Hearts and Aces (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 7), Kaylie Hunter [guided reading books TXT] 📗

“It’s a nice break from the sex traffickers and murderers you usually go after,” Grady said, turning to me and winking.

“The thief also murdered two people,” Ryan said as he put the milk in the refrigerator.

Bones glared at me from across the table.

I glared at Ryan. “I liked you better when you didn’t talk.”

The corner of Ryan’s mouth turned up in a smirk.

My phone chirped, alerting me to a text message.

Tech: Are we working today?

I took a picture of all the baked goods on the breakfast bar and sent it to Tech as a reply.

Two minutes later, Tech walked through the garage entrance, heading straight for the breakfast bar. “This explains why Katie didn’t come back to the apartment.”

“I ate so much, we’ll need a forklift to get me out of this chair,” Katie said, rubbing her six-pack abdomen.

Tech carried his plate and a folder over to the table and handed me the folder. “I’d like Bridget and you to go over this later. Sounds like what you were looking for.”

Ryan walked over, carrying three bowls of fruit. He handed a bowl to both Grady and me before he sat with the third. I smiled as I picked up a piece of cantaloupe with one hand and opened the file with the other. I smiled wider when I saw the million-dollar reward for another jewel thief. I closed the file when Donovan tried to look. If we could snare this guy, we’d win the bet with Donovan.

Tech smiled back at me.

“You promised Bridget would have this weekend off,” Bones said, pointing at me.

“It’s only Tuesday,” I said, shrugging. “The weekend doesn’t start until five on Friday. Plenty of time.”

“Speaking of which,” Donovan said as he read something on his phone. “I need a six-man team for a rescue and recovery in Mexico. Bus leaves in an hour.” Donovan stood, snagged a piece of pineapple from my bowl and headed for the door.

Grady looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“If you’re not back in two days, Mr. Tanner, I’ll come down there and kick your ass. This is your party—and you promised I didn’t have to do anything.”

Grady leaned over and kissed me before strutting down the hall. He’d been covering home base for too long, watching the kids as I took out-of-state jobs. He needed a mini adventure.

Ryan picked up his phone and texted someone. When he read the reply, he turned toward Tweedle. “Bridget said she’s minutes away and can keep you out of trouble if I go with the guys.”

She pursed her lips and squinted her eyes at him. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Babe, you fell on the luggage conveyor.”

“I thought it was the auto-walk,” I said.

“That happened at the first airport,” Ryan said.

“Snitch,” Tweedle said. “Go! But you have to be back in two days. And if you get hurt—”

“I know. I know. There’ll be hell to pay,” he said as he walked into the kitchen and kissed her.

“Aww,” Katie said, sarcastically. “Look at the love birds. Who would’ve thought Ryan was such a romantic?”

Ryan glared at Katie before heading out the door.

I turned to look at Bones who was looking at the clock.

“If you’re thinking of a quick visit with Bridget, keep it out of my garage. I’m tired of walking in on you guys.”

Bones laughed, moving toward the garage. Before he got to the door, Bridget opened it. He grabbed her hand and propelled her back outside.

“A bit obvious,” Tweedle said, giggling.

“They are a naughty bunch,” Hattie said, nodding her agreement.

“Not me,” Wild Card said, getting up from the couch and folding the blanket. “I’m just a lonely cowboy.”

“Please,” I said. “You have women strewn across the U.S.”

“Except in Michigan,” Wild Card said as he stretched his arms over his head, his chest and ab muscles pulling taunt. “What’s wrong with the women here? I’m a catch.”

“And what exactly do they get if they catch you?” Katie asked. “An STD?”

“You can inspect the product if you’d like,” Wild Card said, leaning over Katie. “I assure you it’s perfect in every way.”

“I might not be able to win a fist fight against you, Wild Card,” Tech said as he looked up from his plate of pastries. “However, I’m perfectly capable of wiping out your bank accounts, having you declared dead by the government, and then switching your records for someone on the top ten most wanted list.”

Wild Card straightened and took a step away from Katie. “That won’t be necessary. Message received.” He moved toward the basement stairway. “I think I’ll take that quick trip to Mexico.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Tech said before turning back to his plate.

“That was kind of hot,” Katie said, turning to Tech.

Tech glanced up at her. Standing, he took her hand in his and pulled her toward the garage door.

Tweedle giggled as they left. “Damn. Is sex the only thing people think about around here?”

Bridget walked in through the garage.

“That was quick,” I said to Bridget, winking at Tweedle.

Bridget smirked. “Probably the first time Bones has been turned down. I’ll make it up to him when he gets back.”

“Sexual relationships should be private, ladies,” Hattie said, shaking her head at us.

Bridget and I grinned at each other.

Hattie rolled her eyes before turning to Tweedle. “Do you mind if I plate up some cookies and muffins for Whiskey’s construction crew? They’re building the new houses down the road.”

“Not at all,” Tweedle answered. “I have a feeling I’m not done baking this week. I’ll be nervous the entire time Reel is gone. Damn it, I mean Ryan.”

“Are you going to tell us why you call him Reel?” I asked as I helped Hattie load a platter.

Bridget