Between the Lines

by T Gephart

  “Yes, yes.” I held my hands up, figuring there was no point trying to hide it. “That’s exactly what I’m here for. Can we just go in already, or do I have to cite some bullshit about needing to check your liquor license or something?”

  Marcus laughed, something I’d never seen before considering the man barely smiled. “I like you, Ricci, so I’m going to give you a freebie.”

  “Oh yeah?” I asked, knowing there was no such thing as a free lunch especially with someone like him. “And what’s that?”

  “Skip Raelle and the bar, and head to the booth closest to the VIP section. Tibbs is there with North and Leighton, strategizing on how to win you back.”

  “I’m sorry, what?” The words fell out of my mouth, not fully understanding what I was hearing.

  “I said I liked you, Ricci, don’t make me repeat myself.” He lifted the red velvet rope and ushered us through. “Just because I don’t talk a lot, doesn’t mean I don’t listen. And he’s been a miserable shit for weeks; it’s starting to really mess with the décor.”

  If I could’ve hugged the guy and it not been seen as totally unprofessional, I’d have done it. But I knew it would be pushing it too far, and Marcus had already done more than he needed.

  “Thanks Marcus, I know you said it was a freebie, but I’ll owe you one any way,” I offered, nodding as we walked in.

  He shrugged, seeming unperturbed either way. “Suit yourself, have a nice night.”

  My heartbeat was so loud and fast, I was positive everyone else could hear it. I had planned recon—a chance to gather intel—but my mission had been changed.

  Marcus was a reliable source; one I would absolutely stake my reputation on if he was a witness and we were heading to court. So, if he said Tibbs was there with his two best friends, thinking up ways to win me back, that was exactly what was happening. Which meant—and yes, I was speculating, but again, something I’d stake my reputation on—that he was not with May.

  He just wouldn’t do that.

  To her or to me.

  “You ready, Ricci?” Miller grinned, stretching his arm out indicating I go first.

  I took a deep breath, my eyes flicking to the club full of people and knowing somewhere in there was a man I couldn’t live without. “So ready.”

  Justin

  NEVER IN A million years did I think the woman carrying my child would be actively trying to get me to reconcile with Tessa.

  It was like a reality show, and not something I’d been initially comfortable with.

  I didn’t care how much May said she was cool with it; you just didn’t talk about other women with the woman you were with. And while, yes, technically May and I weren’t “together,” it just felt wrong. I didn’t want to disrespect her like that, or cheapen what I had with Ricci by talking about her behind her back.

  But as it turned out, May was pretty fucking awesome when it came to perspective. And she’d been right in pointing out that unless we planned on giving up dating all together, eventually we’d both have significant others in our lives. And as weird as it was to think—let alone say—I really hoped May found a guy who would love her in a way I couldn’t. Of course, he better be fucking awesome or he’d have to answer to me, but other than that, I wanted her to be happy.

  As for me, there was only one woman I wanted, and that wasn’t going to change in a few weeks or even in a lifetime. So I either found a way to win her back, or I joined a fucking convent or something. Because I’d rather be celibate, miserable, and single for the rest of my life, than be with anyone else.

  “You know we’ve been telling you the exact same thing for weeks.” North took a long pull on his beer. “Take it from me. If you love a girl, you don’t just get over her. Maybe you should start wearing my deodorant again, it might knock some sense into you.”

  Leighton lifted his bottle and pressed it against his grin. “I’ve been saying the same thing too, North. Mack too. He even took Tibbs aside in the bays and threatened to beat some sense into him. Told him that he was being a moron and that wasn’t what taking responsibility looked like. And that being a father didn’t mean he had to give up on the woman he loved. But I guess baby mommas have more pull.”

  “Can you guys stop bitching about who said it first and think of something constructive?” I shook my head, thinking I should’ve just asked Presley. “I have some major ground to cover, and I can’t waste any more time.”

