Colin dipped his head and nodded. “Okay.” He pressed his lips against her cheek. “Sleep well.”
She smiled, but didn’t feel the ease behind it. She wanted to crawl into his bed, let him surround her with warmth and safety. He had proven he could pleasure her body beyond any fantasy she could imagine, but what else? What would a young guy his age know about starting a family, building a life with a home? Colin was on the fast track to success. Already been there and done that, she was ready to enjoy her hard work and at some point, as late as it may seem, have a baby.
They had turned to head into their separate rooms when he said, “I know what you’re thinking. I can see it on your face, Lea.”
Her heart clinched. He didn’t deserve to feel disappointment, because she was the asshole. As hard as it was to admit the truth, she liked him. “Good night, Colin.” She stepped into her room and quietly shut the door, unable to bear the hurt on his handsome face.
She looked down, realizing Charlie wasn’t in the room. When she went to open the door, she heard Colin say, “Come on, girl. Let’s hit the hay.” The leisurely click of Charlie’s nails echoed under the door. She leaned the back of her head against the door and sighed. The guy’s charm had gotten to her dog.
Tomorrow was a new day and what happened tonight could never happen again. Sure, they’d led themselves to believe there would be a next time, but there could never be a repeat of what they’d done. Never. Ever. Without hesitation, never. Ever.
Lea slid under the covers, all the while feeling the conviction wane. Never-ish.
*****
Colin sat in the squad car waiting for the traffic light to change. He grabbed his phone and checked one more time to see if Lea had texted. With only ten more minutes left on his shift, he watched the clock waiting to get home and make sure she was okay. When she’d told him she’d be heading downtown to the office, his instincts went on high alert. Lea would be alone in the city.
By four o’clock she hadn’t answered his text. Several scenarios ran through his mind of which none were good. Now, at seven, still no response.
Driving around town in the squad car had given him too much time to think between runs. Every time he’d tried to bring up the other night, she’d say she had to run an errand or she’d retreat to her office to work. God, he wanted those soft curves in his arms and to feel that connection again.
The light turned green and he pulled through the intersection, turning left to head to the precinct, when his phone chimed. When he looked over, he saw her name scroll across the screen. He pulled over at the nearest curbside and picked up the cell.
Just got your texts. On my way home. Want me to pick up dinner?
Colin took a deep breath. She was safe. You okay? You driving?
Going through south side. Want Mexican?
Colin growled thinking about the accidents he’s come up on because of idiots texting behind the wheel. Pull over.
What? Almost to Dante’s. Want Italian?
Okay, time to teach his roommate a hard lesson. He clicked on the turn signal. He could get through traffic and beat her to the restaurant. Dante’s. See you soon.
His phone dinged a couple more times but he didn’t answer. The woman was so damn bull-headed. This would be the last time she texted and drove. Only ten minutes had passed since he’d parked across from the restaurant. When her red car scooted by, he popped the siren and flipped on the lights.
She tapped the brakes then pulled over next to the curb. He turned off the cruiser and shut down the lights. When he approached the driver’s window, she was leaning over, rifling through the glove compartment. He clicked his knuckle on the window. Startled, she looked over, anger flushing the features of her beautiful face.
“Colin! What in the hell? I wasn’t speeding. You scared the crap out of me!”
Yep, she was pissed. “Ma’am you were swerving. I suspect you were texting. Are you aware there is a three hundred dollar fine for texting while driving?”
“Colin, seriously? I was texting you!”
He stepped back and hooked his thumb and forefinger in the thick belt loop around his waist. “I’m going to need you to step out of the car, ma’am.”
“No way, Colin! People are going to see!”
This was about teaching his sexy woman a lesson. Keeping her safe was his job and he intended on making his point very clear. “Out.”
She huffed and unlocked her seat belt. “You’d never arrest me, Colin. If you arrest me, I’m telling your mom and there’ll be hell to pay.”
When she got out of the car, he snatched the keys and took her by the hand. He knew to anyone driving by it would simply look like they’d met for dinner and were heading into Dante’s, but she was so angry she hadn’t thought of that.