Page 96 of Fierce-Colson

“That’s right. And I’ve never once used my position to get him out of shit either. I made sure of that.”

“Had he asked you to?” she asked. This was news to her. Maybe things she should have known or thought to ask.

“He did. Lots of times. I wouldn’t even get him out of a ticket. He threw my name around. A few times someone let him off and came back to me and I told them the next time to not even consider it. I didn’t talk to my father and wasn’t close to him. It got around fast and didn’t work anymore.”

“Good for you.”

“Doesn’t mean it might not come up. Guess you should have known that.”

“You’re telling me now, and again, not my concern and shouldn’t be yours.”

“Hard not to be when you tell me what you are,” he said.

Which she didn’t want to happen. “Colson. I’m not letting this come between us. You think I haven’t been down this road before? Don’t make me get firm with you.”

He laughed. “Got it. Part of your baggage.”

“That’s right. We all have it. I don’t care about your past, your father, your mother, Bella’s mother. None of that. This is about you and me. That’s it. Well, not only that.”

“I understand. And thanks for the heads up.”

“How about dinner?” she asked. “I hope to be out of here at six or is that too late? Do you think Bella would like to go out?”

“I’m sure she will, or if you don’t mind, you could come to my place for dinner.”

“You know what? I think I’d like that even more.”

“Then I’ll see you later.”

She wanted to linger over the call.

Listen to his voice a bit longer.

Pretend for one minute she wasn’t in her office and worrying what the next call or visit would bring.

“I’ll let you know if I get hung up,” she said and hoped it didn’t happen.

23

OBSTACLES IN THE WAY

“Do you know if Marly likes spaghetti and meatballs?” Bella asked that night, the minute he walked in the door.

“I’m sure she does. Relax.” He toed his shoes off and picked them up to bring to his room to change.

“It’s the first I’ve made it,” Bella complained. “What if it’s not good? Eat a meatball. Tell me.”

He kept the roll from his eyes. “Bella. It’s beef in sauce. It will be fine.”

“Come on, Colson. Don’t be that way.”

He was damn close to growling at her but bit it back.

The last thing he needed to do was be an ass when his sister was excited.

Hell, he was too.

Just not so excited to get that call earlier.