Page 3 of Cop-Off

“This is you pretending?” There was no full-blown smile this time, but there was definitely a lip twitch.

The man was so frigging infuriating. And not just because everything that came out of his mouth annoyed her. Up close, he infuriated her in a whole new way. That boyish messy brown hair that stuck up at the front. Perfectly trimmed beard that was just the right length, not too long and not too short. Freaking honey hue eyes. And let’s not forget the clean, crisp scent of bergamot wafting up her nostrils. Apparently evil came wrapped in a nice package.

What a waste.

“This is me not throat punching you, McBride.”

He was the one who took a step forward this time. Personal space officially invaded. His manly musk made it hard for her to swallow. At least she hoped it was his cologne. “Is that all you want to do to me, kitten?”

Was the man seriously flirting with her?

She got her answer when his head dipped and all she could see was molten heat darkening his gaze. Maybe this was his sick idea of foreplay. Had he been flirting the whole time?

She stood frozen, racking her brain as minty breath hit her lips. Okay, now she was confused. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about whether he was going to kiss her? And why did a part of her want him to do it?

That’s it. First thing on Monday, you’re looking for a therapist.

All she could hear was their breathing. All she could see was the black in his eyes.

Just when his mouth did the unthinkable and grazed her lips, the sound of heavy footsteps hit them both like a lightning bolt. She jerked back, still in a state of confusion when, all of a sudden, things got a lot more complicated.

“Dad! Dad!” A young boy hurtled across her new wooden floors and collided with Cody’s legs. Cat watched in fascination as the boy began curling his little arms around him and throwing his head back in order to get a better view of his father. He was actually looking at Cody with adoration.

Should I call child services?

“Mrs Molly said that if I’m good you’ll let me have ice cream tonight.” The little boy grinned. “And I was good all day! You can ask Mrs Molly! So, can we have ice cream tonight? I want cookies and cream. Can I have cookies and cream?”

“We’ll see.” Cody squeezed him tight before turning the boy to face her. “Dylan, this is Cat. Cat, this is my son, Dylan.”

She hadn’t ever seen him look like this. It was almost as if he was nervous. Maybe he thought she really was going to call child services. Or worse, call him a dick in front of his kid.

Surely not?

“Hi, Cat. I like your name. I want a cat but Dad’s allergic.” Damn this kid was cute. Even if he was the spitting image of his dad.

“Thanks, I like your name too.” She softened her tone and tried her best to offer up her warmest smile. It was hard with Cody so nearby. “You like cats, huh? Have you met Mrs Tucker’s cat? He’s awesome, I met him the other day. I bet Mrs Tucker wouldn’t mind if you wanted to visit and play with him. Since your dad is allergic and all.”

Dylan’s head snapped back up to Cody. “Can I, Dad? Can I?”

“Sure you can, little man.” He was eyeing her curiously now. And she didn’t like it. It made her want to run away. Which was silly because he was the one standing in the middle of her front room. If anyone was going to leave, it should be him.

“When? When can we go? Can we go today? Before we get ice cream? Dad. Dad. Dad.”

Watching the interaction between the two of them was mesmerising. She couldn’t look away. Suddenly she saw him in a whole new light. He was a dad. Apparently a good one. Who knew?

Her brain was having trouble processing it all. None of it made sense. Why was he such a dick to her? Especially when this version of Cody had been lurking beneath the surface all along. She’d much prefer to hang out with this guy.

Minutes later, as if her life had become some sort of sitcom, another person appeared in her home. An older woman. Mrs Molly, she assumed.

How are these people getting in? Do I need to change the locks or something?

“Sorry, Cody.” She huffed. “We were just at the store and he wanted to stop by and say hello.”

“It’s no problem, Molly.” Cody once again looked at her with an unreadable expression and then quickly back to the olderwoman. “I don’t know if you guys have met yet, but this is Cat. She’s new in town. She’s a friend of Libby’s.”

And you’re standing in her apartment.

Maybe her life was a sitcom. It would explain the constant laughing track.

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