Page 204 of Hot Cops

Her mouth went dry and she licked her lips, trying to find the moisture to speak, to refute his insane comments. “It’s too soon,” she whispered. “There’s no way you can know we’re that compatible. Hell, this was only our first date.”

“You’re right—I can’t know for sure. That’s why I’m going to keep hanging out at Books and Brew. That’s why we’re going to keep dating. And that’s why I’m not coming upstairs tonight.”

She narrowed her eyes, confusion warring with the panic and disappointment in her chest until he pounded the final nail in her coffin.

“I’m not going to let you confuse what we have with lust. I’m in this for the long haul, for a relationship.”

CHAPTERSIX

Jarod walkedinto Books and Brew at exactly six o’clock on Thursday with his romance novel tucked under his arm. He grinned in anticipation, anxious to see Stephanie again. He’d thrown her for a loop the previous night. He’d seen it in her face when she’d quietly mumbled good night and got out of the car.

Knowing what a powerhouse she was, it appeared no man had ever stood up to her and given her a run for her money. He intended to change that, to keep her on her toes.

Jayne and Gladys lit up when they saw him walk in. Unfortunately, a quick glance around the bar confirmed Stephanie was nowhere to be seen. He knew she wouldn’t back out of this meeting. They’d struck a deal and while he was only just getting to know her, he had no doubt she kept her word. Pride wouldn’t let her stay away, even if that was what she truly wanted to do.

Gladys quickly ushered him to the table of women and Jarod suppressed a laugh. Obviously she was afraid he’d come to his senses at any moment and hightail it out of there. As Gladys and Jayne made the introductions, he politely said hello to the other eight women at the table. He gave up trying to remember names after the fifth woman shook his hand. All he knew was there were two Lisas and too many names that started with C.

“Do you want something to drink?”

He looked over his shoulder and found Stephanie standing there with a tray full of Screwdrivers.

“Is that the mandatory beverage?”

“For these ladies, yes. I’m having something much stronger.” He watched her place the glasses in front of the other participants. She put her drink down at a spot exactly across from him before walking around the table to stand next to him.

“What is that?” he asked, gesturing at her shot glass. “Tequila?”

“Yep. Patron. Figured it might make this book discussion a bit more bearable. Sure you don’t want one?” She leaned closer. “Or maybe you’d like another Party Naked?” Her words were softly spoken, the tone seductive, and they had the effect she’d intended. He was reminded of their clothing-optional sex fest last week. His cock twinged. Shit. She was getting revenge for him dropping her off at her door last night. This wasn’t going to end well.

Jarod looked around at the other women at the table. They were chatting amongst themselves, not paying any attention to Stephanie’s antics with the shot of liquor. They were all well aware she was there under duress.

He shook his head, refusing her offer of a drink. “Think I might need to keep my wits about me tonight.”

She winked at him and shrugged, before putting the tray down on a nearby table and taking her seat.

“Funny,” she said, lifting the glass to her lips, “that’s what I was trying to wipe out.” She downed the shot, eschewing the salt and the lime.

What a woman.

Jayne returned to the table. “I just called Denise and she has a sick kid at home, so she can’t come tonight. I think everyone’s already met our special guest, Jarod. He’s a local firefighter, ladies.”

Jarod winced as he recalled the lie he’d told the previous week. He’d forgotten to correct the mistake. Stephanie shrugged, indicating it was no big deal. They’d pull Jayne aside later to explain.

Jayne continued speaking, this time pointing to Stephanie. “And, miracle of miracles, our very own Stephanie has agreed to step out from behind the bar and join us as well. She’s assured me she’s made a very large pitcher of her world-famous Screwdrivers, so all Sophie has to do is pour them.”

The ladies cheered.

Gladys, seated on Jarod’s left, elbowed him lightly. “Thank the lord for that. Sophie is a little heavy-handed on the O.J. I like my ’drivers to have a kick.” She gave him a wicked wink and he laughed, wondering if the older woman was coming on to him. Glancing across the table, he caught Stephanie’s mirthful expression as she confirmed his suspicions.

Jarod was impressed with Jayne’s organization as she claimed the seat on his right. The book discussion progressed like a well-oiled machine, with Jayne asking thought-provoking questions. Each woman contributed something and many of them, like him, had highlighted passages of the book. He’d never participated in a book group, but he could definitely see the appeal. He’d always enjoyed reading, though his job didn’t leave him a lot of free time for it. He’d never picked up a romance novel prior to this one—his taste running more along the murder mystery and horror lines. He recalled Stephanie mentioning the mystery book group, and he made a mental note to ask Jayne more about it after the meeting.

A couple of times he was asked for the male perspective on certain sections, and he was happy to give his opinion on the plot points.

Carol piped up. “I guess what I’m wondering is if real men actually think the way the hero, James, did in the book?”

Jarod hated to burst Carol’s bubble. She looked genuinely hopeful. A quick glance at her hand confirmed she was single. At the same time, he felt like he needed to protect his male comrades as well. “I should point out that the story was written by a woman. There are a few times in the book when James went on and on about his desires. It didn’t sound very guy-like to me.”

“So men don’t talk about their desires?” Jayne asked.

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