Between the Lines

by T Gephart

  “You won’t have to,” I promised.

  And while I knew it wouldn’t be easy, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind she was the one for me.

  She was my ride or die.

  And I was hers.

  Justin

  “PLEASE JOIN ME in welcoming the newest addition to the homicide department, Detective Tessa Ricci.”

  Everyone applauded, but none louder than me. The pride made me feel like I was literally going to burst out of my skin as I watched her accept her new badge. She’d worked her ass off, and there was no one who deserved it more. And there wasn’t a doubt in my mind she was going to make one hell of a detective.

  “You know, she’s keeping Ricci for the force.” Miller leaned in, grinning. “We don’t need the Tibbs name coming up in here and sullying the NYPD.”

  I laughed, not giving a rat’s ass what Miller had to say. “Her badge might say Ricci but she’s still my wife.”

  We’d only been married a month, and I still couldn’t believe it, the day she said she’d marry me one of the best days of my life. The other had been when my son was born, but Tessa had been there for that too. And I couldn’t imagine my life without either of them.

  “Shit, we missed it,” May whispered, cradling Finn in her arms. “I’m sorry, Justin.”

  I hugged May, taking Finn and nuzzling him against my chest. “No need to apologize. She just got her badge and they’re still doing photos, you’re here and that’s all that matters.”

  If you had told me twelve months ago, I’d be standing in a room with my wife and the mother of my child, I’d have told you, you were crazy. If you went a step further and told me they weren’t the same woman, I’d have probably had you committed. But as it turned out, that was exactly what happened.

  Tessa had moved into my Midtown apartment shortly after that night she handcuffed me in Presley’s club. I didn’t wait much longer to add an engagement ring.

  And because May was one of the sweetest, most understanding humans I’d ever met, she welcomed Tessa into our son’s world too.

  Both women had been amazing. Tentative at first, neither of them wanting to overstep any boundaries and trying to be respectful. But that didn’t last long, coming home after a shift to find both of them in a sugar coma after demolishing a chocolate cake. Apparently, they’d worked it all out, and they’d been friends ever since.

  There was no fighting, no asking me to choose sides, and when Finn was born, Tessa was the first person to hold him after me and his mom. She knew May would always be part of our lives, and didn’t punish me for it. And May believed that our baby boy had won the jackpot, getting three parents instead of just two.

  So yeah, it was a little unconventional, but it worked, and that was all that mattered. Besides, who the hell was going to say anything when I was married to one of the toughest homicide detectives in the city. Ha! I’d say that would be a pretty short list.

  “Heeeeeey, you made it!” Tessa gave May a hug before turning to Finn and kissing his little head. “How are my favorite boys doing?” She grinned as she reached down and grabbed my ass.

  “You should be ashamed.” I shook my head, pretending to shield Finn’s eyes even though he was sleeping. “Not only is your boss and parents right over there, but I’m holding my poor innocent kid. You are such a pervert, Ricci.”

  “What are you going to do, Tibbs? Call the cops?” She laughed. “Now hand over the baby and no one gets hurt.” She held out her hands, waiting for me to fill them with Finn.

  I sighed, falling more in love with her every single day. “That badge has already gone to your head.”

  “Get a room already,” Miller coughed under his breath. “Everyone knows these insults are like foreplay. And while Finn has no idea what’s going on, May and I aren’t so lucky.”

  May grinned, nodding in agreement. “Why don’t you let me take Finn,” she whisked him out of my arms and back into hers, “and Miller and I will go check out the refreshment table.”

  “Mmmmmmm, I like this plan.” Miller rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Peace out, deviants.”

  We watched as the two of them strolled to the refreshment table; Finn sleeping peacefully through the whole thing. And even though I loved my son with everything I had, I was grateful to have a moment just with Tessa.

  “Have I told you how much I love you?” I pulled her closer to me, brushing my lips against hers.

  Unlike her, I respected the brass even if it wasn’t mine. Keeping the PDAs to an acceptable level that wouldn’t get us flagged by HR. Plus her dad was watching, and even though both he and Tessa’s mom were supportive, I was positive he didn’t want to see us making out.

