Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  Chuck didn’t laugh as he usually would and looked grim. “There’s more. Christ, Taggart, what’s going on?”

  “I can’t tell you. I’m handling it.”

  “I want to know.” Chuck took a breath, and then he said, “But I know from your tone you won’t tell me. This is going to be a shit storm.”

  “Storm is too light a word. Think hurricane.” Taggart paused. “I won’t let you be affected by it. But some people in your office are going to be swept in.”

  “What? Who?”

  “I—”

  “At least tell me who. I need to know who to trust as I prep for what might be coming.”

  Taggart thought of what he asked, then gave him the list of names. For a moment Chuck looked angry before his expression changed to resignation. They talked about a few other things, and then he left. Taggart focused on his work.

  The day went by fast and when it was time for him to leave, he made a quick stop at home to check on his dogs and change before he went to meet Rhodes for their movie. After parking his car, Taggart got out, closed the door, and pressed the key fob to lock it as he walked toward the theater. Automatically he glanced around, noting the kids loitering by the car parked a few vehicles over. Taggart frowned when a man rose from behind the shadows of a car when a woman came into view. The couple kissed briefly, afterward they moved forward and Taggart saw a stroller. They pushed the stroller and walked close together as they headed in the same direction he was going. He observed the area, taking in the various people in the parking lot. When he was in view of the entrance, he immediately spotted Rhodes. He was leaning against the wall watching the people passing in front of him on the sidewalk. There was a tenseness to his frame. Rhodes straightened and lifted his cell to his ear. Taggart arrived by his side just in time to hear him speak.

  “Hello… Dante… Yes, I’m going to a movie…. No, I’m not telling you which one….” Rhodes glanced at him and shook his head. “I’m not going to listen to you discuss what a good movie is.” Rhodes hung up.

  “How the hell did he find out we were going to a movie?” Taggart chuckled.

  “I mentioned it to Lawrence.” Rhodes shook his head. “Big mistake.”

  Taggart frowned as his phone rang. “Wait a minute.” He took it out and frowned when he spotted the number, he showed it to Rhodes. “Now he’s calling me too.”

  Rhodes took his cell and pressed a button before handing it back. “Ignore. The best button invented when dealing with a movie maniac.”

  Taggart slid the phone back into his jacket pocket. He put his hands in his pockets to resist touching Rhodes. They hadn’t discussed it. Rhodes stepped closer to him and kissed him briefly but thoroughly. Taggart rested against him for a moment, straightening as he stepped back.

  “So you didn’t have to cancel on me.” Rhodes sighed. “I was looking forward to a home-cooked meal.”

  “We can do that another time,” Taggart said. He rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Hard day?”

  RHODES WATCHED Taggart and noted he looked tired.

  “Yes. I talked with my brother-in-law. Billy is going to cause all kinds of problems for him.”

  “He’s the chief of police. It comes with the territory.” Rhodes knew when stuff happened that affected the department, those on the top took a lot of flak for it.

  “Yes, but this crap makes all police look bad.” Taggart paused, shaking his head. “At least the day ended well. Jordan’s parents decided to take a deal, and his emancipation as a minor went through. At least that will make it a great Christmas for him.”

  “That is great news.” Rhodes was pleased that Jordan, one of the residents of Treble Duo, had finally gotten some resolution to his case. He had been the first resident of the safe haven. He thought of what Taggart said about Billy. “If you want Lowry to disappear, it can be done.”

  “What? No. Promise me you won’t do anything to hurt him, make him disappear, or anything else.” Taggart grabbed his arms.

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’m a cop. If you do something, I’ll know, then I’ll have to find proof to arrest you. Don’t make me have to do that. I will if it comes to that.” Taggart tone was firm.

  Rhodes studied him briefly, inclining his head in agreement.

  Taggart frowned and rubbed the back of his neck again. “Let’s go to the movie. Later you’re treating me to a big steak with a potato and everything on it.”

  “We can do this another time if you’re too tired.”

