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I glance over at her, unable to keep the grin off my face at how she introduces me.
“‘Sup,” I say with a lift of my chin.
A blond woman comes up behind Dempsey, steps past him, and offers me her hand. “Sloane.”
Her clipped, brisk tone makes me bristle more so than Dempsey’s asshole-ish one.
“Detective,” Dempsey adds smugly.
Gemma smacks her brother and then gives Sloane an exasperated look. “He’s rubbing off on you, girl. Be nice to Two. He’s good people. Can we go inside now?”
The intensity crackling in the air dissipates quickly as we start herding our way inside. I’m grateful for the pup, who won’t stop licking my jaw like it’s a lollipop. She’s a sweet distraction from this uncomfortable encounter. Once inside, my stomach grumbles with hunger. The scent of decadent garlic and cheese fills my nostrils.
“Damn,” I mutter. “Smells good in here.”
“Demps is a fantastic cook,” Sloane says with pride, no longer playing the grumpy cop lady part. “It’s the only reason I agreed to marry him.”
Dempsey chuckles, his hackles also no longer raised. “I can think of another big reason.”
Sloane gapes at him, cheeks burning pink. “Go check on the bread, Troublemaker.”
I glance around the small, homey living room. It’s nice but not as nice as I’d expect for someone in Gemma’s family to live. Hell, my house is nicer than this one and we’re not millionaires like the Parks. Regardless, I like the space. It’s decorated with cool artwork on the walls—a few pieces are of people, one of which is Sloane in a navy-blue dress.
“I like your art.”
Sloane grins at me, wide and beautifully. Even though she’s a lot older than Dempsey, I can see why he’s attracted to her. “Dempsey. He’s a man of many talents.”
Beauty yelps and squirms, so I put her down. Then I walk over to admire the illustration.
Gemma takes my hand and leans her head against my shoulder. “Sorry for the less than friendly introduction. They’re good people, I promise.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m good, Golden. Swear it.”
A moment later, Dempsey announces dinner is ready. I wash up at the sink to rid myself of the puppy smell and then take a seat across from Dempsey at the square table with Sloane on my left and Gemma on my right. I take a moment to scan my gaze over the spread. Lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic cheese bread. My stomach grumbles again.
“Mom’s a way better cook,” Dempsey states, “right, sis? But I learned a few tips and tricks from the old lady.”
Sloane gasps. “Call her old again and I’ll haul you in for elderly abuse.”
He cracks up laughing and I can’t help but smile too. Gemma, used to her brother’s antics, just rolls her eyes as she starts making a plate. The conversation is light and friendly as we all make grabs at the delicious-looking food. Once I take my first bite of lasagna, I decide I can get along with Dempsey so long as he cooks for me again.
“This shit is good,” I say around a huge mouthful of food. “Really good.”
Dempsey starts cackling and it’s aimed at Gemma. “Where’d you find this one? A barn?”
I flip him off, fully aware that I’m shoveling food in and dribbling sauce down my chin. I’ve always been a messy eater. It’s part of my charm, what can I say.
“We’re still working on domesticating him,” Gemma says, tossing a napkin at me. “He’s a good boy, though. Aren’t you, buddy?”
I flip her off next.
Sloane starts to laugh, so I go ahead and give her the bird to make it a trifecta.
Despite all the ribbing, all of it aimed my way, I find myself relaxing. Dempsey is just protective of Gemma and I have no issues with that. Sloane is a cop, so it’s in her nature to be suspicious. I like both of them and will make an effort because of Gemma.
“Just wait until Mom and Dad see him eat,” Dempsey says with a chuckle. “I’d pay money to capture Mom’s stunned reaction.”
I stiffen and Gemma tears off a piece of her bread, not making eye contact with her brother.
