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“Oh.” Amir chuckled again, mumbling something about being dumb. I certainly didn’t think he was dumb; I thought he was the furthest thing from it. “When officers in our department are out on patrol like this, we typically work alone. But if we’re called out to a situation from the precinct, we will be paired with another officer. Or, if we’re sent to an emergency from patrol, back-up will meet us there.”
“I’m glad you get help when you need it,” I replied. “It would be scary to do it all alone.” I thought any of it would be scary; even driving around on patrol. “I think you’re very brave.” A furious blush crept over my cheeks once more, so I added, “All policemen are.”
“Thank you,” he told me with his biggest, most beautiful smile yet.
I liked talking to Amir. Most of the time, I got nervous when meeting new people, or struggled to make conversation. But speaking with him was fun and easy. I wanted to know everything about him. “How long have you been a police officer?”
Amir tipped his head back and forth. “Oh, about fifteen years now. I started working on the force when I was twenty one.”
He was around my age when he became a cop; I couldn’t imagine doing the job he did. “Do you like it?”
Pride was clear in his voice when he answered, “I do. I feel like being an officer is what I am meant to do. I love helping people and making a difference.”
Not only was I in awe of him, I could easily see what made him a great cop. He was so helpful, comforting, and kind. Amir was the type of man I always hoped I could have in my life. I longed for someone to help guide me through life and care for me; to take charge of the things that stressed me out, and enjoy fun times with me. I longed for a Daddy, but I had also accepted that the likelihood of ever finding one was slim to none.
“What about you?” Amir asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I was grateful when he added, “How long have you worked at Perry’s?”
“Almost two years.”
“And do you enjoy it?”
I nodded. “I work in the kitchen, making the pizzas. I like putting together all of the toppings to fill the orders; it’s like a game. I love games.”
Shit. While my words were true, I shouldn’t have said them out loud. I didn’t want Amir to think that I was too juvenile or embarrassing, like so many other men had thought before; especially when his job was so dangerous and important.
I risked a peek in his direction to find that Amir was glancing back at me. But there was no trace of disgust or confusion on his face. I couldn’t make out what his expression was, as I had never seen anyone wear it before. His jaw was tight and his eyes were dark, but he didn’t look angry.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to figure it out, as Amir pulled into the parking lot of Perry’s Pizza Barn. I was grateful that he gave me a lift, and that we arrived in plenty of time before my shift started, but I wasn’t looking forward to leaving him. I wanted to spend more time together, and learn more about him.
“What time does your shift end?” Amir asked, and my stomach did a cartwheel. Could it be that he wanted to see me again? Did he want to spend more time together too?
I managed to squeak out, “Six,” even though my throat was tight with nervous excitement.
“I’ll be off by then. I’m happy to come pick you up and give you a lift back to your car if you’d like.”
Oh. Right. I’d forgotten all about my SUV, which I’d left sitting in the gas station lot. Amir was just being kind and helpful once more, offering to take me back to it. His sweetness only made me want to see him again even more. And if a ride back across town was all I could get, I’d gladly jump at the chance.
“I’d love that if it’s no trouble.”
“None at all,” he assured with a smile. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”
My cheeks heated with my most fierce blush yet. I wasn’t sure how to respond without embarrassing myself. I searched my brain for the right words as I grabbed my lunchbox from the floorboard, finally settling on, “I hope you have a safe day.” It may have been a little lame, but it could have been much worse, so I counted it as a win.
“Thank you, Henley,” he replied as I climbed out of the cruiser. I loved hearing my name on his lips; no one had ever said it the way he did. “See you at six,” he added once I was standing on the asphalt.