  “Not tired. Just aggravated with crap. I need to work off some of this and relax.” Taggart rolled his shoulders. “Nope, no other time. Now. You are not getting out of feeding me. Lead the way on your date, Mister Winslow.” Taggart gestured.

  “Movie and dinner now. One day we can spar so you can work out some of your aggravation.” Rhodes grabbed his hand, pulling him close to his side.

  Taggart stiffened, a moment later he relaxed. They walked toward the entrance together. As they waited, they talked about movies and other interests, keeping the conversation light. In the movie, Rhodes kept hold of his hand as they watched the action on the screen, and afterward they walked to the restaurant where Taggart ordered what he’d said.

  While they ate, Rhodes asked, “So when do you want to come over to work out?”

  “When would work for you?”

  “I’m flexible. I work from my house, so if I’m on call and anything happens, I can take care of it right away.” Rhodes speared a carrot and ate it.

  “Okay. Maybe sometime this upcoming week after work? I’ll text you and let you know when I’m coming.”

  Rhodes choked, then cleared his throat.

  “I wonder what made you choke like that?” Taggart chuckled a wicked laugh.

  “No comment.” Rhodes continued his meal.

  Soon they were finished and left. Taggart stopped by his car. Rhodes leaned against him and kissed him thoroughly. Taggart gripped him tightly, moaning. The sound made Rhodes want to lift him, unbuckle his belt, and suck his cock. Before he lost his mind and did so in the parking lot, Rhodes released Taggart. Taggart held on, kissing him before he slowly stepped back.

  “Thanks for a good night.” Taggart rubbed his fingers along Rhodes’s arm.

  “We’ll have to do it again soon.” He stepped back. “Night.”

  “Night,” Taggart replied.

  Rhodes turned and walked away. He was already looking forward to seeing Taggart again. Although they hadn’t made any definite plans, Rhodes knew it would be soon.

  THE NEXT day, Rhodes stopped in front of the building with the sign that read Mapson Police Department. Before he could change his mind, he took out his cell and texted Taggart that he was outside. He took a seat on one of the benches close to the entrance of the building. Rhodes watched as people walked down the sidewalk. Cops came and went. He glanced at his phone and frowned at not having a reply already. Rhodes figured Taggart was busy or out of the office. He rose and walked down the sidewalk in the direction of his vehicle.

  “Rhodes.”

  He stopped at Taggart’s call, turning. Taggart strode toward him, dressed in another of his sexy suits. This one was hunter green with a pale-green shirt and tie that matched the suit. Rhodes clenched his fist to not reach for him. Taggart stopped in front of him, a pleased grin on his face.

  “Sorry, when I got your text I was wrapping up a call so I could come outside.” Taggart looked around. “I want to kiss you like you did last night, but we didn—”

  Rhodes kissed him, briefly stilling his words.

  “Well, that answered my question if I can touch you in public,” Taggart commented with a chuckle.

  “I wasn’t sure if I should.” Rhodes looked at the cops passing by. “Seeing as you are close to work.”

  “I don’t care. They know about me. There are some assholes, as with anyplace else.” Taggart moved closer. “Do you have time for lunch? What are you doing in town?”


  “Yes, I do. I came to ask you if you did. I had to check some things with our houses in town,” Rhodes said, referring to the homes that the center used in town.

  “Good.” Taggart put his hand in Rhodes’s, leading him down the sidewalk. “The best Italian place in Mapson is in walking distance. Not many of the cops go there to sit down to eat, but we order in all the time. It’s more private.”

  “Good.” Rhodes squeezed his hand. “How’s work going?”

  “So far it’s been a good day. Some leads working out. Can’t get specific about them, but we’ve been trying to track down this man, and he’s a wily bastard.” Taggart shrugged. “Walker is on the hunt. He’ll find him. What about the center? Anything new going on there?”

  “We got two new residents pending. That’s why I had to come into town today.” Rhodes remembered the brother and sister he’d come to talk with earlier. “I sent their information to your e-mail that you use for the center.”

  “I’ll check them out.”

