Bayside Wishes

by Stacy Claflin

  Nico shook his head. "He has no idea what he's started. We won't stop until he's down. You guys want to join me for lunch?"

  "Yeah," Wilson said. "Let's go somewhere with a long wait, and make that tattooed jerk sit there as long as possible."

  "Sure you're not putting something else off?" Nico arched a brow.

  Wilson scowled. "I want that deadbeat to stew as long as possible."

  "He's nothing," Henderson said. "Just a worker bee for the one we really want. His incarceration isn't going to mean crap in the big scheme of things. We're going to have to take this deeper."

  "What do you mean?" Nico asked. He leaned against a wall and studied Henderson.

  "We need to send in someone undercover."

  "One of us?" Wilson asked. "They know what we all look like."

  Henderson flicked a nod toward the bustling office. "Not everyone. Herring's been on office duty forever. He'd be the perfect one."

  "I don't know," Nico said. "He's been working as an understudy for the guys in analytics. I think he might be more interested in that than going back into the field."

  "What about Reese?" Wilson asked.

  "Reese?" Nico and Henderson both exclaimed.

  "Yeah. Reese has never touched this case."

  Nico crossed his arms and shook his head. "I'm not sending Reese."

  "Why?" Wilson narrowed his eyes. "Because she's a girl? Reese is a good cop."

  "And I'd like to keep it that way."

  "She's perfect. They'd never suspect a thing. And she looks young—she could pose as a high school kid."

  Nico ran his fingers through his hair. "We can find someone else."

  Wilson's brows came together. "You don't trust women?"

  "That's not it," Nico snapped. "Give me some time to think about it. I'm not just going to throw any of my people out there on a whim. For now, we're going to focus on the guy we got. See what we can get out of him. I do like the idea of someone going undercover, but I'm going to need to discuss this with the Lieutenant before any decisions are made. Got it?"

  "Sure."

  "And don't forget to make that phone call when we get back, Wilson."

  Henderson glanced at his phone. "Let's get going. I'm famished."

  They headed out, inviting others along the way. Six of them entered the elevator. Nico's mind was still reeling from his interaction with Wilson. He'd been edgy since Turner's death. Maybe it was too soon for him to be out in the field. He definitely need to speak with the department psychiatrist.

  Once at the restaurant, Nico's phone beeped, indicating he had a text. His heart fluttered, eager to hear from Freya.

  His heart sank when he saw the text wasn't from her, but from Morgan. When would his ex give it up? Even if they lived in the same city, he wouldn't date her again. Even if they were the last two people on earth, and the survival of the species was up to them.

  Nico put his phone away and ordered his meal. He laughed along with his colleagues, but his mind was far from their conversation. What he wouldn't give to be out with Freya.

  His phone beeped again. He couldn't help hoping it was her, but he knew it was more likely Morgan. She wasn't one to give up when she wanted something, and for whatever reason, Nico was back on her list.

  When they were seated at the restaurant, Nico couldn't focus on the menu.

  After another text, he caved and read the messages.

  Hey, Nico baby. I haven't stopped thinking about you.

  I gave you space like you wanted. Now let's talk.

  Are you busy with work?

  It was the last one that made his blood run cold:

  I'm about to get on a plane. See you for dinner.

  He nearly dropped the phone. Dinner? Tonight? She'd be able to find the precinct easily enough, but not his apartment. That was unlisted. He would have to find an excuse to take work home early.

  Nico mentally calculated how long it would take Morgan to fly across the country and then make her way to the station.

  Why hadn't he been more firm with her when she'd sent the earlier texts? And why hadn't she told him she'd gotten some vacation days? Must be one of her surprises. She loved taking people off guard.

  "Are you okay?" Reese asked. She tugged on her auburn ponytail and studied him.

  He was anything but okay. "Yeah. Fine."

  She didn't look like she believed him, but she turned back to the conversation.