  She nodded, the happiness in her beautiful brown eyes making me feel like a rock star. “You did, but you can tell me again. I like hearing it.”

  “I love you, Tessa Tibbs. I am so fucking proud of you and I will never take for granted how lucky I am.”

  It was the mantra I repeated every single day. Sometimes whispered to her as she slept, sometimes while she was awake, but I’d never stop saying it.

  “And I love you, Justin Tibbs. I’m proud of you too, and I will never take for granted how lucky I am.”

  She kissed me. And as much as I was trying to be respectful, my wife had a badge and a gun, and I wasn’t stupid enough to deny her.

  And truth be told, I didn’t want to deny her.

  Because I’d only be denying myself as well.

  “You want to go back to our apartment and interrogate me?” I whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry, I bought suitable handcuffs off the internet because we know you can’t be trusted.”

  She mock gasped, the smile spreading across her lips. “Miller is right, we are deviants.”

  I laughed, lacing my fingers with hers as I pulled her toward the door. “Yeah, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  And lucky for me, I didn’t have to.

  Tessa

  Loving Justin had never been hard.

  Even when I’d wanted to hate him, my heart had always known he’d been my person. And as much as it had initially hurt that he had this deep shared connection—a child—with someone else, I couldn’t walk away. In the end, I was glad I hadn’t, because he was the best man I’d ever met. Hell, even my parents adored him, and they had a pretty high standard when it came to the men their daughters ended up with.

  Mom and Dad had hugged us both before we’d left, telling me again how proud they were. Emilia hadn’t been able to make my presentation but promised we’d catch up later. I was glad she was back from her latest duty tour and was hoping we’d get more time together. But more than anything, I was happier than I’d ever been.

  “God, I love seeing that smile.” Justin pulled me in for a kiss as we reached his car. “Even though sometimes it makes me nervous.”

  I chuckled, loving the feel of him pressed against me. “You worried, Tibbs? I mean, I get it. Your wife cannot only kick your ass but made rank before you did. Not all guys would be okay with that.”

  “Ricci, please,” he scoffed, using my old last name as he reached down and squeezed my ass. “You know none of that shit matters to me. I’m big where it counts.”

  My eyes rolled, shaking my head because as much as he’d humbled since becoming a father, he was still as cocky as hell. “Just get in the car, wiseass.”

  “Oh, I’ll get in the car.” He popped open the door, holding it for me as I slid in. “But even you can’t tell me I’m wrong.”

  And he was right.

  I couldn’t and I wouldn’t, trying to hide my grin as he closed the door and went around to the driver’s seat.

  “Hmm,” I looked around the inside of his Impala, thinking back to the first time I’d ridden in it, “you know, I was right too.”

  “About what, sweetheart?” he asked, slipping on his seatbelt before hitting the ignition.

  “I told you this was a dad car.” I laughed, pointing to Finn’s car seat
in the back.

  He didn’t even blink, taking his hands off the steering wheel and pulling me in for a kiss. “I thought we agreed it was Daddy?”

  I laughed against his lips. “I didn’t agree to shit, Tibbs. But just so we’re clear, you are one sexy daddy, and one I fully intend to do dirty, dirty things to when we get home.”

  He swore under his breath. “Never ever selling this car.”

  “Good.” I grinned. “Because if you even think about buying a minivan, I’m divorcing you.”

  But that was a lie.

  He could get a minivan, start wearing socks and sandals, and embrace every “dad” stereotype there was, and I’d never love him any less.

  I kissed him again, because I couldn’t help myself. “Get me home, deviant. I want to check out these new cuffs you got.”

  THE END

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  Thank you so much to my amazing family who never read these acknowledgements but hopefully know how much they mean to me. Gep, Jenna, Liam and Woodley, I love you. I’d say I’m sorry you don’t have a “regular” wife and mother, but we all know I’d be lying. I wouldn’t be sorry, and you guys aren’t regular either.

  Thanks to my extended family and friends, who I mostly haven’t seen during this lockdown. 2020, right? Who knew it would be such a shitshow? I will never take for granted the ability to get in my car—or plane for those of you across the pond—and see you. I miss you beyond words. Thank you for your love and support, and we will see each other on the other side.

