Definitely Naughty by Jo Leigh Page A

detective with upward mobility plans.”
    “So? Why is that a deal breaker?”
    Aubrey blinked at the woman she used to think knew her better than almost anyone. “Because I’m me.”
    Her friend crossed her arms and gave her a withering look. “The only one who doesn’t believe any man, including the bloody president of the United States, if he wasn’t married, would be lucky to have you is you.”
    Aubrey spun toward Caro. “Would you please tell her why that is a ridiculous—oh.”
    “What?” Caro was clearly confused.
    “I didn’t tell you. You guys are on the internet a lot. Do you remember a meme from last year about a ridiculously good-looking cop?”
    “Yeah,” they said in tandem. They should really go on the road.
    “That was Liam. Before he made detective.”
    “No way.” Sanjula pulled out her cell. “I knew I recognized him. That is awesome,” she murmured, already searching. She wouldn’t come up for air for a while.
    “Not for him, it’s not. The other detectives won’t let him forget it. They’re horrible. They bully him. And he’s so good at his job. He busted a whole money-laundering operation basically by himself. And they all diss him like he’s a rookie. He takes it so hard. I can tell. He’s a tough guy, he really is, but this has been going on for over a year. I wish I could do something, but I don’t know what.”
    “Aubrey, sweetie?” Caro said in her “I’m going to tell you something you won’t like” voice.
    Aubrey’s chin dropped to her chest.
    “I’m pretty sure that switch got flipped before you guys made love tonight. I’m not sure you can flip it back.”
    That one hurt. Deep down, straight to the heart. “Don’t say that. Please.”
    Caro pulled her into a hug. “But we can do damage control.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “It’s your ball game. You call the shots. No more nights at his place. Whether you guys do it here or even at our tiny hovel, quickies only. Keep it light. No lingering. Tell him you have to work. It’s not even lying.”
    “Got it,” Sanjula said, looking up from her phone. “But we can look at his picture later. Caro’s right. You set the pace and the tone. Girl, you just need to be on top for the rest of your run.”
    “Won’t that get a bit repetitious?”
    Sanjula rolled her eyes. “My God, you do have it bad. Metaphorically on top. Idiot.”
    “Okay,” Aubrey said. “As much as it pains me to say it, you’re right. I’m taking this too far. I can pull it back as long as I’m in charge. I’ll miss Caveman Liam, but it’s worth it. Frankly, the idea of giving up the next two weeks was depressing the shit out of me.”
    “Good girl.” Sanjula lifted her cell. “Come check out what a damn hottie he is in his uniform. And, Aubrey? Please, please, please, just leave yourself open. Don’t make any permanent decisions when you’re so wound up by a deadline, okay? Just let it end when it’s supposed to.”
    Aubrey let her head drop onto Sanjula’s shoulder. “I’ll do my best. God, he still has that uniform in his closet. Why didn’t he wear it tonight?”
    “See,” Caro said. “There’s still a little time left to get in a few rounds. As long as you don’t freak out.”
    “Don’t freak out,” Aubrey said. “Check.”

Chapter Nine
    “The first round’s on me,” Harry Bigalow announced from the center of the bull pen. “As long as it’s what’s on tap.”
    “Cheap bastard.” Stan Whitset, who’d been a detective for a couple of years, turned to Liam and Ernie Rogers. “You guys comin’?”
    Rogers nodded. “Free mediocre beer? Who could pass that up?”
    Liam thought about staying to make some calls, but the White House was on the way to his apartment, and he’d have to stop there before he met up with Aubrey. Besides, he could use a beer, mediocre or not. “Yeah, sure.”
    Rogers lifted his eyebrows. “Glad you’re joining us.”
    “What?” Liam shrugged. “Oh, yeah, I have time