  When the food came, he picked at it. He could hide from her, but that would only last so long. She would come to his work. She'd talk with anyone who would give her the time of day.

  No, going home and hiding was out of the question. He'd have to wait around until she arrived and then get her out of the building as fast as possible, not allowing her the opportunity to speak with anyone. He would set her straight and send her on her way. If he had to be mean, he would do it. Morgan wouldn't understand subtlety.

  Nico ended up bringing most of his lunch back in a box. His nerves were shot and his stomach a mess. Somehow, he would have to focus in order to get as much done as possible before anyone found out about his crazy ex-girlfriend.

  Thirteen

  Someone knocked on Nico's door. He groaned. There wasn't time for any distractions before he left to meet with Morgan. He had to find a way to shove her back on a plane before dinner.

  "Come in," he called.

  Reese came in. She twisted her ponytail around her finger and bit her lower lip. "Uh, Sarge, there's someone here that wants to talk to you."

  "It's not Johnson, is it? I told him—"

  "No, not him." Reese leaned against the doorway and smoothed down her jacket. "I don't know how to say this." She took a deep breath and stared at the carpet.

  It was no wonder Henderson and Wilson wanted to send her to pose as a high school kid. She was certainly awkward enough to fit the bill.

  "Just say it. I'm busy."

  Reese tapped a foot and then rubbed her arm. "Well, she looks like one of the undercover hookers, but she says she's not with the department."

  Nico's heart plummeted to the floor.

  Morgan.

  His pulse drummed in his ears. "Can you escort her out front? Tell her I'll meet her at my car."

  "Sarge?" Reese's eyes widened with marked shock.

  "No! It's not like that. She's not a prostitute. Just take her outside, please." Nico shuffled the papers on his desk. He'd just have to get back to those later.

  Reese poked her head out of the room and glanced to her left. "About that…"

  "What?" Nico exclaimed.

  "She's talking to Henderson."

  "My day is complete." Nico scrambled out of the chair and nearly knocked poor Reese over as he exited the office.

  Sure enough, Morgan stood only inches from Henderson. She laughed at whatever he'd just said and scratched her calf with the heel of her shiny red pump. Her black leather skirt was several inches too short and her long, now-bleach blonde hair nearly reached her waist. Morgan's fire-engine red lipstick could be seen from where Nico stood.

  Reese stepped over to him. "You really know her?"

  "Unfortunately."

  Morgan glanced their way. Her eyes lit up when she saw Nico.

  His stomach twisted in a tight knot.

  She put her hand on Henderson's shoulders, said something, and then hurried over toward Nico. Her heels clicked loudly on the floor. Most people at their desks glanced up.

  The back of Nico's neck heated.

  Morgan threw herself against him, nearly causing him to lose his balance. "Nico! It's so good to see you again." She stepped back and looked him over. "You look fantastic."

  The Lieutenant came over and arched a brow. "You know her?"

  Nico still hadn't returned Morgan's embrace. He took a step away from her, but she only closed the gap. Nico cleared his throat. "We went to high school together."

  Morgan shoved his shoulder. "Don't be modest. We were high school sweethearts." She glanced o
ver at Reese. "Voted best couple—most likely to marry."

  Nico's entire body temperature rose. "Come on." He headed for the elevator.

  "But I want to meet all your coworkers."

  It took every ounce of his self-control not to grab Morgan's arm and yank her out of the building. "Later. We're leaving."

  The Lieutenant arched a brow. "What about—?"

  "I'll come back late tonight if I have to." Nico flicked his attention back to Morgan. "Let's go. Now."

  She shivered and winked at one of the nearby officers. "I love it when he takes charge."

  "Lucky you," the officer muttered.

  Nico marched toward the elevator and pushed the down button.

  Click-clack, click-clack.

  It was astonishing how Morgan's heels could be louder than all the noise of the precinct. But then again, that was just her. She was loud and loved it. The woman knew how to make an entrance or an exit and get the attention of everyone as she did.

