Deadly Pursuit (SCVC Taskforce), page 26
“What? I can’t be happy watching my girlfriend jog down the beach on a beautiful California morning?”
“You’re The Beast. You don’t do Starbucks. You don’t do happy. Your words, not mine.”
Small beads of sweat glistened on her upper lip. He wanted to kiss them off. “I got the dog.”
Her eyes brightened. “You did? You found Thunder?”
He nodded. “Wasn’t easy tracking him down, but he was still with the gal who trains dogs for government work. Bomb sniffers, drug sniffers, and dogs like Thunder, who help with undercover work. I officially adopted him this morning. I took Owen out of school and he and Thunder are in the car. Apparently, Chihuahuas like Starbucks too.”
Her smile was contagious. “You’re a good dad.”
A kind of pride he hadn’t felt in a long time rose up inside him. “It was the least I could do for the little fellow since he helped nail Londano last year. And you’re right. Owen needed a friend.”
Celina looked out at the ocean. “It is a beautiful morning, isn’t it? Wish I’d brought my camera.”
Her camera was at still at his place with the rest of her stuff. “How about you, me, and the boys go home and grab it?”
“Home. Hmm.”
“What?”
“I don’t really have a home at the moment, and my job is in flux. I’m on medical leave, but I still have paperwork to do and depositions to give. And all I really want to do is stay right here and enjoy the view.”
“Dyer will do the paperwork for you, and Dupé can wait for his deposition. I’m taking the day off, and I say we grab your camera and have a picnic.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I really am a bad influence on you.”
He pulled her close, careful of her drink and wrist brace. “Not true. You’re the best influence I’ve had in my life in a long time. Come home with me, Celina. Make it your home. Owen needs that dog, and I need you.”
She melted against him, and then looked guilty. “I want to pursue photography full time.”
“Leave the Bureau?”
“I don’t want to do undercover work anymore.”
“Okay…” But he worried there was something else behind this decision. “You’re not just bailing because of me, right? Because of the potential conflict with our jobs?”
She shook her head. “I’m still going to work for the FBI, but I’m going to be a forensic photographer once I’m off medical leave. I’ve already signed up for the certification course.”
No more undercover work. No more worrying his balls off that she was in danger. He couldn’t keep the relief off his face. “If that makes you happy, I’m ecstatic.”
“Dupé said they can use me in both the San Diego and L.A. offices, so I guess I can go home with you and live here, if the offer still stands.”
He dropped his cup, grabbed her, and twirled her around. She laughed out loud, throwing her head back, and dropping her cup too. For Cooper, it was better than the rush from his first bust, and he hoped it outshined hers as well.
She lifted her hands and let him swing her around. People stopped and stared. A few clapped and whistled. When he put her back down, she was still laughing, carefree and happy. “I think I’m up for the picnic now,” she said.
He kissed her, once, twice, three times. Quick kisses, each a promise for their future. “I think I’m ready to make you happy for many, many decades.”
“Decades. I like the sound of that. I love you, Cooper Harris.”
“I love you, too.” He picked up their cups and tossed them in a nearby garbage barrel. Then he took her good hand and led her toward his truck. “Let’s go home, Celina.”
She squeezed his hand, waved at Owen in the truck, the little dog standing on his lap and wagging furiously. “Yes, let’s go home.”
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Misty Evans writes the award-winning Super Agent romantic suspense series, as well as an urban fantasy and paranormal romance series. She likes her coffee black, her conspiracy theories juicy, and her wicked characters dressed in couture. When her muse lets her on the internet to play, she’s on Facebook and Twitter. Read more about her and her stories at www.readmistyevans.com.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
About the Author
Evans, Misty, Deadly Pursuit (SCVC Taskforce)
