Don't Play With Fire

Chapter Seven

For Brooklyn's birthday, they had absolutely nothing planned. They didn't have a steady place, obviously they couldn't spend too much time in public for fear of being spotted. And I felt bad. The little guy deserved to be able to celebrate his birthday. Then, a miracle happened.

"I have to go out of town." My head raised mid sip of my coffee at Nicole's words. "I'm also working on another case and we just got a lead."

"Oh." I mumbled, already formulating a plan of my own internally. "Do you want me to come with?" I asked, just so I wouldn't seem too happy she was leaving.

"No I'm good but thank you. I have to go undercover."

I smiled into my cup before lowering it. "How long will you be gone? I'm gonna miss your horrible coffee." She gasped and slapped my shoulder before getting up and walking to the fridge.

"About three days and don't you dare disrespect my Belgium roast." While she was faced the other way, I pulled out my phone to text Flower.

Me: So, I have an idea.

Flower: does it involve sex because yes please

I immediately became flustered and looked up to make sure Nicole was still distracted.

Me: No... no it doesn't involve that.

Flower: damn I'm not interested then

Me: You will be. I have a very big empty home that seems very welcoming for four year old birthday parties.

Flower: what about your "wife" 🙄

Me: Lol, she won't be home and she won't be wife for long. As soon as I figure out a plan, I'm divorcing her ass.

Flower: Good, and are you sure?

Me: Yes I'm sure. I'll send you the address.

Flower: Wow okay great, thank you. What should I bring?

Me: Just bring the crew and Brooklyn, I'll handle everything else.

"Okay I have to head off." I raised my head and closed my phone as Nicole came downstairs with her suitcase. "Walk me out?"

"Sure." I raised up and followed her out to where a car was parked in front of our house. "Call me before you take off so I know you're good."

"Will do." She said after putting the bags into the trunk. She then turned to face me and softly pressed her lips to mine. "Hey uh," Pulling away, her head tilted. "Where's your wedding ring?"

"Hm?" I looked down at my left hand and that's when I realized I never put it back on. Goddamit. "Oh shit. I totally took it off at the office a couple days ago when Chris and I were playing hot hands." I huffed, feigning disappointed. "He said the ring hurt his hand- anyways, I'm gonna get it as soon as I head to work."

She looked half convinced and half skeptic about my answer but I wasn't wavering. "You better. I didn't sign a prenup so I know you're taking my money."

I smacked my lips and stepped back. "What? Did you see the advance I made for the Oppo case? I'm good." She hummed sarcastically before sliding into the backseat of the car. "Have a safe trip." I said with a smile before closing the door.

Once she left, I dropped my smile and huffed as I looked at my ring finger again. "That was too damn close."

After locking up and dealing with Tampa traffic, I was back in the office moving calmly through to my desk. But when I reached the cubicles, I saw no one there. The hell?