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A long time passed before Shep answered. “She’s got something. A zest for life. A kind nature. I hate to think of her menacing hus—ex … bullying her.”
“Cassie tried to get Tammy’s mind off the custody threat. That’s why the girls got hammered.” Mike crossed his boots over at his ankles.
“I might be able to help her with that.”
Mike choked down his mouthful of coffee. His attention caught, he asked, “How?”
“My brother.”
Oh yeah. One of Shep’s brothers was a lawyer.
“I think I’ll give Eddie a call. Maybe do some checking into this … ex of hers.” His salt and pepper brows drew together in a frown.
“That’s a good idea. I don’t think Tammy has a lawyer. Cassie didn’t mention one.”
“I’ll call Eddie anyway,” Shep said and tilted up his mug.
“You know, if you help get her a lawyer, it might get you in her good graces,” Mike jabbed. “Especially if she gets pissed about last night.”
Shep cringed. “Women. And their damn sensibilities. She doesn’t have anything to get upset about. She didn’t molest me, no matter how much I wished she had.”
Mike smiled. Yep. His buddy was most definitely interested. And he’d bet Tammy was, too. “The woman doesn’t give me the impression she is timid.”
The sound of hearty laughter flowed from Shep. “No. She’s bold, no mistake about that. Brazen even. I haven’t had that much fun, real fun, since I can remember.”
Hutch raised his head as if he too, enjoyed the sound of his master’s laughter. Shep ruffled the dog’s fur and stroked his back. The image sent another emotion through Mike. One that he couldn’t ignore.
Damn. He was too emotionally drawn in. Cassie threatened his very existence. Made him think of what he wanted in his future. In a perfect world, he could feed his need and she would never leave. She would surrender herself to him and they both could be happy.
In his dreams.
That was a guarantee in which he had no control. Women were fickle. Yet Cassie was one temptation he’d willingly contemplate making permanent in his life.
“Do you know her ex’s name? Any other information you can give me.”
Who?
Lost in his own deliberation, Mike tried to focus on Shep’s question and recall his last conscious thought before falling into the chasm of Cassie. Oh yeah. Tammy. “I’ll ask Cassie.”
“Enough data to make sure I have the right guy. Eddie will get any dirt the man has to hide.”
“Sure thing. Cassie will give me the lowdown.” And maybe they would get down to a little business of their own.
God, the woman had a body and she knew how to use it. Sex with no emotion? Not anymore. Not since he’d tangled with Cassie.
He was in deep shit, and he knew it.
***
Mike finished his coffee and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. He liked his caffeine, but he needed water to keep his body hydrated. Between the workouts, lack of sleep and fighting fires, he drank several bottles a day.
He took in the rigs as he headed down the steps. Usually, Laredo had the bay doors open and at least one truck parked outside. Mike glanced at his watch and realized it was early yet.
Cooper had already checked the air tanks, but Mike had a habit of striding down the line, making sure the hoses and connections were in their designed locations. The kid did a pretty good job.
“Hey Hoss.” At the top of the steps, Cooper waved his arm toward Shep’s office. “Cap’s looking for you.”
Wonder what that’s about?
