“Good,” I told him. “Because I seriously cannot handle another night like this.”
He nodded. “You won’t have to.”
The other cop cleared his throat over by the entrance. “Ma’am. I’m Officer Brooks. I’m really sorry for scaring you. This whole thing was Dean’s plan.”
Brooke pointed straight at him without even looking his way. “Get out of here before I start screaming again.”
Brooks just gave a fast nod and took off.
It felt like the whole room finally exhaled.
Dean sat down right next to me, still wearing his full uniform.
Carter clapped his hands together once, like he was trying to reboot the evening. “Alright. Time to eat. Now.”
Mason started grabbing plates. Julian uncovered the warm food. Tessa handed me a glass of water like I’d just finished a marathon.
Brooke hovered around for a second, then finally said, “Have a seat. You need to sit.”
So I sat down.
Dean sat down right next to me, still in his gear, looking like he wasn’t completely sure he even deserved a spot at the table.
I bumped him with my elbow. “Eat up, Officer Trouble.”
He let out a shaky little laugh. “Yes, ma’am.”