  They stepped into the elevator and he pushed the first floor. "I told you I'd meet you after work. What part of don't come to my work was so hard to understand?"

  Morgan's hand came to her mouth. "Did I upset you, Nico baby?"

  He wanted to punch the wall. "Don't call me that."

  She pouted. "What's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me? I flew all the way across the country to see you."

  "I'm sorry you wasted your time and money, but let me repeat myself. We're through."

  The doors opened. Nico made his way outside, ignoring everyone he passed. Morgan's heels were even louder down on the main floor. More people turned to stare.

  There was a long line of people at the main entrance, waiting to come in. It would have been a lot quicker to take the other way out, but there was no way Nico was going to show that to Morgan. Then she could come and go from the building anytime she wanted.

  Once they were finally outside, Nico inhaled a deep breath of fresh air. It was nice to be so close to the ocean. He took another breath and closed his eyes, pretending for a moment that he was far away from Morgan, standing at the shore.

  "Where to?" Morgan asked.

  Nico clenched his fists and opened his eyes. He shot daggers at her with his eyes. "Nowhere. Not after that. Just go back to New York."

  "But I just got here, and I came all this way to see you."

  "We're through."

  "We deserve a second chance."

  Nico narrowed his eyes. "I gave you plenty of those. You made it crystal clear that you wouldn't move across the country with me."

  She pouted. "I changed my mind, baby."

  "Stop calling me that."

  "I want to be where you are, even in this little town. It's kind of cute. I could probably get used to it. There's a nightlife in Portland, isn't there?"

  "Probably, but I'll bet it doesn't compare with what you're used to."

  She shrugged. "It's time to start settling down, anyway. Don't you think?"

  "You can settle down in the city. There are plenty of men there. I've moved on. You need to as well."

  Morgan jutted out her lower lip. "You don't mean that."

  His brows came together. "With every ounce of my being."

  "Ouch." She flipped some blonde hair behind her shoulder. "How do you like me as a blonde?"

  Nico didn't respond.

  "Lots of men have told me how hot it makes me look."

  "So you won't have any problems replacing me."

  Morgan frowned. "How can you be so mean?"

  "Mean?" He had to force himself not to yell. Not here—at work. "You think I'm being mean? I practically begged you to move here with me. You wouldn't hear anything of it. Like I said, we're through."

  She pouted. "Give us another chance."

  He shook his head. "We're no good for each other, Morgan. We have completely different life goals."

  "I don't mind settling down. Being a small-town cop's wife."

  Nico saw red. "We're not even going to have a date, and you're talking about marriage? Have you lost your mind?"

  "You… you said you'd have dinner with me."

  "Do you truly want to? Have I not made myself clear?"

  Morgan stood taller. "I can convince you that it'll work out."

  He snorted. "Good luck with that. I need to get going."

  A pained expression covered her face. It was too dramatic to be anything other than a guilt trip attempt. A failed one, at that.

  "I have a lot to do. We're busy with a big case, and I intend to crack it."

  Her eyes lit up. "I can help you. Really, I always solve the cases on TV before the investigators do. Every time."

  "They're not investigators, Morgan. They're actors with a script. Huge difference." He turned around and took a few steps.

  "Wait. I don't have a car."

  Nico spun around. "Pardon me?"

  She gestured toward his car, where two suitcases sat. "I had the airport shuttle drop me off here."

  He slapped his forehead. Of course she had. "I'll call you a cab."

  Morgan begged him with her eyes. "Please. You promised me dinner."

  Nico's shoulders slumped. He should have known better than agreeing to dinner, hoping to dissuade her first. Once she had an idea in her mind, she wouldn't let go.

  He stared at her, holding her gaze. "Why don't I take you to your hotel so you can put some clothes on first?"

  Morgan's mouth gaped. "I am dressed."

  "I don't mean as a prostitute. Do you realize my colleagues thought you were undercover?"

  Her eyes widened and her face flushed pink.

  She did have some sense of modesty.

