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“Well, if we are admitting...no, no, confessing... those things, then you’d be right. Do I need to frisk you again?”
She laughed this time.
Talk about being in over her head.
He was really pushing the boundaries and asking as if he only wanted to know what kind of drink she’d like.
“If I set the detector off again and you’re around, I’ll request it.”
“Now you’re playing dirty,” he said.
Her card was returned, she signed her name, then put it back in her purse and stood.
“Good,” she said sweetly. “Then we’re communicating well.”
His eyes darkened, just a shade, as they stayed locked on her. They walked out together, him close enough that he whispered in her ear. “You do realize you’re flirting with a man who already knows exactly how good you look when you’re not trying. Or how you look with your hair in a messy ponytail, a tank top and cotton shorts, barefoot and sitting on the grass.”
Her pulse skipped. He threw the old in there with the new. Something she shouldn’t have been surprised at, but it warmed her just the same.
“I don’t recall you complaining. Either time.”
“I’m restraining myself,” he said. “Big difference.” The way his head turned to glance at her face as they walked out told her exactly how much it was costing him to do so.
Outside the restaurant, the late afternoon sun warmed the sidewalk, and for a moment neither of them moved toward their cars.
“So,” she said, breaking the silence, “when do I see you again?”
It was best to just put it out there. See what he said. She knew he was feeling the same as her.
It was probably more logistics in the way than anything else.
He didn’t answer immediately though. Thoughtful. Responsible. Damn him.
But good for him at the same time.
“I’ve got that teen at home,” he said. “Homework, dinner disasters, and uncomfortable conversations. She doesn’t know about this.”
“Do you want her to?”
“In time. Guess it depends on the next step.”
Her lips curved. Right answer. “I’m very good with chaos.”
“I know.” His smile softened. “But I won’t drag you into that without asking first. Guess that is where I stand.” He looked around some more, saw a few eyes glancing their way, along with someone moving in their direction. A councilman that she’d like to avoid at all costs. “You’re more in the public eye than me.”
“And I don’t care. You’re a respectable—”
His laugh cut her off. “That might be pushing it.”
“Stop,” she said, her hand landing on his arm. Making that first move in public. Hoping that he understood she was fine with it, but there would be a thin line they had to balance. “You’re a respectable member of the police force. A great guy, and a good friend.”
“Only a friend?”
“That’s always a good foundation to have. I’m appreciative it’s there. So ask me if you want to.”
He stepped closer, close enough that she could smell him again, that clean, familiar scent that had no business settling this deep into her bones. “Coffee one day this week before we start our day. No expectations.”
She tilted her head, the smile racing to fill her face. “I’m terrible at no expectations. I’m hurt that you don’t remember that.”
