worry about her, too. You know, it’s not just young men that think about sex. Young women do as well.”

“Another thing that I don’t want to think about,” Tanner replied. “Now let’s change the subject. Would you like some help with the dishes?”

He’d already helped clear the table. All she had to do was put everything into the dishwasher.

“I’ve got this.” She elbowed him gently in the ribs. “How about you turn the bed down and pick out a movie? We have the house to ourselves tonight.”

He leaned down and kissed her, their lips lingering longer than usual. When he lifted his head, his gaze was warm and admiring, sending a sweep of heat through her veins.

“This is why I married you. You’re a brilliant woman. That’s a great idea.”

“Let me finish here and I’ll be in to give you that back rub.”

With any luck, it wouldn’t end there.

Tanner Marks was going to be the death of her, but what a way to go.

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