  "People don't dress like that around here. This isn't a New York club."

  Morgan's mouth formed a straight line. "Well, you're not going to like anything else I brought. But I can change if you really want me to."

  Nico closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He counted silently to ten. Then twenty. He opened his eyes. "If we have dinner—as friends—and I hear you out, will you leave me alone if I still feel the same way?"

  Her eyes sprang wide open. "Really? You'll hear me out?"

  "Only if you agree to fly back if I still feel the same way after the meal."

  She raised her chin. "Dessert."

  His eyes narrowed. "Fine. Dinner and dessert, but that's it."

  "Unless I change your mind."

  "But if you don't—"

  "Then I go back home."

  Nico breathed a sigh of relief and unlocked his car with the remote.

  Morgan looked at him expectantly.

  "Are you going to put your luggage in there or not?" he asked.

  Her face fell.

  "Don't expect me to act like your boyfriend when you show up unexpected and disrespect my request to stay away from my work." He went to the driver's seat, slammed the door, and started the engine.

  Morgan opened the back door and threw her bags in the back.

  Both hit his seat. Nico ignored it.

  She climbed into the passenger seat and slammed the door. "You've changed, Nico. There was a day you'd have never let a lady carry her own luggage."

  "I still wouldn't let a lady."

  Morgan gasped.

  Nico pulled out of the spot. At least it was still early. With any luck, no one would see him out with Morgan. Half the town knew the Hunters, and he couldn't let word to get back to Freya. The last thing he wanted was for either one of them to know about each other. Morgan would freak out and cause a horrible scene. One that would definitely get back to the Hunters. He just needed to humor her for the time being.

  He just needed to get through this one meal, and then be done with Morgan. Somehow, without bringing up the fact that he was falling for someone else, he needed to convince Morgan that they weren't right for each other anymore. Not that they'd ever been, really. She had dug her claws in deep, and it had taken a move across the country for Nico to see just how destructive she really was. />
  "So, where are we going?" Morgan asked, no longer sounding offended. She may as well have been asking about the weather. "What's good around here?"

  "I hear there are some good restaurants at the airport."

  She turned and glared at him. "Nice."

  He smirked in return. "What did you expect?"

  "What's good around here?" she repeated.

  Nico could barely think. "Let's just drive around. Keep your eyes open." And your mouth shut, please. He turned the radio up. "Tell me if you see anything that strikes your fancy."

  "Fine."

  He drove toward the main part of town where most of the restaurants were. It didn't matter what they ate because he had no appetite.

  "Oh! That place looks nice. Roosevelt's."

  Nico groaned. Of course she would choose the most expensive place in town. "Are you sure?"

  "They have valet. Let's go."

  "Fine, but then you go back home."

  Fourteen

  Dakota put Freya's last suitcase on the bed. "I can't believe this is all you own."

  Freya shrugged. "There isn't much room in the tiny apartment."

  "I'm going to have to take my little sister shopping." Her eyes shone with excitement.

  "Let me settle in first. Jet lag, remember?" Freya forced a smile.

  "You can sleep it off tomorrow while I'm at work. Then we have to plan the surprise party."

  "What does everyone think the party's for?"

  "To welcome Shale back home."

  Freya arched a brow. "Almost three months later?"

  "He's been so down, and now he's coming out of his shell. It's the perfect time."

  "How's he doing? Really?" Freya unzipped some luggage and hung some dresses in the closet.

  Dakota followed her lead. "He honestly seems happier. Not so gloomy."

  Guilt tugged at Freya. She hated being in town and not telling her twin. It felt like she was lying to him. But it was only two days, and she would probably spend most of that time sleeping and eating. Her body was on overdrive ever since she started eating regular food again. Her stomach demanded food every couple hours. It was probably afraid of being starved again.

  "Oh," Dakota exclaimed. "The best news is that I convinced Shale to invite Nico to the party. I told him he had to since he played such a big part by getting him all those referrals."