The Ex File (Behind the Blue Line Series Book 1) by Alexis D. Craig Page B

of Josh’s expression and saw the signpost for the high road passing her by. “You’re doing this with or without me, aren’t you?”
    “I know you, and I know how this all went down last time. Let’s just say, I’m investing in a different outcome.” His quiet voice, full of conviction and love, allayed her misgivings. Of course, that could have also been the alcohol.
    She was not, however, going to give them the satisfaction of giving in immediately. “I’m gonna regret this, aren’t I?”
    Josh smiled proudly and poured her another iced tea. “Nah, we got this covered. Don’t even worry about it.”
    Worry was all she planned to do. The plan made her nervous, but for the moment, however, “Okay, I’m in.”
    She could see the restraint it took for Dane to refrain from rubbing his hands together in glee. “Excellent. Now about my fee…”

Chapter 6
     
    Sean woke on Thursday feeling antsy. He hadn’t seen Ellie since Sunday, and though they talked daily, usually on her way to and from work, it wasn’t the same. Not to mention the fact that he’d had early morning court the last two days in addition to his actual work. He was exhausted, stressed, and really not in the mood to see Pia tonight. At the same time, though, he knew the sooner he got this out of the way, the sooner he could be with Ellie without the spectre of Pia hanging over the two of them.
    He got up and threw on his running clothes, sending Guinness into fits and spasms of happiness as they made their way to the door. Sean took a detour to the kitchen to start his coffee percolating, since he knew he’d want it when he got back. Then he and the dog were out the door and on their way through the neighborhood.
    Three trips from end to end of the complex left him hot, sweaty, and feeling more in control of his day. Peeling off his sticky shirt, he wiped his face as he walked through the door, the dog practically shoving him out of the way to get to his water bowl. He went to the cabinet and pulled down a mug for his coffee, turning when he heard his phone chirp with a missed call from the kitchen table.
    Guinness finished drinking and went to the middle of the living room floor to collapse in a panting heap. The large production he made of finding just the right spot before flouncing down in a display of flapping ears, tongue, and jowls brought a smile to Sean’s face.
    “It’s not that hot, goofus.” Shaking his head, he grabbed his phone, expecting a sunny morning greeting from Ellie on his voicemail, only to find three missed calls from Arturo. Though he’d only been gone for thirty minutes or so, apparently his former father-in-law had seen fit to essentially blow up his phone. Before he’d had a chance to check to see if there were voice messages, his phone vibrated in his hand and the Tubular Bells heralded a call from Arturo. Again.
    “Art,” he injected a smile into his voice because he knew that deep down, it pissed Art off, “always a pleasure.”
    “Sean. I thought you weren’t taking my calls.”
    He held the phone away from his ear for a moment and checked for slime residue. Finding none, he continued. “I have to admit, it crossed my mind.”
    “Always with the jokes. Pia tells me that you’re going to dinner tonight. I hope this means there’s progress between you two.”
    “Why the hell do you care so much?” That question had been the main one that had never been sufficiently answered for Sean.
    “Because she’s my daughter and I love her,” Art answered promptly, as if that were all he needed to know about that.
    And he would move heaven and Earth to accede to every wish and whim. Sean was done being at their collective beck and call. “Well, since that’s the case, any further questions you have can be answered by her. Do me a huge favor, would you, and lose this number.” 
    Arturo still squawking, he tossed the phone across the room and watched it bounce off the wall above the mantle. As if he