She’d been after him to marry Andi for years. Until Cole had done it for him. Only then had his mother calmed her jets about his partner. Turned out she liked Cole, though, so he could live in peace instead of having to hear ‘I told you to marry that girl’ for the rest of his natural life.
But Nikki… His mother already adored her. They’d met at one of the APD-hosted family picnics.
Pete was doomed.
“What time do we need to be there?” Nikki leaned up, her mouth next to his.
He wanted to kill her, not kiss her.
“Who’s this?” Nate asked.
“Nikki Harper.”
“Nikki Harper… From the police department?”
“Yup. What time do we need to be there?”
Pete mouthed
I’m going to kill you
but she only flashed a grin and kissed him silently.
“Well, didn’t my day just get interesting?” Nate mused.
“Kiss my ass, little brother.”
Nate and Nikki laughed at the same time.
“See you
two
at four. You know Mama likes to socialise before we eat. Especially when someone brings a
guest.
”
Sighing, he dragged his hand down his face. “See you at four then, you bastard.”
Nikki giggled again, but she was gloating. No doubt Nate’s expression could mirror his redhead’s.
“Bye, big bro. Bye, Nikki Harper.” His brother’s voice was wrapped in laughter.
“Yay! I love your mother,” Nikki said after his brother disconnected the call.
Pete tossed his phone on the bed. “Yeah, yeah, she loves you, too.”
She beamed and his heart missed a beat.
Nikki was happy. He’d do every damn thing she wanted if he could keep that silly grin on her face.
“I’m excited. We get to do something fun.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “We haven’t been having fun?”
She made a playful swat at his chest. “You know what I mean.”
“Well, laugh it up, sweetness, but the last laugh will really be on Nate.”
“How’s that?”
“I’m calling Lee.”
Chapter Twenty
The look on his brother’s face when Lee stepped into their parents’ house was priceless. Had him grinning like an idiot. Who knew Nate could gape?
He was up off the couch as Pete threw a nod to their father, who was involved in the Rangers game on the big screen.
“Agent Lee Dawson.” Nate crossed the room in two strides. Hugged her.
Pete arched a brow. They knew each other, sure. Had met during Maldonado’s trial. But a hug like
that
? His brother was usually the consummate professional—no matter what.
Lee looked comfortable in Nate’s embrace that lasted a few seconds too long. Not at all like when she’d hugged Pete in greeting the day she’d come to town.
“It’s nice to see you again, Counsellor,” Lee said.
Hmmm… Was Pete’s plan to make his younger brother feel uncomfortable going to backfire? He stared at Lee and Nate. They fell into easy conversation.
If she was into his brother—and it was a big maybe—why had she kissed Pete last night? Would Lee have really slept with him if there’d been something to that kiss?
Nikki tugged on his arm and heat crept up his neck as if she could read his thoughts. His stomach was a lead weight.
Pete had kissed Lee then had gone home and made love to Nikki.
Shit.
He rubbed his neck. Why did he feel like he’d cheated on Nikki?
Ridiculous.
“Uh, Nate, you know Nikki?” Pete said.
She smiled as his brother pulled her into a quick hug—nothing compared to the one he’d given Lee.
“So nice to see you again, Nikki.”
“Nice to see you, too, Nate.”
His brother grinned. “Want a beer, guys? Pop, you need a fresh one?” Nate called.
“Nope, I’m good.” Their dad didn’t move from the end of the couch and Pete shook his head, smiling. The game must be good to override his good old Southern manners.
Lee declined the beer and followed Nate into the kitchen for an iced tea instead. Pete watched them go. Their mother was in the kitchen, no doubt. Why would Nate take her into the lioness’s den?
“Well, that’s interesting,” Nikki said.
“I know it.”
“They look good together.”
He looked into her pretty brown eyes. “You think so?”
“Yes. We do, too.” She smiled and grabbed his hand.
Letting her entwine their fingers, he fought the urge to kiss her knuckles. If she planned on touching him, holding his hand, staying close to him all day, it would be no secret to his family that Nikki and he were together.
Somehow, that didn’t bother him as much as it should.
Pete gulped. “Nah, you’re too good for me.”
Nikki frowned. He’d meant it as a half-joke, but shifted on his feet as she stared him down.
“C’mon, I don’t think you’ve ever met my dad.”
