He grabbed his cell phone and dialed the dispatch office. "Dispatch, this is Miranda. Stand by, I may need backup."
He slid out of the car, shutting the door as quietly as he could. The last thing he needed was a spooked intruder knowing he was coming and waiting with a gun just inside his house. He approached the front door slowly, reaching out to test the knob silently. Unlocked. He didn't hesitate and reached down to unsnap the clasp on his holster, though he didn't draw his gun yet.
As soon as he eased the door open, though, a rush of relief went through him and he nearly sagged as the scent of food cooking hit his nostrils and the sound of a very familiar voice humming came from the kitchen. He reached into his pocket for his cell phone, which still had dispatch on the line.
"Never mind, Kinsey. Everything's clear. Have a good night."
He hung up and shut the door behind him, unbuckled his holster and set it on the entryway table. "Zachary!"
A second later, Zach's smiling face appeared around the corner of the wall to the kitchen. "Hi!" he chirped.
Stephen shook his head, affection rushing him. The boy drove him fucking crazy, but goddamn, in such a good way. "Is there a reason you're breaking and entering?"
Then Zach stepped out into view, and Stephen nearly choked on his own tongue. Buck-assed naked, wearing nothing but an apron. Red and white polka dots with a sassy red ribbon at the waist. Stephen swallowed hard.
"And you're naked. Why are you naked? Not that I don't like you nakedE"
Zach gave him a knowing smile. "You love me naked.
And I'm not, by the way."
)
