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“I’m competitive by nature. What can I say?” We trade places over and over until we’re on our last and final round. I’m only four points behind Blake, and I’m determined to beat him even if that means I’ll be sore as hell tomorrow. Blake lets go of his final ax and misses completely, and then it’s my turn. If I can hit the center, I win.
Sucking in a deep breath, I glance over my shoulder at Blake who’s smiling wide. I shoot him a wink, then get into my stance and give it my all. We both watch as it hits the ring worth four points.
“No way!” I shout, then go to Blake. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest. “Guess we tied.”
“Dammit. Guess we’ll have to have a rematch someday.” I notice how comfortable I am next to him.
He nods. “I’d really like that, Maddie. Maybe next time, you’ll kick my ass.”
“No, next time I will kick your ass. That’s a guarantee,” I playfully snap back.
“I’m glad to hear there’ll be a next time,” he says, causing my heart to race, and we break apart.
Charlie returns, and we thank him for all his help before we move to a table so we can eat. The waitress immediately walks up and hands us menus. Moments later, she’s setting down two tall beers, and we both order a cheeseburger and fries.
Taking a sip, I can’t help but think about Liam and how he warned me about Blake. From what I’ve seen so far, Blake has been nothing but a gentleman.
“So…” I hesitate, and he notices.
With a popped eyebrow, he smirks. “Yes?”
“Well. I don’t know how to say this so I’m just gonna come on out and ask. What’s the deal between you and Liam?”
Blake chuckles, the light sound zapping right to my heart. “Oh you mean Big Talker Liam? He’s always gloating about catching the bad guys and how he does the job for us. It’s annoying and disrespectful, in my opinion. I’m out on the streets risking my life, never knowing what situation I’m getting myself into during something as simple as a traffic stop. I also went to the academy and sacrificed a lot to be on the force. Meanwhile, Liam has no formal training and chooses what jobs he takes, which is convenient as hell. Every officer is trying to make Sacramento a safer place, and I don’t think he gets it. Plus, he’s an asshole who thinks his shit doesn’t stink.”
I nod, unsure how to feel about his words about Liam. “I can see that.”
“What did he say about me?” Blake asks with amusement.
I bite my lower lip, not wanting to contribute to their battle. “He’s overprotective and warned me about you being a heartbreaker.”
His head falls back on his shoulders. “A heartbreaker? That’s actually hilarious coming from him.”
“Oh, so you’re aware of his reputation as well?” I pop a brow, then take a drink, needing more alcohol in my system if we’re going to have this conversation.
Blake glares at me. “Who isn’t? Word gets around, and everyone knows he’s unable to commit.”
“He’s actually married now,” I explain.
His eyes go wide, and he’s just as shocked as I was when the news broke out. “What? No way. Since when?”
“Yep. Recently. He met a woman in Vegas, fell madly in love, and got hitched. Surprised us all actually.” I shrug, happy to see our waiter coming with our food.
She sets the plates down, and I immediately pour some ketchup on my plate, then dig into my fries.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m not a heartbreaker.” He looks at me genuinely. “I just haven’t found a woman who’s right for me yet, but I haven’t given up.”
I wipe my mouth. “Well, you’re still young. But yeah, I get it. I’ve dated some, but nothing serious.” Intentionally, I leave out the part where the only man I ever wanted was Liam.
While we eat, our conversation is light, and we don’t discuss anything too serious. I can’t help but notice the way he smiles at me, how a small dimple appears when he chuckles, or how polite he is to every single person he comes into contact with. Falling for Blake would be easy, and maybe that’s what Liam’s really concerned about—me being in love with someone other than him. The thought pisses me off.
Blake is perfect on paper and hell, even in person too, but my heart’s still recovering from the shockwave Liam caused. I’m not sure I could give Blake a fair chance until I’m over it—if I ever will be.
On the way home, I take control of the radio again, and Blake even encourages my love for pop music. When we pull into the driveway, I’m laughing at how he knows every single word to a Miley Cyrus song.
