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“Are you doing okay, Lucy?” Nyla asks quietly, while the waves crash in the background. It’s the start of their second week in Baja and even though they’ve both done UC before, they’re both struggling with being away from home. It’s definitely harder this time around.
“Before, it was easier to leave, you know?” Nyla nods in understanding and lets her continue on. “Finding the killer of these two girls is so important to me and I know we’re doing the right thing.” She lets out another breath. “I just didn’t realize how much I would miss Tim. It’s just…it’s so different now.”
Nyla squeezes her hand. “I completely understand. I’ve been sneaking calls almost every night to James, Lila, and Leah. It’s been so much harder than I thought to be away. It reminds me why I stopped undercover work and came back to patrol.” Nyla tells her honestly. Lucy feels so bad that Nyla is away from her family. “If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t.” Nyla squeezed her arm gently.
Lucy blows out a breath. “Hopefully we can see our families soon. I have a feeling that we will be surprised to find out who killed them.” Nyla shrugs, not sure what to expect at this point.
The next few days seem to drag by slowly. Lucy really wants to see Tim and she knows Nyla wants to see James. “We don’t know how long this is going to take. Do you think that we could take a night away?”
Nyla raises her eyebrows but it doesn’t sound like the worst idea. “There’s a small motel right over the border we can stay at. It’s supposed to storm tonight and we can just say that we are taking precautions by staying elsewhere.”
“That sounds perfect. Angela will set everything up.” Lucy smiles at her friend. “I feel ridiculous.”
“Don’t do that to yourself. It’s normal to miss him, I get it. What you and Tim have is special. It’s how I feel with James. I’ve just done this more than you have so I’ve been through it before. It doesn’t make it any easier but I know what I am going home to.”
“You really are a great friend.” Lucy squeezes her hand.
They head out around five and make their way to the motel. Angela got them connecting rooms so that if they were being watched then nothing looked suspicious. James and Leah were already in one room and Tim was in another waiting to see them. The extra key cards are with Angela at the front desk and she smiles softly when she sees her friends. “Just for tonight. You’re safe until the morning.”
“Thank you for getting this set up, Ange.” Lucy squeezes her hand and they head up to their rooms. They were at the furthest end of the motel just to be safe. Within just a few minutes, they’re walking into the room. James and Leah are waiting. “Enjoy your family.” Lucy hugs Nyla and she goes to the connecting room. As soon as the door closes, Lucy finds Tim’s eyes.
“It’s so good to see you.” His voice is quiet. “Are you doing okay?”
Lucy nods and immediately goes in for a hug. “I’ve missed you.” She closes her eyes and lays her head against his chest. “I haven’t been sleeping well. I know this is stupid to set up, but when I had my last op I went away for, you were able to be there.”
“I’ve missed you too. I have been grumpier than normal apparently.” Lucy snorts.
“I didn’t think you could get any grumpier than you already were.” Tim gasps and tries to pull away, but Lucy doesn’t let him. “I’m not letting you go for the next twelve hours.”
Tim smirks and presses a kiss to the top of her head. “I have no problem with that. I don’t plan on letting you go tonight.” He plans on holding her as much as he possibly can. “And even though it isn’t the best shower, we can still fit in there together.”
“That sounds perfect babe. Can we eat first? My stomach is growling.” Tim chuckles.
“It’s a good thing I’ve got your favorite burger.” Of course he bought her favorite meal.
“Have I told you how much I love you?” She pulls his head down for a kiss. “And how lucky I am to have you by my side for everything?”
Tim runs his hands along her back. “You always tell me Luce, but I believe that I’m the lucky one.” Tim pushes her hair behind her ears. “And I am so thankful to have you forever.”
Lucy chuckles and closes her eyes, listening to his heart beat. “You’re such a softy.” Her stomach chooses to growl. “I think we should eat, shower, and then cuddle in bed.”
“Mm, I think that sounds perfect. We will make the most of tonight and then we can power through whatever time you have left in Baja so you can come home to me safely.”
Tim helps Lucy sit on the bed and divides up their food. She doesn’t even realize how hungry she was until she starts eating. Tim even shares some of his fries, something he usually teases her about. “Thank you.”
“Of course. How about we take that shower?” Lucy nods and they head to the bathroom. They shred their clothes and step under the water. It feels amazing for Lucy since she hasn’t had a real shower in weeks.
“This feels amazing. I love the beach but I am not made for van life anymore. Maybe ten years ago, but not now.” Lucy says honestly.
Tim chuckles and wraps himself around Lucy. The shower is intimate and quickly gets heated between the two of them. “I’ve missed all of you.”
“Show me.” Lucy murmurs. Tim does show her and she didn’t realize how much she missed his intimacy and his presence until this moment.
After their shower, Lucy only puts Tim’s shirt on and then pulls him to the bed. As soon as he’s laying, Lucy maneuvers herself into his arms. She interlocks her legs with his and says her head on his chest. Tim’s fingers run up and down her back and she relaxes easily into his embrace. “Perfect.”
“This is my favorite way to sleep. Our house is lonely without you. Kojo misses you too.” Tim says honestly. “I’ve been sulking.”
Lucy giggles. “Give our boy some love for me. I’ll be back home before you know it. They deserve justice, I’m just hoping it won’t take us so long. My body is used to having you by my side every single night.”
Tim kisses the top of her head. “I’m used to having you by my side too. You’re going to get justice for them, just like you always do. You’re amazing.”
“You’re pretty incredible too.” Lucy murmurs. “I don’t want to sleep yet because then morning will come faster and then I’ll have to leave again, but I’m just so tired.”
“You can sleep. I’ve got you. I won’t let you go.” Lucy hums and she knows that she is safe.
Tim cuddles her all night and they both sleep better than they have in a long time. He spent too many nights without her already and Lucy going undercover is still hard for him. Thankfully, she would be home soon enough and Tim can’t wait to have her back in his arms full time.