She nodded, but her expression didn’t soften. Where was the happy grin he’d seen before?
“Dad.”
“Peter Allen Crane. Why didn’t you tell me you were bringing two lovely girls to dinner?”
Pete winced. His father hadn’t even had a chance to speak, though the man did stand and put his hand out to Nikki.
He turned to see his mother—all four feet eleven inches of her—striding across the living room in her Sunday livery of a frilly pink apron over a red dress right out of 1955. Her puffy blond hair was piled on top of her head, larger than life. She had on matching red hoop earrings and high heels. Like always, his mother looked great. Ready for church or a night on the town. She’d told him many times that one always needed to look one’s best. Marilyn Crane was as vibrant as the clothes she always wore.
But damn
, nothing
was worse than her leaving the kitchen in mid-meal preparation.
“Hi, Mama.” He hugged her tight.
His mother cupped his cheeks and dragged his face down to her level for a loud, smacking kiss. Pete just hoped he survived the incident sans the bright red lipstick that was her staple.
He glared at his brother, who was smirking from the archway with Lee beside him. His temporary partner had amusement written all over her expression as she watched the torture.
“Nikki Harper, you look fantastic.” His mother held both Nikki’s hands out and perused her outfit.
Nikki beamed and his heart jumped. She did look fantastic in the multi-coloured bright sundress.
Pete couldn’t help but wish they were alone so he could get her out of it.
“Petey, how did you get this gorgeous little thing to come with you?”
Petey?
Fighting the urge to close his eyes, he ignored Lee’s snort. He’d never live that down.
Nikki saved him from answering—thank God.
“Thank you for having me, Mrs Crane.”
“Oh, sugar, Mrs Crane was my mother-in-law. Please call me Marilyn.”
She smiled and nodded, shifting on her sandaled feet. Mama’s gaze appraised them both. He wanted to squirm.
Dad slid his arm around Pete’s mother’s shoulders and smiled at Nikki. “Nice to meet you. I believe you work for Chief Martin?”
“Yes, sir.” Nikki moved closer to Pete after shaking his father’s hand.
He wanted to throw his arm around her, but made his hands remain at his sides. His mother was already doing the stare-down. If he touched her, it’d get worse.
“I had no idea you two were dating,” Mama said.
“We’re not.” Pete’s answer was fast. Quick denial was easier than acceptance he was starting to feel. Starting to want?
The look Nikki flashed him was full of pain. He cringed but she schooled her expression quickly.
God, please don’t let Mama notice.
“Ah,” Dad said. Retired Lieutenant Dennis Crane had put in thirty years at Antioch Police Department. His father would catch on fast it was work-related and he couldn’t discuss an open case.
Not that his mother would care. Her quiet stare was already matchmaking.
“Well, let’s eat, shall we?” Nate asked, much too brightly.
“Great idea, son. Let’s eat on the patio, since it’s just a mild day.”
* * * *
Nikki grinned at Nate’s ribbing Pete about something as the guys set the picnic table on his parents’ sprawling, covered patio. They pulled the white and red checked tablecloth tight then set silverware and plates down.
Nikki and Lee were told by all of the Cranes to have a seat and relax, they weren’t allowed to help. Mr Crane brought the large platter of smoked brisket to the table and set it at the centre. The aroma was fantastic, teasing her nose and causing her stomach to rumble.
Watching the brothers interact as they brought the rest of the food out of the house was enjoyable. Pete was laughing and quipping back as soon as Nate could fling teases at him. The most normal she’d seen him in days.
This
Pete was the one she was used to seeing at work. The jokester. The lighthearted guy who always had something witty to say.
He was gorgeous and fun, and she loved him even more.
She couldn’t stop staring. He was aware she was watching him. Every glance he spared her—the way his green gaze would heat sent tingles down her spine, warmed her limbs. Made her want him.
They’d made love so many times she was sore, but it wouldn’t stop her if he wanted her tonight. She wanted to sleep in his arms again. Tonight. Tomorrow night. Every night.
Even though he’d crushed her when he’d too-quickly corrected his mother. But it was true—they weren’t
dating.
Having sex wasn’t dating.
So why does that hurt so much?