  Going to her apartment had been my first instinct, but considering we hadn’t spoken in almost a month, I wasn’t sure she wouldn’t call the cops. And being locked up would not help my cause. Not to mention I’d promised Mack that he wasn’t going to get any more problems from me, and being hauled in for trespassing felt like a big ass problem.

  So I’d—stupidly—gone to the two people who I not only trusted with my life, but who I figured would know what the hell to do. One, because they were both in relationships that had weathered their own storms. And two, because they knew both me and Ricci, and hopefully had a fucking clue.

  But as we sat there drinking our beers, no one had come up with a better idea than “just go and talk to her.” Which clearly illustrated that I’d been wrong, and they didn’t know Ricci at all.

  It was going to take an act of God for her to forgive me. Some kind of Old Testament shit where I disemboweled myself on a sacrificial altar and then admitted what a moron I’d been. Not for getting May pregnant, which as unfortunate as it was, had been beyond my control. And as much as I hated that it had hurt Tessa, I couldn’t be sorry for what essentially created my son.

  No, my stupidity—and required apology—was for things that she was going to have a harder time getting over.

  For giving up on us.

  For not fighting for her.

  And for not giving her a choice as to whether we had a future.

  Then there was the whole other fucking mess when she came to see me the next day. Me, stupidly believing she was coming to get closure, and not seeing it for the opening May promised me it was.

  Fuck.

  “Fuck,” I said out loud because as far as ideas, I was all out. “Maybe I should go talk to her dad? Or to Miller? I’m positive they both hate my guts and will probably want to kill me. But at this point, I’ll take whatever punishment they want to dish out if it gives me a chance.” Hell, I was willing to do anything if I thought it would help, even if it meant putting my own personal safety on the line.

  “Well, this just got interesting,” North laughed, tipping his chin as he raised a brow. “Batter up, Tibbs.”

  My head snapped up in time to lock eyes with Tessa, her steady confident strides toward me making me forget how to fucking breathe. She looked amazing, her beautiful brown hair tied back and tucked under her hat, while that ridiculous body of hers was hidden by her cop blues. She was obviously on duty and the look on her face meant business, and I’d never been more in love with her than I was at that moment.

  Fuck me, she was gorgeous. So beautiful and sexy that I couldn’t even see straight. And either I’d somehow forgotten, or she’d found a way to get even hotter, because as inappropriate as it was, I was so turned on my dick hurt.

  “Please don’t disembowel yourself here though, your sister will kill you if you get blood on the floor.” Leighton chuckled as she got closer.

  “Gentlemen,” Miller greeted us. “How’s everyone doing?”

  I hadn’t even noticed him, unable to take my eyes off Tessa as she stopped in front of me. Honestly, I didn’t give a fuck what Miller said, because as far as I was concerned, there was only one person I needed to talk to, and he wasn’t it.

  “Tibbs.” She said my name with no emotion. And if I didn’t admit to being a tiny bit terrified, I’d be lying. “Can you please stand up.”

  My ass rose from my seat like she’d commanded it herself, unable to say anything as I watched her. I had no fucking idea where any of it was going. But I’d been stupid enough not to read between the lines o
nce, and I wasn’t making that mistake again.

  “Hey, is everything okay?” Presley rushed over looking at me and then to Tessa. “Tessa? What’s going on here?”

  “Police business,” Tessa responded curtly, then turned back to me. “Place your hands on your head and turn around, Tibbs.”

  What.

  The.

  Fuck.

  I was both turned on and confused, but I did what she said, putting my hands on the back of my head and turning around so I could no longer see her.

  One hand was yanked down and cuffed, and then the other, the metal biting into my skin as she secured them extra tight. She wasn’t kidding when she said they hurt, feeling the unforgiving bite of the cuffs every time I moved.

  I’d still argue it was hot.

  But considering I was unsure if she was going to slice my dick off and force me to eat it, I thought I should reserve my judgment.