  Rhodes nodded. It was what Taggart did for the center—looked into the background of those who came to them for help. Before they could be moved to Treble Duo, they were thoroughly checked out for their safety and the anonymity of the center. Rhodes and Taggart arrived at the restaurant and Taggart opened the door, leading him in.

  “Mister Monroe,” the host greeted them.

  “Patrick,” Taggart returned.

  “It’s been too long since you’ve come in to sit and eat,” Patrick said. “We get lots of calls from you to order out. Eating at your desk isn’t healthy for your digestion.”

  “You’re correct.” Taggart touched Rhodes arm. “This is Rhodes, and I mentioned this is the best Italian place in Mapson.”

  “Ahhh… Mama will love hearing that.”

  “Mama is here?” Taggart looked at Rhodes. “We’re in for treat. Mama likes to spoil me.”

  “That she does.” Patrick motioned for them to follow him. “Let’s get you seated.”

  They followed him and in moments, they were seated in a booth. Patrick left.

  “He didn’t leave any menus,” Rhodes said.

  “With Mama in the kitchen, he wouldn’t dare leave me a menu.”

  Rhodes leaned back, watching him across from him in the booth. “They seem very familiar with you.”

  “Yep. Been coming here since I was a rookie in the department. Mama used to take pity on me and made sure I ate well when I came here.” Taggart chuckled. “She even tried to show me how to make her tiramisu. I can never get it correct.”

  “I know how to make it. Well, a version I made my own. There are many ways people make it.” Rhodes made a mental note to ask for the recipe.

  “Oh, Mama is going to love you.”

  “I’m a loveable guy,” Rhodes said.

  “And modest.” Taggart leaned back in his seat. “So what else do you know how to make?”

  AS THE days passed, when Rhodes had to come to town to speak with the kids they were taking to the center, he’d meet Taggart for lunch. He and Mama had many discussions on food and recipes, and he also spent time together with Taggart on more dates. Each moment Rhodes found he wanted to be around Taggart more and more.

  A week after their first lunch, sitting on the pile of pillows in his media room, Rhodes relaxed, enjoying his day off. Movement of the cushions made him look at the woman who was beside him. Her entire focus was on the television. Rhodes glanced away. He couldn’t focus on the match on the television as his thoughts were on Taggart. His cell buzzed and he picked it up, smiling when he saw Taggart’s text. He replied for him to come over and that the door was unlocked, so come in. Rhodes shifted to shield his erection, a constant state ever since he had been around Taggart.

  A little over an hour and he’ll be here. The excitement that thought gave him was really not appropriate, but he couldn’t seem to control it.

  Rhodes looked at the clock and willed it to move quicker.

  Chapter Four

  WHEN HIS phone signaled someone was approaching his house, Rhodes smiled but didn’t move. The action on the TV heated up.

  “Motherfucker. Kick his head in.” The scream was loud.

  Rhodes winced and stifled another chuckle, as he’d been doing since the match started.

  “Rhodes….” Taggart stopped speaking.

  Rhodes glanced toward the door and swallowed. Taggart was in a dark-blue sleeveless T-shirt, showing off all his muscles. The matching sweats he wore were loose, but Rhodes could imagine how his legs would look naked.

  Rein it in. We’re going to work out. Get a little sweaty and out of breath. His erection, which had finally softened, went hard again at the thought. No. Not that kind of sweat and breathing. God, I have it bad. Talking to my damn self. He averted his gaze to get some semblance of control.

  “Hey, Taggart, you came and jo—son of a bitch. What the fuck is he thinking? Use a submission hold.” Kira turned to Rhodes.

  “If you try it on me, I’m going to have to restrain you,” Rhodes warned.

  “Bastard. I bet you would too.” Kira laughed and slapped him on the leg and rested her back on the pillows piled high around her to form a seat. She turned her head toward Taggart. “Why are you lurking in the doorway? Come on in and have a lay down.” She patted the pillows she was on.

  Rhodes could sense Taggart moving closer; seconds later he smelled the woodsy scent Taggart used. The pillows beside him dipped. Rhodes turned to look at him again. Taggart kissed him briefly and glanced beyond him before focusing on Rhodes again.

