“Huh.” Matt nods approvingly. “That’s cool.”
“You look tired.” I push my fingers through his soft hair and rub the muscles at the base of his neck. “Did you catch any sleep?”
“Not really.” He sighs and rubs his hand over his face and then studies me for a moment. “I’m sorry about last night.”
“Stop apologizing. Seriously, it’s okay, babe. I missed you, but you have a kick-ass job where you fight crime and defend the American dream.” I grin up at him as he smirks.
“Uh, something like that.” He pulls me into his arms for a big hug.
There’s nothing sexual about this, aside from the sparks of awareness that shoot through me whenever he touches me. Instead, he seems to be soothing both of us. His hands glide down my back and rest at my waist, holding me tightly against him. He buries his nose in my neck and breathes deep. “I’d like to come to your place when I’m done tonight.”
“I’d like that, too,” I agree without hesitation. “I’ll make you dinner and everything.”
He chuckles and kisses the top of my head. “That’s the best offer I’ve had in months. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me until you’ve had my mediocre cooking,” I warn him. “I can bake like a champ, but cooking isn’t really my strong suit.”
“I can cook.” Matt shrugs, but I shake my head adamantly no.
“No way, detective. You’ll have worked a twenty-four-hour shift. I’ll feed you.”
I pass his boxes to him and lead him out of the kitchen just as Asher hangs up his phone with a curse.
“Abby canceled on me for today. What the fuck?”
“Who’s Abby?” I ask, looking between both men in confusion.
“My babysitter,” Asher replies and swears again, combing through his phone. “She has a family emergency and can’t watch Casey today.”
I frown at Matt, but he shakes his head discreetly, as though he’ll fill me in later.
“You don’t have anyone else to watch him?” I ask.
“Her,” Asher corrects me absentmindedly. “Casey is my daughter. And no, I don’t have anyone else.”
“I can watch her,” I offer.
“You’re working,” Asher replies, frowning as his head whips up.
“Well, the last time I checked, I own the joint, so I can invite anyone I wish.” I offer him a big smile and wink at Anastasia, who nods in agreement. “How old is Casey?”
“Nine,” he replies. “She’s a good kid. She’ll probably just bury her nose in her iPod and stay out of your hair.”
“We’d love to have her. Can Abby drop her off here?”
Matt grins and leans his hip against my counter, crosses his arms, watching us both.
“I’ll text and ask her,” Asher replies, relieved. “Are you sure about this?”
“Of course.” I wave him off and walk to the door to unlock it. It’s time to open for the day. “She’ll be fine here.”
“Abby says she’ll have her here in about ten minutes. Thanks, Nic. Really.”
“My pleasure. I could use the extra help.” I chuckle and am shocked to find myself caught up in a bear hug from a very strong, handsome Asher. “Whoa!”
“Watch your hands, partner,” Matt warns him.
“You’re the best.” Asher sets me back on my feet and kisses my cheek. “Dump that asshole and marry me.”
Matt’s eyes narrow and darken and his lips firm, but he stays where he is, watching.
“Sorry, handsome.” I pat his cheek and back out of his embrace. “I’m content with what I have.”
“Damn.” He smiles ruefully.
***
“You’ll love the strawberry ones,” Casey assures a customer, carefully placing four of the cupcakes in a white box, her tongue held between her pink lips in concentration. Casey is adorable. Where her father has dark hair and eyes, Casey has long, curly red hair, green eyes and freckles all over her perky little nose. Her skin is perfect, soft and pink.
She looks like a porcelain doll and is going to give the boys a run for their money one day.
“Thank you, young lady,” the elderly customer says with a grin and then takes his treats to Anastasia to pay.
“You’re welcome,” she replies politely.
“You’re a natural at this,” I inform her. “Want a job?”
She giggles and pats her white apron that is roughly four sizes too big for her small body. “I’m too young to work.”
“I guess so,” I agree with an exaggerated sigh. “But one day, you’ll be great at this.”
She smiles widely, showing off a missing tooth. “I’m glad I got to come here today instead of staying with Abby.”
“You don’t like Abby?” I ask as I rearrange the almost-empty glass case.
“I love her, but sometimes it’s boring.” She pouts a bit and then jumps in, helping me.
I smile to myself and step slightly to my right, making room for her.
“We just hang out at her house and watch TV all day. Summer is boring.”
“Does your dad do stuff with you on his day off?” I ask. I wonder where her mom is!
“Yeah, Dad’s days off are the best. But he works a lot.” She shrugs and eyes the strawberry cupcakes. She’s already had two today.