Page 57 of McGuire's Target

He ended with a peck to her nose. “I love you, Riven.”

“Damn straight you do.”

“Does this mean everything’s done with the DEA? Did you take a job in New Orleans or still deciding?”

“About that…” She drew her finger down his chest. “I recall you mentioning how I’d be a great Shadow Hound. I really hope that still stands.”

He grinned. “Are you serious?”

“For better or worse.”

“Those sound like the kind of words we might want to discuss in the future. But for now…”

“Whoa.” Patch’s voice boomed through the room. “Before you lose what little you’ve got on, give me a chance to get the hell out.” He waved at McGuire. “I’ll check-in tomorrow, assuming you don’t need backup.”

“Just lock the door and arm the system on your way out.”

Patch rolled his eyes, turned, then glanced back over his shoulder. “I’ll be here in the morning, so, keep it PG outside the bedroom.”

McGuire grinned. “Feel free to bring food.”

“Don’t push it, buddy.” Patch headed through the door, clicked it shut behind him.

McGuire rested his forehead on Riven’s, all the weight from the past six months lifting. “God, I missed you.”

“Missed you more.”

He drew her close, drank her in. “You sure you’ll be okay living here? Because this is you moving in, right?”

“Assuming that’s on the table.”

“It’s more than on the table. I just don’t want you to regret staying in the bayou. I know neither of us really loves it.”

She smiled, and the entire room dimmed around her. “Maybe not. But I love you.” She turned, leaned against him as she stared out the window. “Besides, the view’s a lot better when I’m with you.”

“Amen to that. And I love you, too.”

She laughed, spun within his embrace. “Then, kiss me like you mean it, slugger.”

“Slugger?”

She shrugged, a playful smile curving her lips. “Unless you prefer jackass?”

He snorted, trying not to wince. As long as she loved him, she could call him whatever she wanted. Meeting her gaze, he shook his head.

Eyes sparkling, she leaned in and nipped his bottom lip, spiking a surge of need that streaked up his spine. “Didn’t think so.”

She kissed him again, softer this time, as he gripped her hips, locking her against him.

When they finally broke apart, she gazed at him through desire-darkened eyes. “Now, let’s try this again.”