Page 83 of Talk Wicked to Me

“I’ll get back to you on that.”

“Come in, Quint.” Baz kept his arm protectively around Evie.

Quinton walked in, his gaze going straight to Evie, searching her face, as if he were taking a pulse on her emotions, making sure Baz hadn’t upset her. “Everything okay here?”

“So far,” Baz answered.

“Good,” Quinton said. “For a minute there I was worried I’d lose Evie because you’d get pissed and fire me, and then she’d get pissed and lose you, which would cause her to turn on me.”

Evie and Baz exchanged a knowing glance, and they both pushed from the desk. Baz crossed his arms over his chest and stared Quinton down, needing him to know the truth. “Evie couldn’t lose me no matter how much she pissed me off. I’ll always have her back.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Quinton cocked a grin. “Dude, I spent four years with you. You’re loyal to the bone.”

Baz lifted his chin. “Then why’d you say it?”

“So I could tell you that you’ll have to get in line behind me.” Quinton walked over to Evie and put his arm around her.

Evie beamed up at him.

Baz was happy for both of them, despite the potential complications. Now that he had Emerson and knew how much a deep, meaningful relationship added to his life, he wanted that for them. Hell, he wanted it for everyone. “Good to know. Now, let’s talk about office etiquette.”

A tease rose in Evie’s eyes, and she leaned closer to Quinton, speaking conspiratorially. “Ixnay on the exsay in the exam room. He gets touchy.”

They all laughed, but Baz quickly schooled his expression. “That’s not funny.” But his lips betrayed him, tipping up as he said, “If anyone’s christening the exam room, it’s me and Emerson.”

“Ha!” Evie exclaimed. “There’s the bestie I know and love.”

WHEN BAZ ARRIVED at Emerson’s that evening, he spotted her through the kitchen window. She was twirling in a cute floral summer dress, singing into a wooden spoon to Brennan in his bouncy seat. Little B was changing so fast, sucking his thumb like a champ and holding his head up. He was much more interactive, tracking them as they moved around the room, kicking his legs when he was happy, and making noises like he had something to say. His skin had gotten a little darker in recent weeks, and he was still rocking the coolest natural mohawk Baz had ever seen, and it suited him well. Hell, he could have purple hair and polka-dot skin, and he’d still be the cutest kid on the planet. Emerson sent pictures and videos throughout the day, and they never failed to make Baz wish he was with them. Coming home to them was a million times better than hanging out at the Salty Hog or doing anything else.

He headed inside with the bag of Chinese food he’d picked up on the way and was met with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, reminding him of the first time Emerson had come into his office. The rescue’s adoption event was on Saturday, and she’d been baking all week.

Ollie barreled into him. “How’s my boy?”

“Hey, Baz,” Emerson called out.

He’d gotten so used to hearing her voice when he walked in the door, he wondered how he’d ever get used to coming home to an empty place when he was overseas.

“Hi, darlin’. Be right in.” He loved up Ollie. “Did you steal any blankets today, buddy?”

Ollie had gotten in the habit of snagging Brennan’s blanket out of the crib and bringing it to him. Whenever Brennan fell asleep in his bouncy seat on the floor, Ollie would cover him with it. He was a great big brother. “Come on. Let’s go see Little B and your mama.”

Emerson was pulling a tray of cookies out of the oven when Baz walked in. Brennan kicked his feet, cooing, that adorable smile making his chubby cheeks even cuter. “Hey, little man. I missed you and your mama today.” Baz put the Chinese food on the table and picked up Brennan, kissing his cheek.

“We missed you, too,” Emerson said as she put the tray on the top of the stove. The shelves above the counters all held cooling trays of cookies and doggy biscuits.

Baz slipped his other arm around her, drawing her into a kiss. She was insanely adorable with flour on her cheek and forehead and cookie crumbs on her chest. “Hi, beautiful. How was your day?”

“Amazing. Brennan and I had a great morning at the café. He was awake for a lot of it while I was working, and he was happy. All the customers commented about how cute he was and how much they loved his hair.”

“Little dude’s got great hair.”

“He’s got great everything.” She kissed Brennan’s cheek. “Did I tell you that Elliott asked if I wanted to bake with him one afternoon and trade secrets?”

“No, you didn’t. Is he trying to move in on my woman?”

She laughed and started portioning cookie dough onto another tray. “Hardly. Although he’s got swagger.”

“No shit. He flirts more than Zander.”