Page 5 of Love's Hot

I’m starving, so looking forward to a big juicy steak and a nice cold beer. Not one to drink too hard, beer is usually my chosen poison for a night out on the town. Especially in a city I’m not familiar with. The cop in me likes to be in control at all times. I want to be able to remember every detail in the morning. You never know when it will be important to someone.

There have been a couple of times I’ve had a really bad day and spent the night drinking with Xavier to simply forget. I only ever do it in his apartment or mine. I’m safe there and nothing can go wrong. There have been a few mornings I‘ve woken up on his couch with a hangover from hell but it’s not often. He’s the only person I trust myself to really let go with. I trust him with my life. For all my control issues, I trust him to keep me safe and help me release my demons every once in a while.

***

There is one thing you can guarantee if you get a group of cops together in a steak house: it will never be quiet. We’re an opinionated bunch who are never wrong. Especially when it comes to sports. For the last two hours, we’ve been debating the NFL dream team we would pick from the current season’s players. While they all argued over every single position like we were the ones paying the players and signing the contracts, I knew I was ready to bail on them. There’s only so much testosterone and alcohol you can take some nights.

“I’m out, guys. Was great meeting you all and thanks for the invite and helping me survive the three days of hell in the conference.” There’s a round of hearty laughing and hand-shaking that follows. “I’ve got plans for the rest of the night so it’s time for me to head off. Have a good night and safe travels home, boys.” I walk towards the exit while they’re all yelling different comments on what plans I have and what she looks like. I just keep walking, smiling to myself. I don’t care what they’re saying or thinking.

Big cities like this are a great place to visit, just not a place to live. I’ve had my time working in big cities, and the life of a policeman overshadows the joy you get from the high-paced social life. I’m quite happy where I’m stationed now. Don’t get me wrong, crime happens everywhere, but I need places around me where I can go to let the stress out and just slow down the brain. Even it is just for a few hours. Runs up the mountain in fresh air are just what I need some days.

“Where to, man?” the taxi driver asks as I slide into the back seat. Glancing down to my phone, I check the address again while telling him where I’m headed. It sounds like a cool bar and not far from where I’m staying. He pulls out into the night traffic which is full of yellow taxis and cars that all seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere but none of which are moving very fast.

“Are you a local or just visiting?” he asks me as I stare out the window at the thousands of people all going about their business on a Friday night.

“Just in town for work for a few days and now I’m heading out to party a little. Friday night in the Big Apple, let’s see what fun it brings me.” I get a hearty laugh from the front seat.

“Be careful what you wish for, this place can swallow you up and spit you out real quick if you’re not careful. There’s all types of fun in this city, so it depends on the kind you’re looking for. Keep your eyes open and your hand on your wallet, that’s my piece of advice.” I know he’s trying to be funny, but I don’t need help being on high alert around people. Large groups of people already keep my senses active, whether I like it or not.

“Thanks, man, but I’m hoping tonight my eyes are open, but my hands are on something a little more interesting than just my wallet.” We both laugh and then chat about this weekend’s games that are being played in the NFL. It’s the standard go-to conversation for men and even more so taxi drivers who know it’s going to take time to get through the traffic. Part of me is happy to sit in the quiet with no conversation, but I know that’s not going to happen, and the driver seems like a really nice guy. Why not help his night pass quicker too.

Pulling to the curb outside the bar, I thank my driver and give him a generous tip. I know they don’t get paid much and we should all look after each other in any little way we can.

Time for fun.

Let the party begin.

3

Lilly

GRANT IS KIDDING HIMSELF if he thinks I’m going straight to the theatre from the airport.

I don’t care how quick I need to be, I’ve got to freshen up, change and fix my make-up.

There is no way I’m going to see a Broadway show in the plain clothes I flew in. Not in this lifetime. I want to be dressed and ready to take on the town.

How easy is it to be a man in these situations? Jeans, button-up shirt and throw on a jacket and you can pass for dressy-casual and fit in at the theatre. No one looks at them any differently whether they’re dressed in a suit or jeans. For a woman, that’s not the case. We are judged on what we’re wearing. I love to dress up and take every opportunity. A trip to the theatre and then out in New York City is something I want to look just right for. So, Grant is just going to have to deal with it.

“If you’re that worried, you get a taxi straight to the theatre and we’ll meet you there after checking in and changing. I know you’re desperate to see Zara, but it’s not like they’re going to give our seats away. Stop stressing!” The scowl across his face tells me he’s not impressed.

“Lilly. What does it matter what you’re wearing?” I gasped in shock as Alesha and Xavier both burst out laughing. Grant’s words are like a knife stabbing straight through my heart.

“How long have you known me, Grant? Oh… that’s right, my whole frigging life! I can’t believe you would even contemplate what you just said in respect to me. You sure know how to piss me off.” I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing up with irritation. Next time I come to see Zara, there’s no way I’m flying with him. He’s a pain in the ass. Not sure what Zara sees in him, but I know one thing, she can definitely have him. At least she keeps him out of my life and that’s a good thing, otherwise we might kill each other. Luke used to be his target but now it seems to have moved onto me since Luke and Zoe have gotten their lives together. Maybe that’s what I need, a man in my life, and that will make him back off.

Who am I kidding? No thanks.

I don’t need anyone telling me what to do.

I control my life just fine and know how to party without the help of man in it trying to make me settle down. Not going to happen any time soon.

That I can guarantee.

“Calm down, stop being a drama queen. Do whatever you want. I’m going straight to the theatre because I don’t want to be late for Zara. When you manage to put your face on or whatever’s so important, see if you can manage to join me there. I’m sure she would love you to see the show after you flew all this way.” His sarcasm and gruffness roll off him, in every word that leaves his lips. He makes me angry but also laugh at the same time. I can’t help it. He tries to hold his frown, but as soon as I start to snicker, he relaxes his shoulders slightly and puts his arm around me, sighing.

“You are more like me than you realize, Lil. Lord help the man you finally choose to marry. He’s going to be either very patient or more controlling and stubborn than I am, and that’s saying something. You’re going to keep him jumping, that’s for sure. Now, can I go and see my girlfriend please, Princess Lilly?” He leans down and kisses the top of my head as the bags start to come around the carousel. I know, being my brother, he will attend to my suitcase and then will complain about how heavy it is as we make our way to the taxi stand.

“You might think I’m hard work, but I pity Zara too. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re just as big a pain in the ass as I am, so suck it up and let’s get moving.” I feel the deep laugh that is rattling his chest against my body. This is what Grant and I do. We are constantly at each other, pushing buttons, as only a brother and sister can get away with. Regardless, I know he will always be there for me and I love him for just being him, in all his controlling ways. That’s what family does, loves each other despite the flaws.

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