Page 4 of Arrested By the Orc

“The County Food Bank spring charity run is today,” my sister shouts in a sing-song voice. “And all of us joined in together to send you to jail as a donation.”

Oh wonderful. I had no idea any of this was going on. Like I pay attention. I am focused on my business and that’s about it. Well, my nieces and nephews, my family and friends get lots of my headspace too, but mainly it’s all about the bakery.

The instigators laugh like crazy. They high five each other and have cell phones up, obviously recording the moment I was handcuffed and the surprise and shock on my face.

Bowen puts a large hand on my shoulder and guides me toward the doorway. “Let’s go.”

I glance around at all the work left undone and sudden agitation hits me hard. “But the cupcakes for the McBride party…” I yell out.

“We know and it will get done and delivered.”

“The cake for the Johnson Wedding…”

Lila joins me briefly. “I’ve got this,” she states firmly. “I’m your partner, not some rando off the street. Let me, Cora and Sheri, our two excellent employees, do our thing. You never take any time off. We had to find some way to get you to slow down.” She leans in and whispers loudly in my ear, “And I had a feeling this orc would be the one to personally arrest you today. You’re welcome.”

Bowen grunts in response.

My sister waves a cheerful goodbye as I’m marched out the back door with my cuffed hands in front of me.

In moments we’re outside. His black patrol car is parked on the side street and I blink at all the commotion. Where did all these people come from? I recognize customers, friends and other business owners. My parents are even here, along with some of my siblings and their kids. They all clap and laugh. And yes, this group is recording me with their cell phones too.

“I’m so proud of you sweetheart, doing this for charity work,” my mom yells out, as if I thought of this myself. “We’re all going to donate to get you out of that jail, and for a good cause. This is wonderful.”

“Have fun in that jail cell,” my brother snickers. “Hope you don’t mind having to pee in front of strangers.”

I give him the evil eye. He’ll pay for this later.

More pictures are taken. Again, I wish I was wearing more makeup. I usually go in and change and freshen up in the office bathroom before I need to meet with customers, but there was no time. They’ve caught me with flour in my hair and me wearing me oldest apron. Jeez.

Bowen guides me closer to the sedan and I think he’s going to open the door and put me in the backseat, but he pauses. “I need to check you now.”

“Check me?”

“I’m calling in our female to come and pat you down. She’ll be here in a minute. She will check you, not me.”

I suddenly understand what he’s talking about and I look up at him and beg, “Bowen, I want you to check me.”

His chest expands.

“I want you.” I can’t believe I’m asking this. Where did this boldness come from? But suddenly it’s hugely important to me that Bowen Underwood touches me and no one else.

Bowen stares down at me, obviously thinking it through.

And then my brain fog clears and I remember that he has a girlfriend, dammit. “But if you don’t want to, that’s okay, I understand you wanting to remain professional…that was actually kind of rude for me to ask considering you have a…”

He puts down his phone and gives a curt nod. “I’m going to lightly touch your arms, chest and inner thighs on the outside of your clothes. Is this what you want?”

I sigh with relief. “Yes.”

And then my back is against the trunk and he gives me a quick, professional pat down just as he described—against my arms, stomach and between my lower thighs. I have a goofy smile on my face the whole time.

Then he’s done and he opens the backseat. “Get in,” he orders.

I nod. His huge hand touches the top of my head, making sure I get in nice and comfortably. Then I move my legs over and inside and lean back against the seat.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I squeak because now it’s all becoming very real. Yes, this is for charity, but I’ve never been in the back of a Sheriff’s car before because I’ve never been arrested in my entire life not even fake.

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