  Her hands gripped the cuffs, pulling me back toward her with a tug. “You have somewhere I can interrogate him?” I heard her ask. “Because he isn’t getting out of custody until we get some things straight.”

  “My office,” Presley responded, her giggle hinting she was enjoying it. “And this is some really kinky shit, so I hope you guys are getting back together.”

  “Let’s go, Tibbs.” She yanked again. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t give me any trouble.”

  I was going to come.

  I was literally going to jizz in my pants from being cuffed by the woman I loved, telling me she was going to interrogate me. I didn’t care how fucking perverted it sounded, or what sick, sadistic shit she had planned.

  Tessa was not only talking to me, but had her hands on me. And I didn’t give a fuck what the circumstances were.

  Jesus, I loved her.

  I loved her so fucking much, and I’d do whatever she wanted if it meant she wouldn’t leave.

  Clubbers turned to watch me grinning like a lunatic as Tessa led me to Presley’s office. It only held their interest for about five seconds before they went back to their business, probably relieved they hadn’t caught the attention of the NYPD.

  Marcus was standing beside Presley’s door, his mouth barely twitching as he opened it for Tessa without asking any questions. Either they had an understanding, or he really didn’t give a shit, no words exchanged by anyone until Tessa and I were safely inside and the door was closed.

  “Tessa—”

  “Not now, Tibbs.” She shoved me into an office chair and switched on the light. “I need to ask you some questions first. Then, if you have anything to say, you can say it.”

  My hands were starting to hurt, my body contorted from being tossed into the chair, but I didn’t move, watching as she came to stand in front of me and took off her hat.

  “Do you understand, Justin?” she asked, her eyes locked with mine.

  I nodded, giving her a verbal, “Yes,” in case there was any doubt.

  She took a breath, visibly steadying herself before starting. “Do you love me?”

  “Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “I never stopped.”

  She nodded, but didn’t respond, moving on to the next question.

  “What is the nature of your relationship with May? And don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. I need the truth.”

  “We’re just friends.” I leaned closer, needing to touch her but being unable to. “I swear to you, there is nothing romantic with me and May, and there hasn’t been. We’re having this baby, but that’s it. Neither of us are interested in each other in that way.”

  “Have you kissed or slept with her?” she clarified, too smart to leave any loopholes due to semantics.

  And fuck, I couldn’t lie.

  I wouldn’t lie.

  Even though I knew it would probably hurt my case, I would never tell her anything other than the truth. “I kissed her this afternoon. Once, for like a second. It was the first and only time. It wasn’t even a proper kiss and was over so quickly that it almost didn’t happen. We’d just found out we were having a boy, and I got caught up in the moment. But it was like I was kissing Presley, and I was sorry a moment after I’d done it.”

  Her eyes flashed to mine, tears starting to form, and I hated myself all over again. “Baby, I’m sorry. I swear, it didn’t mean anything. I was just—”

  She raised her hand stopping me. “You’re having a little boy?”

  “Yeah, I’m going to have a son,” I answered, a lump forming in my throat. “He’s so strong too. I can’t believe how much he moves.”

  Her hands moved to my shoulders, shuffling me so I was sitting straight before bringing her body closer. “Is there room in there for me, Tibbs? With May and your son?”

  My heart seized, the muscles that kept it pumping giving me the finger as it felt like I was about to have a heart attack. I couldn’t breathe either, the air feeling too thick as I tried to suck it in.

  “Yes,” I croaked out. “I need you, Tessa. I should never have let you go.”

  She lowered herself into my lap, straddling me as she brought her lips closer. “I love you, Justin. And I know that little boy is going to need you. But I need you as well. I tried to walk away. First, because I didn’t think there was a place for me, and then because I thought it was the right thing to do. And when you didn’t fight for me, I assumed that was what you wanted too.” Her lips brushed against mine, not enough to kiss me, just barely letting their softness register. “But I want you, and I want to be with you, and if there’s a place for me—”

  “Yes.” I leaned forward, straining against the cuffs and kissing her anyway. “There will always be a place for you,” I murmured between kisses. “Please come back to me, baby. Please. I love you so much and I can’t do this without you.”

