Page 3 of Whatever You Need

There really wasn’t much more for me to do other than gather my things and get the hell out of there. The hot cop quickly moved to the side as I walked into the living room. A whiff of his cologne caught up with me as I passed by. It took every ounce of self-restraint to keep my feet moving in the opposite direction. I wasn’t a stranger to Armani cologne, but for some reason it smelled better on him than anyone else. I wanted to go to the nearest store and buy a bottle to take home with me.

Parker was in the other room exchanging information with Officer Peterson, while the man who had me flustered followed closely behind me. I grabbed my black pea coat off the couch and nervously smoothed down the scarf once it was buttoned. I felt his presence at my back while I studied the floor for a long awkward moment. Hoping the uncomfortable silence would pass, I squared my shoulders and spun around to face him.

“Thank you both for coming to my rescue so quickly. I’m sure you have much more important things to do,” I said, hoping he picked up on the sincerity in my voice. I was embarrassed beyond belief. There were probably people out there who really needed their help, but they had to take this stupid call instead.

“No thanks needed. It’s our job and we are happy to help.” His eyes had a certain sparkle to them that I hadn’t noticed in the other room. Now that he was standing in front of me, I could see his face more clearly. “Plus, it’s a slow night, so you didn’t take us away from anything important. Unless you consider choosing between the glazed and jelly doughnuts we were about to buy. I just happened to be with Peterson when the call came through.”

I laughed, feeling the mood in the room shift. I wasn’t sure if that was meant to be a cop joke or what, but it was enough to relax my shoulders. And apparently, feeling less tense sent words flying from my mouth before I had time to think them through. “Well, from what I can see, you can afford to indulge yourself every once in a while.”

My eyes widened. Did I really just say that? I sounded like an idiot. I was making a complete fool of myself.

He shoved his hand in his pocket and stared down at his dress shoes. He seemed so calm and collected while I wished I could forget this night ever happened.

I took an uncomfortable step back, thinking that a little distance would help me regain my bearings. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” My entire face burned with embarrassment. “I just meant that you appear to be in great shape, but I’m sure a doughnut of two won’t change anything.”

Jesus, take the wheel! This was the worst first impression ever.

His lip twitched and I couldn’t help but stare at it. “Thanks. Keeping in shape comes with my job description. I don’t really have much of a choice.”

I nodded and did my best to keep myself from saying anything foolish. I’d already humiliated myself enough tonight. “That’s as good a reason as any.”

I slid my fingers inside my skin-tight leather gloves, hoping he didn’t notice how much they were shaking. The weight of his stare made me nervous. I could see where he would be very good at his job.

Raindrops started to streak against the windows, while a burst of thunder sounded from the sky. Great, could this night get any worse? I glanced at the time on my iPhone and checked my Uber app. It said the driver Jorge was two minutes away.

“Well, I should probably get going.” I held up my phone. “I appreciate all the help tonight.”

“Wait,” he called out as I reached the door. “Are you sure you have a safe ride home?”

He moved closer to me without even realizing it. Maybe it was just my imagination, but he seemed just as affected as I was. His close proximity was making it hard to ignore those butterflies that kicked around in my stomach.

I jumped when my phone dinged with a notification.

“That’s my ride, and yes, it’s safe.” I held up my phone, letting him know that my driver was outside waiting for me.

“Okay.” I watched the thick cords of his neck move as he swallowed. For some reason, I was noticing every little detail about him. “Because I don’t mind giving you a ride home.”

It seemed like he didn’t want me to leave. Could he feel the chemistry between us too?

You’re just imagining it, Amelia. He’s just doing his job.

“I’m fine, but thank you for the offer. Have a good night, Officer.”

Regret hit me the second I stepped outside. I’ve never been this affected by a man before and this felt like a missed opportunity on my part. I was torn between wanting him to drive me home and grateful that I turned him down. Temptation and distractions were something I didn’t have time for.

A part of me wished that we had met under normal circumstances. One where I could give him my number and maybe go on a date. But it was pointless to even fantasize about things like that.

Sheets of rain coated the street as I carefully navigated through the muddy puddles so my feet wouldn’t get soaked. It was just my luck that my Uber was parked three doors down on the opposite side of the street. Once I reached the waiting car, I slid inside and convinced myself that refusing his offer was for the best.

---