Page 18 of Cop-Off

“You okay?” Zach’s voice echoed around the cab.

He glanced over to see his friend staring at him, a knowing look on his face. Great.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just hungry.”

Striking his friend’s bullshit meter didn’t feel great, but what else was he supposed to say?No, I’m not okay. I’m freaking the hell out ‘cause I’ve only ever been with one other woman my entire adult life and I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.Yeah, he was sure that would go down like a lead balloon with his nine-year-old in the car.

“Dad?”

“Yeah, little man?”

“Would you rather be a fish or a worm?”

Cody fought back a smile. It was that time of the day. The ‘would you rather’ time. Bring it on. For once, it was a welcome distraction.

Ten minutes later, when they finally pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, even Cody’s belly was rumbling. It had been a long morning.

Libby was already there when they arrived. He spotted her a mile off in the yellow cushioned booth at the far end of the room. The closer they got though, the more he squinted. She wasn’t alone. A shock of black hair was peeking out of the booth.

Shit.

It was a trap. An ambush. His eyes flicked to Zach, who was purposefully pretending he hadn’t felt Cody’s death stare sink into the side of his head.

The closer they got, the sicker he felt. But it wasn’t until those captivating, bright eyes turned on him that he thought he was going to puke. She had no idea either. That was clear by her gasp, and then by the look she shot Libby.

“Hi guys,” Libby beamed, disregarding the impending danger. “How was fishing?”

Dylan took that as his cue to start listing off all the fish he’d seen today. Cody caught Cat’s gaze and took the opportunity to mouth ‘sorry’. Instead of her usual eye roll or glare, she offered him a small smile. But it was a sad one.

Goddamn. I’ve fucked things up already.

The idea of her being upset in any way or for any reason was bad enough. But if there was a chance it was his fault, it would be like a dagger to the heart.

“Zach told me how good you are at air hockey.” Libby was still talking to Dylan. “I noticed there’s a table in the back, wanna go check it out? Maybe have a game before we eat?”

Dylan’s attention went straight to him, big brown eyes up and seeking permission. One nod was all it took before he was racing across the restaurant toward the play area. Libby and Zach were following closely behind. Subtle. Cat seemed to think so too.

Taking Libby’s seat, he slid into the booth opposite Cat, his eyes never leaving hers. Studying her. Trying to get a read on her.

“I should’ve known she was up to something. She gave me way too many compliments on my outfit,” she grumbled into her glass.

Letting his gaze roam for a second, words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. “You do look un-fucking-believable today, sweetheart.”

And she did. It was rare she was in anything other than jeans. But today, she was back in the shorts she’d tormented him with at the barbecue and a thin green vest. So thin, he could see the black bra she had on under it.

His eyes returned to her face just in time to register the surprise written all over it. For once, she was tongue tied. Shedidn’t even attempt a reply, which meant he was on his own, winging it. Perfect.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call,” he rushed out. “I meant to but, shit, the truth is...I didn’t know what to say.” He dragged his hand through his hair. Probably in search of his brain. “I don’t know how to do this. I don’t even think I know whatthisis. But I guess I want it to be something. If you want it to be too?”Wrap it up man. You’re babbling.“But it’s okay if you don’t. I guess that’s why I’m supposed to call...to ask you that?”

Jesus Christ, Cody. Shut the hell up.

Could he sound anymore pathetic?

“God. You really are bad at this, aren’t you?” He’d never been so happy to see those blue flames light up again. Even if they were accompanied by an insult.

“Yeah, kitten, I am. Wanna give a guy a break and help me out?”

She made him wait of course, taking a long slurp of her soda before putting him out of his misery.

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