“The things I do for you.” I shake my head and then lean down to claim a kiss. We make our way out of the industrial park and toward my truck.

“You love it!” She smirks and rolls her eyes. I smack her ass and she yelps in surprise. “Last one to the truck buys dinner!” She takes off in a sprint and I shake my head. With all the equipment she knows I won’t chase her.

I pile everything in the back seat before I climb in. She’s messing with my radio controls.

“Kate,” I warn, but she just laughs and settles on some top forty crap. She sings along at the top of her lungs. Good thing I love her.

“Can we just do takeout and go home?” She sighs between songs.

“Whatever you want. You okay?”

She smiles. “Just tired. Besides, I can’t wait to get home. My roommate is kind of a rock star in the bedroom, if you know what I mean.” She winks and I give in to the smile that pulls at my lips.

“Oh yeah? Do I know him?”

“Yeah. You might think he’s a bit of an asshole at first, but don’t be too quick to judge. He’s got a heart of gold. Plus, he’s hung.” She laughs at her own bizarre antics.

“Sounds like a cool dude.”

“Eh. He’s okay.”

“I’ll remember that later.”

Kate moved back in the day after we officially got together. Evie willingly moved in with Tate once they were engaged, which left the apartment’s master bedroom open. It seems fast, and people have their doubts about us, but frankly I don’t give damn. Kate’s it for me, and she was happy to move in. We cleared out my old room to use as an office for the business.

Kate insisted she keep her old apartment in case we break up, so she uses that for studio space. I’m sure some guys would take that as an insult, but it doesn’t worry me. I realize she’s scared. The newness of our relationship, after being let down by so many people over the years—if keeping her own space is what she needs to feel safe, that’s fine. With time I’ll prove to her that I’m not going anywhere, and I’m never letting her down. She’s my girl, my person, my forever partner in life.

“NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT.”

“Come on, Jon, it’ll be fun.” I pout. “You wanted an in with the case and my idea is perfect.” I got home thirty minutes ago; he’s working a new PI case and wanted to brainstorm. I think my solution is brilliant. Methinks the boyfriend does not concur.

“Damn it Kate, I said no! You’re not going undercover as a drag queen. I’m putting my foot down.” Jon crosses his arms over his chest. He looks damn fine, biceps flexing, his handsome face scowling.

“Oh? Foot down. Is that when you stomp your little foot up and down? Do a jig? I just don’t see the problem.” Hands on hips, I stand off against him in the living room. It’s an outstanding suggestion. He’s probably jealous he didn’t think of it first. He pins me with a hard glare.

“Nothing about me is little and you know it,” he growls.

“Oh, my god! Enough, you two! Jeez!” Evie walks out of the office, shaking her head.

“What did you think, now that we’re madly in love we’d stop disagreeing?” I raise my brow.

“If anyone’s mad that’s you, babe,” Jon grumbles and flops down onto the couch.

“Yes! That’s exactly what I thought!” Evie’s eyes bug and she’s still shaking her head. I don’t think she gets us, but she’s been supportive of our budding romance all the same.

“Oh, sorry to disappoint. He still drives me crazy.” A grin fills my face. Jon stretches his long legs onto the coffee table and pulls out his phone.

“Yeah, and she’s frustrating as hell, but if you stick around long enough you’ll witness some great make up sex.” Evie pinches her eyes shut.

“Oh, no. I don’t want to see that.”

I laugh. “Oh, but it’s hot as fuck! The things this man does—”

“Lalalalala! I’m going, I’m going!” I walk over and wrap her in an embrace, and pull her hands from where they cover her ears.

“’Bye, Evie. Call me tomorrow.” I squeeze tighter and she does the same before she turns towards the door.

“’Bye, QT.” Jon calls from the couch.

“Goodnight. Try not to kill each other!” She laughs on her way out.

“Death by sex, now that’s a good way to go!” I wink as I close the door. I lock it behind my best friend. Jon’s deep voice sends shivers down my back.

“So, about that hot make up sex you promised?” I fight the urge to grin. I school my features and turn back to the living room, hand on hip, and strut for full effect. Jon licks his lips and I know he’s remembering all our previous make up sessions. If there’s one thing that comes natural to us, it’s sex. I’ve never been with someone who’s made me feel so much, so fast. Our intimacy is intense and mind blowing.

“Maybe I’m not done fighting with you?” I quip. “Let’s talk about something that gets you really worked up. Mismatched socks? My driving skills? Hmm…” My lips purse into a pout and I touch the corner with one index finger. He offers a bored smirk.

“Maybe the model I picked for my next shoot?” I tip my head to the side and flash a grin.

“Kate,” he growls a warning.

“How about the bachelorette party I’m already planning for Evie? I’m thinking girls’ trip to Vegas.” Yep, that’s the icing on the cake. Jon lunges from the couch and I turn to run down the hallway but it’s no use. He catches me before I even reach the hall.

“Jon!” I scream as he picks me up and tosses me over his shoulder. I can’t contain the shit eating grin that fills my face and the laughter that falls from my lips. He smacks my ass and stomps to the bedroom. I laugh harder.

He drops me on the bed. I lay back against the cool sheets. Jon covers my body with his strong form and captures my waiting lips with his own. He steals my laughter and I melt into his kiss.

This man—all hard muscle, rough and sexy exterior, with an altruistic heart—loves me as much as I love him. He’s more than I ever dared dream. We’ve both been through so much, but by some miracle we found our way together. You can blame it on spilt beer, or pussy, or even a simple bag of Skittles. It’s not been easy, but we found forgiveness in each other, with the other—and what we uncovered is something beautiful.

The End

Continue reading for an exclusive look into Uncovering Hope, Carly’s story, coming early 2016.

“OH MY GAWD! DID YOU see Dr. FineAss making rounds this morning?” Jenny giggles from where she sits atop the counter. She’s swirling a plastic spoon through her cup of yogurt, legs swinging haphazardly.

I’m done for the day, having worked a night shift. I stretch my arms up and stifle a yawn. Jenny and I have been friends since we graduated nursing school and landed our first RN jobs here at Children’s nine years ago. She always fills me in on the latest hospital gossip. We don’t usually work together, but our shifts often overlap.

“I’m sure that’s not his name.” I grin. My uneaten snacks are still in the breakroom fridge so I pull them out and stuff them in my large purse. My phone doesn’t show any messages or missed calls and a little sigh of relief escapes. Years have passed, yet I still anticipate bad news. I try not to. It’s a bad habit I’m working to break. My brother and his fiancée take excellent care when my boys aren’t at school.

“If you’re not sure who I’m talking about, then you haven’t seen him. I’m serious, Carly. The doc has mojo. He’s only been here a few weeks and has half the floor walking around with lady boners.” Giggling, she hops down and wraps me in a bear hug.