  I didn’t care if I sounded like a pussy, or if a better man would be able to walk away. She’d said she loved me, and I was hanging on to the second chance like my life depended on it. Because it did.

  My life was with Tessa. No matter what else happened, or where either of us went. I just knew if she was with me, I’d be able to get through.

  And I’d never stop fighting for her.

  Never.

  “I love you, dumbass.” She laughed, kissing me between each word. “And I’m so fucking in love with you, I can’t even think straight.”

  I kissed her too, my hands rocking against my back in desperation to get loose. “I love you too, baby. But you think we can uncuff me? These are really starting to fucking hurt and if I don’t touch you, I’m going to explode.”

  Her mouth moved to my neck, teasing me a little before licking the shell of my ear. If she was trying to slowly drive me crazy, she was succeeding. My body confused by the pain of being restrained and being ridiculously aroused.

  “Ricci,” I moaned, my mouth trying to find hers. “Uncuff me.”

  “I thought this was what you wanted?” she teased, panting against my ear.

  She was going to kill me.

  Kill me.

  And I would happily go. But if she didn’t let me touch her, I was going to dislocate my own fucking shoulders.

  “Tessa, take them off. Now,” I warned, unable to wait any longer. “I need to kiss you properly.”

  “Fine, Tibbs,” she chuckled, climbing out of my lap and then reaching to where my hands pressed against the chair. Finally I felt the slack, first one wrist and then the other, the metal coming loose and then removed all together.

  With my hands free, I moved toward her, grabbing her face and bringing it closer. I couldn’t stop kissing her, my fingers tracing the curves of her body like they were trying to remember every inch of it.

  “I need you. I love you,” I repeated, over and over again. “I’m never going to let you go.”

  It was a promise, a fucking vow, and one I intended to keep until my dying breath.

  “Good.” Her arms wrapped around me as she tilted her lips to mine. “Because I won’t be letting
you go either. And I have handcuffs.”

  “You’re a fucking deviant.” I laughed against her mouth. “But I’m really into it.”

  I’d almost forgotten where we were when there was a knock at the door.

  “Guys, you better not be defiling my desk.” It was Presley, and if she was trying to sound mad, she was failing. “But I am opening this door and you both better be decent.”

  Noise from the club flooded the room as Presley, Miller, Leighton and North huddled in the doorway. North swore, handing over some cash to Leighton who nodded in our direction. “I told you they’d be back together.”

  North shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Ricci, you couldn’t have made him sweat it out a little longer? Jesus, you cuffed the guy. You didn’t even rough him up a little?”

  Ricci shot a glare at North. “You bet that we wouldn’t be back together?”

  “Noooooooo,” he scoffed, looking horrified, “I bet that he’d have a black eye first,” pointing accusingly at my unmarked face.

  “Thanks for the support, North.” I flipped him off.

  Miller cleared his throat. “I hate to be the asshole and ruin this touching reunion. But we’re still on duty and I haven’t had dinner.”

  I knew she had to go, but I kissed her one last time even though everyone was watching. “I’ll be waiting for you when you get off work,” I whispered against her mouth. “In your bed. Naked.”

  She chuckled, lowering her voice. “You going to break in? You’ve already been cuffed once tonight, Tibbs, you want to make it two?”

  I shook my head, holding her against me. “You seem to have forgotten you gave me a key. I never gave it back, and now I never will.”

  Recognition flared on her face, remembering that just before everything imploded, she’d given me her spare keys. I never got a chance to use them but couldn’t bear to give them back. I guess some sick part of me wanted to hold on to whatever little shred of hope I had, even if they were made of brass and metal.

  “Good,” her hand pressed against my chest, “because I don’t ever want to be without you.”