Riley cocks her head. “I know how to drive a stick,” she shares.

“Oh, I know you do.” I give her a wink, smiling at her.

Might as well get all of my innuendos out of the way now. I won’t be able to say shit like that in front of Reed.

The sweetest look of confusion passes over Riley’s face. “Uh, you’ve never seen me drive a stick,” she says. “So how do you . . .” Her eyes widen, then she rolls them away, shaking her head and mumbling, “Oh, my God. I walked right into that one,” before turning around and heading up the driveway.

Laughing, I follow behind, weaving in between the other cars. It looks like we’re the last ones here. When we step up onto the porch, Riley knocks on the door and I stand beside her. I place my hand on her ass and give it a squeeze.

She gasps. Blush reddens her cheek. “CJ,” she warns. Voice low and worry filled.

I drop my hand and fold my arm up behind me when the door swings open. See? I'm like a goddamn ninja.

And she’s stressing.

“Hey, you two,” Mia greets us, smiling and stepping back to allow us room to enter. “Just in time. The burgers are almost ready.”

“Were we supposed to bring anything?” Riley asks, stepping inside the house. “I couldn’t remember if you said to.”

“Nope. Beth brought the sides. We’re good.” Mia grabs Riley’s hand, gives me a knowing look when I enter the house, then takes off down the hallway with my girl, whispering close and acting like she’s in a hurry.

I close the door behind me and head in the same direction.

Everyone is outside gathered on the deck, the guys standing by the grill and Tessa standing at the opposite end by the table, looking out into the yard. Kids squeal below; Nolan and Chase. I'm guessing Beth is down there with them since she isn't up here.

When Riley gets close to Tessa, Tessa grabs her, gives me the same look Mia gave me over Riley's shoulder, and then smiles and turns away, engrossing Riley in conversation.

I don’t know what the fuck I’m getting looks for.

Do the girls know about us? Has Riley been talking?

Christ. Whatever. If I keep looking over there this shit is going to seem obvious, and Reed’s out here, so I don’t. I cross the deck and step up next to Luke.

“What’s up?” I say, looking around and getting acknowledged by Reed and Ben. My eyes land on some young guy I don’t recognize. I couldn’t see him when I walked up. He was being blocked by Luke.

“Beers are in the cooler,” Luke shares, then he tips his bottle at the guy. “Meet your new partner. This is Grayson. He just got hired on.”

My brows lift. I look from Luke back to Grayson. “No shit,” I say, offering out my hand to him. “Did you just graduate?”

He grips my hand firmly. “Yeah. Damn, is it obvious?” he asks, sounding a little nervous. He releases me and pushes his hand through his short blonde hair.

I chuckle. “Rookies are pretty easy to spot. Plus, you’re still sporting that Academy haircut. So’s Luke though, so it’s all good.”

Luke side-eyes me while Ben laughs under his breath and continues flipping burgers.

“Christ. It’s about time,” I continue, pulling my arms across my chest. “I’ve been waiting for them to assign someone to me. My last partner was a fucking dickhead.” I give Grayson a look. “You’re not a fucking dickhead, are you?”

I’m just messing with him, but Grayson looks like he might shit his pants. The kid is actually sweating.

“I’m kidding, man,” I tell him. “Relax. You seem cool.”

“CJ likes to joke around,” Reed announces, speaking up finally and wearing a smirk. “He thinks he’s funny.”

“I am funny. Ask your sister.”

His brows pull together and his face hardens.

Fuck. Why’d I say that? I’m baiting him. Next he’s going to ask me when Riley thinks I’m funny, and I’m of course going to answer all the time, except for when we’re making sweet, sweet love . . .

“I heard about what happened to you,” Grayson throws out, drawing Reed’s attention and then my own, taking the heat off me. I like this kid already. He points at my boot. “Are you gonna be coming back soon?” he asks. “Do you know?”

I want to say yes. I want to say I don’t even really need this fucking boot anymore, but I don’t. Not with present company twenty-feet away.

“I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there,” I tell him, risking a glance at Riley. I watch her press her hand to her chest and drop her head back with a laugh. We’re not where I want to be yet, I think. Then I turn my head, knowing I can’t be looking long, and when I catch his eye, Grayson tips his chin in understanding and takes a swig of his beer.

Good fucking idea.

Five minutes here and I’ve already made Reed suspicious. On top of that, I’ve noticed how fucking hot my woman looks when she’s just hanging out with her girls. That’s something I’d like to sit back and stare at. And since I can’t, there’s no way I’m getting through this without alcohol. I move to the cooler. “Anyone want another?” I ask, flipping back the lid.

“Grab me one, will you?” Ben requests. He takes the bottle I hold out, then looks over his shoulder across the deck. “Angel, you wanna bring out the rest of the food and get the table set? Burgers will be ready in two.”

“Sure thing, babe,” Mia replies.

I straighten up, twist the cap off my beer and take a swig, watching as Mia and Tessa head inside the house. Riley walks over to where the guys are all standing, meeting my eyes briefly before looking toward Reed. She steps up between Luke and Grayson and smiles. “Mia said I didn’t need to help, but I want to. Is there anything I can do?” she asks, directing her question at Ben.

He finishes sliding a burger onto a plate and turns to look at her. “Yeah. You wanna help Beth get my boys up here? They’re probably covered in dirt.”

“Sure. Absolutely,” Riley replies with enthusiasm. “I can do that.”

“Appreciate it. Thanks.” Ben turns back to the grill.

Grayson holds his hand out to Riley before she is able to move away. “Hey. I’m Grayson.”

“Riley. Hi.” She shakes his hand and smiles friendly. “Nice to meet you.”