Reckless Surrender :: Chapter Thirty Nine

Hope was reviewing another pile of paperwork that Abe had convinced her to tackle. He had refused to take her badge, and she was happy about it. She didn't love paperwork, but she loved being out of the house.

A knock on the door made her look up from the papers she held. She found Bo grinning back at her from the doorway. She smiled at him, "What are you doing here?"

Bo shrugged and walked into her office. His hands were thrust into his pockets. His eyes sparkled, "Another dead end with Roman on a Dimera trail."

Her eyebrows furrowed, "You seem a little too happy about it."

Bo laughed, "It's not even on my radar."

Hope laughed back, "What? Bo, you have to take this case seriously. Abe is going to have a heart attack."

"I do take it very seriously," Bo replied calmly, "But, I think I need you back on the case with me."

Hope sighed, "I'd love to… but I have to get cleared to carry my gun first."

Bo smiled at her. He said nothing. He didn't have to.

"What's with you today?" Hope questioned. She leaned back in her chair as she observed him. His giddy demeanor flooded the room.

"Last night," Bo raised his eyebrows at her and grinned again.

Hope almost blushed, but recovered with a smile at the memory, "What about it?"

"It was pretty awesome," Bo replied casually. Inside, he thought it was more than awesome. He thought it was incredible. It was the first time that they'd been together since their divorce, that he felt her completely give herself to him.

Hope bit her bottom lip to hide a smile, "Yeah… It was, wasn't it?"

Bo leaned over her desk to kiss her. Her stomach fluttered. How he still had that effect on her after all these years, she'd never know. She smiled at him.

"Need any help?" Bo sighed as his eyes scanned the papers scattered on her desk.

"No," Hope stifled a laugh.

"What?" Bo scowled, "I can be helpful."

"You can not," Hope disagreed punctually, "You'll just be a distraction."

"I would never," Bo shook his head. He kissed her again.

Hope's eyes were closed as she pulled away and smiled to herself. She forced them open to glance up at him, "See what I mean?"

"I'm bored, please?" Bo begged.

"Why aren't you looking for another lead?" Hope questioned, "When is the last time you asked Victor for more information? If this really is Dimera, there's no way Victor will honor whatever deal they made for long. Especially if the Dimeras are already going back on the deal."

"You think they led Victor to believe it wasn't their shipment going through no man's land," Bo understood knowingly.

"And maybe it isn't," Hope shrugged, "But I definitely think the Dimera organization is getting a kickback of some kind for no trouble while it passes through."

Memories of watching the gun deal in the motel parking lot before the shootout flashed through her mind. They'd discussed the idea of Stephano making a business deal right before she was shot. Bo and Roman had explored a few leads during Hope's leave, but had always come up empty handed.

"See why I need you back on the case?" Bo questioned.

Hope rolled her eyes, "You better get on it."

"Come with me," Bo replied.

Hope smirked at him with hesitation, "I'm benched Brady."

"Victor is my father," Bo shrugged, "You're going to see your father-in-law."

"We're not married," Hope argued.

"You want to start that argument?" Bo questioned with raised eyebrows.

The opportunity to get out of the office and hands on with the case that benched her was tempting. She rolled her eyes again, "Of course I don't. Now is not the time."

"I'll put a ring on your finger right now," Bo replied. He wasn't kidding.

"Stop," Hope shook her head, "Discussion over."

"So you're coming?" Bo grinned triumphantly.

"What about Roman?" Hope asked. She felt uneasy going behind Abe and Roman's back. She also had a hunch about Victor knowing more than he let on. Adrenaline excited her.

"Who cares?" Bo shrugged, "He's my brother. I'll cover."

Hope shook her head again, "You're terrible."

"Let's go Detective," Bo ordered.

Hope smiled, "Whatever you say."

"That's my girl," Bo grinned.

On the way out of the station Hope turned to him, "You do realize this means you're helping me finish that paperwork on my desk when we get back?"

"Whatever you say," Bo winked. He reached for her hand. He meant it. As they made their way to the SUV, Bo couldn't help but smile. Hope was starting to resemble herself. He treasured moments like these. Working with Hope reminded him of how great they could be together. He didn't care where they went or what they did. He just wanted to be a team.