“Why are you so quiet?” Lee asked from her seat next to Nikki at the picnic table. Her dark hair was loose today, and she wore a short-sleeved, scoop-neck maroon top with layers of fabric at the front. It was tapered and hugged her curvy figure. Her grey skirt stopped at her knees, but Nikki would bet money the woman had a gun strapped to her thigh—even on Sunday. The outfit was simple and gorgeous. Like Lee. Fitting.
Should Nikki still be jealous of Lee’s interaction with Pete?
Dismissing the thought, she smiled at the beautiful FBI agent. “No reason. Just soaking in our surroundings.”
Lee smiled back and gestured to Nate and Pete. “They’re something else, huh?”
Nodding, Nikki looked back at the two brothers. Both too handsome for their own good.
Nate was an inch or two taller than Pete’s six-foot-one-inch frame, and his eyes were hazel more than green, but they both had the same lean muscular build. Both had the thick blond locks of their mother and resembled their father in looks—chiselled jaw lines and high cheekbones.
Although his brown hair was receding, retired Lieutenant Crane was still just as tall and good-looking as his sons, even though his wife’s cooking had filled out his middle.
The family got settled at the table and Nikki had to stifle a few laughs at the fussing Mrs Crane threw at her sons. Like they were little boys, instead of thirty-two and thirty-five.
When Pete took a seat beside Nikki, and Lee moved to sit across from her beside Nate, all she could focus on was the warmth of his thigh next to hers.
“So did you catch that murder at the trailer park?” Mr Crane asked as he handed Nikki a full plate of steaming brisket.
She thanked him and passed the large bowl of mashed potatoes when Nate asked.
“Nope,” Pete said after taking a sip of beer. “Manning’s on the case.”
“I didn’t get a call just yet, either, so I don’t know if I’ll be on it,” Nate said.
“We have to catch him first,” Lee said.
“Please, let’s not talk about this at dinner,” Pete’s mother said. “It’s uncomfortable talk for Nikki, I’m sure.”
Before Nikki could assure her the guys and Lee were fine, their father nodded and apologised.
“We can talk shop after supper.”
“Petey, can you pass me the salt?” Lee asked, dark eyes dancing.
Nikki swallowed back a giggle at the look Pete threw his FBI partner. His brother snorted, reaching for a drink.
His father looked amused when Nikki glanced his way, but evidently Mr Crane knew better than to remark.
Nikki reached for the salt at the same time Pete did, because she was closer, but their hands bumped. Eyes locked. She relinquished the salt shaker.
His expression softened and she suddenly
needed
to kiss him.
The moment passed when someone cleared his throat and her eyes inadvertently collided with Nate’s hazel gaze.
He gave her a half-smile and grabbed the salt from his brother for Lee.
She shifted at Pete’s side, heart racing. Heat crept up her neck. If he didn’t want his family to know about them, he’d have to stop looking at her like that. Her blood sang for him and her belly warmed.
When his hot hand settled on her upper thigh under the table, Nikki jumped. He patted her leg without looking her way, without stopping the conversation about sports he’d struck up with his dad. But his touch made her calm and burn for him at the same time.
Nikki felt a stare. Pete’s mother was studying them. She fought the urge to gulp and flashed a smile.
“How’s your grandma, sugar?” Marilyn asked.
Good.
Something she could focus on. Easy conversation. “She’s coming around from the stroke nicely. But the doc has her in the hospital to monitor arrhythmia. She’s tough. Gram will be fine.”
“We’ll pray for her.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
Mrs Crane smiled and clapped her hands. “Are ya’ll ready for dessert? I made my famous apple pie.”
Nikki shifted on her feet as she watched Pete’s mother bustle around the kitchen after dinner. They’d left the guys, Lee and Lieutenant Crane on the patio. “Are you sure I can’t help you, Mrs—I mean, Marilyn?”
“Oh, no, sugar.” The older woman rinsed off a pan and shut the water off. “I brought you in here so they could talk about horrible police stuff. And my mama taught me you never put guests to work.”
“I really don’t mind.” Heading to the sink, she grabbed a kitchen towel and started wiping the dishes Marilyn had hand-washed.
Pete’s mom laughed and shook her head. “Looks like your gram raised you to be as stubborn as she is.”
Nikki grinned. “I guess so. Where does this go?”
“Put them in a stack next to the dish drainer and we’ll put them away afterward.”