  “Do you think it’s a good idea to have her here watching”—Taggart gestured at the screen—”that?”

  “Humph, mind your own business, Taggart.” Kira leaned around Rhodes and smacked Taggart on the leg. “Rhodes is a good man to let me watch wrestling. God knows when I’ll be able to see it in my house again. That damn TV incident is going to haunt me worse than the vacuum.” Kira jeered at the TV and got to her knees, gesturing rudely.

  “I don’t think you like your TV much. Hell, I’d be afraid for the furniture too,” Taggart whispered.

  Rhodes chuckled and opened his mouth.

  Kira spoke, cutting him off. “In case you didn’t notice, his TV is mounted on the wall. Too high for me to rip it off if I get too excited.” She glanced at them. “Rhodes, being the smart man he is, decided to use the media room for us to watch the wrestling match. Since this room is so large, the furniture is not close to us where we are—here in the center of the floor on these wonderful cushions he set up. So there are no worries there. He set up the cushions like a couch with back support and everything. I feel like I’m in a cocoon of comfort. He’s made every contingency for my—” She paused and smiled widely. “—Enthusiastic viewing. Damn smart man.” She patted Rhodes’s cheek.

  “You do know she’s fast, right? Even with planning, she could make a dash for the TV. I notice she didn’t mention it was too large for her to lift.” Taggart settled beside Rhodes, leaning on him.

  “I’m quick all right.” She made as if she was going to dash, chuckling as she settled again. “But Rhodes threatened to tie me up if I did. I believe him too. Humph, once I get in my sports frenzy, lifting the TV would be nothing. Besides, I’m strong.” She put up her arm to flex.

  Rhodes squeezed her muscle as he kissed her on the cheek. “Nice. I didn’t think you figured out what I did.”

  “I’m a mama, there isn’t much that kids try to pull that gets past me. With as many kids… well, they’re adults now, but will always be my kids. I’ve raised kids who thought they could outsmart their dad and me. But they had no clue how we knew what was in their devious minds.” She gave him a narrow-eyed look. “Show him what you have under the cushion by your side.”

  Rhodes was surprised she knew it was there. He reached behind Taggart and pulled out the length of rope. Taggart took it from him and studied it briefly before staring at him, shock plain on his face.

  “You were going to tie
her up?”

  “Hey, I love my TV, and I wasn’t going to let her break it.” Rhodes took the rope and put it back.

  “I didn’t break Aristotle’s,” Kira protested, making a small space between two fingers. “Dented it a little.”

  They all laughed.

  “How did you know the rope was there?” Rhodes was curious since he had placed it there prior to her arrival.

  “I figure you’re not someone who says something without backing it up.” Kira shrugged, waving her hand. “Hush. I want to hear the TV.”

  Rhodes did as she asked. Taggart did the same and they all watched the wrestling program. Rhodes heard the phone alert that let him know someone was coming down his road, and he glanced at his cell.

  “Theron is coming.” Rhodes looked at Kira.

  “I texted him to meet me here,” she said, eyes focused on the TV.

  Not wanting to move, Rhodes texted him to come in and meet them in media room. He placed his cell down. Soon he heard Theron approaching the room.

  “Rhodes… for God’s sake, do none of you listen to me?” Theron strode deeper into the room and stood in front of where they sat. “Mom, you know we all agreed, no more sports for you.”

  “You all did. But I didn’t. So move.” She pushed at his legs.

  “Mom,” Theron said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Theron,” Kira mimicked his tone and crossed her arms over her chest. “Sit and let me enjoy watching the rest of this. As you can see, Rhodes made sure I felt welcome and alleviated any possibility of breaking stuff.”

  “We don’t care if you break stuff. We just don’t want you to hurt yourself. I could only imagine what would have happened if you broke the TV and got cut.” Theron sighed and sat.

  “I’m fine.” Kira rubbed Theron’s cheek affectionately. “My worrywart. I only got so exuberant because it’s been a while since I watched sports. Not till you and Aristotle got together.”