  Thanks to Kelly Elliott who has been with me—usually daily—sending me encouragement throughout this entire series. It started because of you, and now it’s done. What a ride! I adore you.

  Thank you so much to Gayle Williams, who despite her own trial and tribulations, is never too busy to check in on me. I’m more grateful for our friendship than you’ll ever know, and hope you will one day see what a gift you are. Thanks for all your help, love and support. You’re truly a beautiful human, and I am grateful and blessed to have you in my life both personally and professionally.

  Thanks Kimberly, Aimee, and Caroline and everyone at Brower Literary and Management. Sending hugs, guys. I’m totally bringing celebratory Tim Tams to you next time I’m in NYC.

  Thanks so much, Nichole Strauss from Insight Editing. I know this year has been a challenge—as have been my manuscripts—but we got there. Another one is wrapped, and Lord, I think we’re both relieved. Thanks for sticking with me.

  Massive thanks to MK who isn’t sick of me yet and whose initial read throughs give me so much value, I’m not sure what I’d do without it. Gah, I’ll be sending more soon so hang in there LOL.

  Thank you Elaine York from Allusion Graphics LLC, Publishing and Book Formatting. Not only do you make my books look pretty but your ability to deal with my changing schedule is amazing. Girl, I’m a hot mess, and you’re awesome.

  And LORDY, how could I ever release a book unless it has a Hang Le cover! You not only produce the most beautiful work—often under ridiculous conditions—but do it with so much patience and grace. Thank you for everything, the covers being the least of it. I adore you.

  Thank you so much for finding all those pesky typos and proofreading, Rebecca from Rebecca Fairest Reviews Editing Services. Hopefully this time around it was a little easier!!

  Much love, thanks, hugs and inappropriate kisses to all my author friends both near and far. I haven’t seen you at all this year—except for online—and I miss you all desperately. Your words, messages, texts, FaceTimes, Marcos, and of course, your books have kept me going this year. I love you guys so much, thanks for everything.

  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all the bloggers, reviewers, bookstagrammers, group admins and promoters who read, promote, review, and share my work. I will never take any of it for granted and am so thankful for all your LOVE and SUPPORT.

  Thanks so much to Mary Dubé from Grey’s Promotions. I have LOVED working with you and so excited to be part of the family. Thanks for your love and support and dedication when it comes to my babies.

  Thank you, Liz, MJ, and Jillian at 1001 Dark Nights.

  THANK YOU TO THE T GEPHART REVIEW CREW AND ENTOURAGE. Thanks for your love, support, messages, and general bad-ass-ary. I love our little group, and your participation means everything to me.

  And lastly, as always, thank YOU. Yes, you, the person who has this book in their hands and spent some time with me, allowing me the pleasure to entertain you. It’s an honor, and I will never take it for granted. PS your hair looks amazing!

  T Gephart is a USA Today and International bestselling author from Melbourne, Australia.

  With an approach to life that is somewhat unconventional, she prefers to fly by the seat of her pants rather than adhere to some rigid roadmap. Her lack of "plan" has resulted in a rather interesting and eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history. She'd tell you all about it, but the statute of limitations hasn't expired yet. But all those crazy twists and turns have led her to a career she loves—writing romantic comedy.

  When she isn't filling pages with sassy and sexy characters with attitude, she's living her own reality show in the 'burbs of Melbourne with her American husband, two teenage children, and her fur child—Woodley.

  She loves adventure, to laugh, travel, and strives to live her life to the fullest.

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  Books by this Author

  The Lexi Series

  Lexi

  A Twist of Fate

  Twisted Views: Fate’s Companion

  A Leap of Faith

  A Time for Hope

  The Power Station Series

  High Strung

  Crash Ride

  Back Stage

  The Black Addiction Series

  Slide

  Sticks

  Stand

  #1 Series

  #1 Crush

  #1 Player

  #1 Rival

  #1 Lie

  #1 Muse

  #1 Love

  Collision Series

  Train Wreck

  Car Crash

  Hot in the City Series

  Send Me Crazy

  One Click Love

  Not Just Friends

  Between The Lines

  Standalones

  The Fall

  One-Night Stand-In

  Viral