Totally, Sweetly, Irrevocably(20)

“But I never got any notification!”

“That’s what everyone says,” Joe said.

Gina glared at him. “I didn’t know my license was suspended. I might be a little reckless sometimes, but I’m not stupid.”

Rick sighed. “Well, this apparently isn’t your first time driving with a suspended license.”

Gina frowned. What the hell was he talking about? And then she remembered. Shit. “Okay, this so isn’t fair. The first time was the same thing. I was late paying some fines. I didn’t know it was suspended and I got pulled over for a broken taillight. But it was a total technicality because I had paid the fines but the court hadn’t processed the info yet. They took me off the list as soon as I called.”

“Yes, but technically you were caught driving on a suspended license which makes this your second offense which means…”

Gina clenched her jaw for a second, biting off the words that really wanted to come out. “You’re seriously going to arrest me? On a freaking technicality from years ago?”

Nat gasped. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re going to put her in jail?”

Rick shook his head. “Probably not. She could serve a few days in County, but I doubt that will happen.”

“Well, forgive me if I don’t take comfort from that thought,” Gina said, her blood running cold. Who would have thought ignoring a few pieces of mail would turn into such a shitstorm.

He took a deep breath and looked at her. “I’m sure we can get some of this cleared up. But I’ll have to take you to the courthouse.” They stared at each other for a moment, neither yielding, neither betraying what was going on in their heads. Gina sincerely hoped her face was as set in stone as his.

“You know I don’t want to do this,” he said.

She shrugged. “Then don’t.”

He sighed and came toward her, stopping a foot away. “You know that’s not an option.”

“You’re assuming I know a lot. All I know is that my license is suspended for not paying a ticket and now I’m being punished for doing something I didn’t know I was doing.”

Joe looked her over and then glanced back at Rick, who for the first time looked more uncomfortable than amused.

“We gotta frisk her,” he said.

Rick’s frown deepened. “I don’t think that’s necessary. She’s not armed.”

Joe looked at him in surprise. Rick shrugged. “I know she’s not armed and she wouldn’t hurt us if she was. She’s not a criminal.”

Gina’s eyes narrowed. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”

That sexy half smile touched his lips again, and Gina clenched her stomach muscles in an attempt to keep that little electric jolt from spreading through her. No such luck.

“Look, I may not be as much of a stickler for the rules as you,” Joe said. “But if she’s going to be in the car uncuffed, she needs to be frisked. I’ll do it if you’re not comfortable.”

Rick shot his partner a surprised and unhappy look. “No. I’ll do it.”

“Really, boys. Fighting over who gets to feel me up is so grade school. One of you just do it, already.” She leaned against the truck, arching her back a little as she looked over her shoulder. If she had to do this she was going to enjoy it. And make it as hard for Officer Boyd as she could. Pun totally intended. Nothing like a little payback torture to perk a girl up.

Her eyes met his and held, their gazes transmitting a scorching heat that sent a shiver running down Gina’s spine. She knew she was in trouble. She knew people were watching. She didn’t care. The thought of Rick’s hands on her made her heart jackhammer in her chest. Not that she thought he’d dare. He’d chicken out for sure.

Joe took a step toward her and Rick blocked him, his hand slapping against the other man’s chest. His eyes didn’t leave Gina’s until he was standing inches from her. Then he let his gaze roam over her, from head to foot and back again. He leaned over her and grabbed her hands, moving her around the side of the truck so the vehicle shielded her from the gawking occupants of the bakery.

He slapped her hands back down and kicked her feet farther apart. Her breath caught in her throat. His hands trailed across her shoulders, up under her hair and then down her back. His huge hands spanned the whole surface of her back, with his fingers trailing down her sides. Then they moved up the front. She held her breath, her teeth biting her bottom lip as his hands came within a hairbreadth of her breasts. Then they moved away.

She released her breath with a near sob. Her nipples tightened painfully, as if in protest that they’d been ignored. It had been far too long since she’d gotten laid. It was the only explanation for why she was leaning against a truck on the verge of an orgasm just from being not-very-thoroughly frisked by an anal cop.