Page 63 of When Sparks Fly

I head back to my bike, bumping into anyone who crosses my path on the way. These people need to pay the fuck attention. In the parking lot, I spot her Jeep once again. The festival-goers have all vacated this area, which is good because this time I don’t think. I slam my entire arm against her window, which explodes in a shower of glass, before crossing the rest of the way to my motorcycle. I have half a mind to sit and wait, so I can see the expression on her face when she sees what’s happened.

Chapter 28

Maci

Sutton and I decide to load the Jeep and check out the festival for a bit. My photography slot was only scheduled for a portion of the day, and he won’t be able to haul out the trailer for a couple more hours.

The collapsible wagon full of props rolls behind him while I carry my camera bag. Sutton refuses to let me handle it all even though I did this morning. We cut across the closed street between a coffee shop and a bank on our way to overflow parking.

The Jeep beeps as I unlock it from the key fob and step down from the sidewalk and head to the back. My feet crunch and I look down instinctively to find the cause of the unexpected noise.

“What the fuck?” Bits of glass are scattered below my door. Snapping my eyes up to the window, I find it busted in. “Holy shit!”

Sutton pops around from the other side, hands empty. “What’s going— what the fuck?” His eyes scan the damage to my car and the surrounding glass.

Shaking my head incredulously, I assess the small lot. All the other vehicles seem to be intact. My eyes dart between cars as I hurry around the passenger side to put the camera bag in. I scan the interior, including the glove box and console. Nothing is missing. Not that I keep valuables in my car. I slam the door shut with more force than necessary.

“Yeah, it's the one labeled overflow parking.” Sutton hasn’t moved from his place near the driver-side door and is now on the phone. I mouth,who’s that?He mouths back,9-1-1.

Sutton’s voice is low and steady as he speaks to dispatch. I scan the exterior of my car. There’s no other damage.

He comes up behind me, placing both hands on my shoulders and pulling me against his chest. “Are you okay?”

“I’m pissed,” I hiss, and then take a breath, “but I’m okay.” My hand presses the bulky hidden pocket on the right side of my vest. It doesn’t matter. I was somewhere else entirely and what would it have done?

Sutton’s hands slide around my front and I slip my fingers over his, guiding them to settle on my hips. “They’re sending police this way.”

I turn in his hold to face him, grabbing onto his arms. His hands haven’t moved from my waist. His touch always has such a grounding effect on me.

“Thank you. I don’t know how long this is going to take. You can head out if you need to.”

His eyes turn furious. “Are you fucking crazy? I’m not leaving you alone. Someone bashed in your goddamned window.”

He’s never shown this side of himself, but then again, how well do we really know each other? I know he isn’t angry at me. I press my hands on his chest. “There’s nothing you can do.”

“It doesn’t matter. Until we figure out what happened here, you’re not leaving my side.” As if to punctuate his statement, his grip tightens on my hips as he pulls me closer to his body. I don’t know if it’s the sentiment or the touch stirring things inside me.

“I do not need a babysitter,” I say carefully. “I’m wound up, too, but seriously…I’ll make the report and go from there. Let’s not go overboard.”

“You are high as a kite if you think I’m letting you wander off alone after you’ve been targeted.”

I push back from him. “I don’t appreciate you acting like I can’t take care of myself and I float aimlessly through life. And who says I was targeted?”

He takes a large step forward, pressing me into the rear fender, and angles his head down. “I don’t think you’re helpless, Maci. In fact, I think you’re really damn strong. The fact remains that your vehicle was vandalized and I see that as an act of aggression on you. I happen to be fond of you. So you can consider me your personal ball and chain for the time being.”

I stare up at him. His eyes are gleaming, and as serious as he is, I can’t help but think it’s the most words he’s said at once. My heart does one of its stupid somersaults even though he’s being ridiculous.

“Fine.” My voice comes out scarcely above a whisper.

His shoulders relax minutely. “For the record, I was going to invite you over for family dinner tomorrow, but you don’t have a choice now.”

I can’t help the corner of my mouth tipping up at him. “Little early to meet the parents, don’t ya think?”

He gives me a look I can’t decipher, but we’re interrupted by a police cruiser pulling into the small parking lot. Sutton waves him down, giving me a pointed look. “You already know my mom.”

A man with skin that looks too smooth to have ever seen facial hair steps out of the car. His brown eyes land on Sutton immediately.

“Sutton.” The officer dips his chin in greeting and shakes Sutton’s hand as he approaches, then places his hands on his utility belt in that way officers often do. I’m not even a little surprised that they know each other. His gaze slides to me. “I’m Officer Callahan. Casey.”

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