Page 29 of Stella
I swallow hard, words don’t appear to be forming because now I’m thinking about Stella naked, wearing only that cut… or better… my police jacket. Fuck me.
“Stella,” I warn.
“What? We’re just two friends having a conversation. Talk to me.”
“If I talk to you, will you agree to stop drinking and go home?”
“Only if you drive me.”
I really don’t want to be at this club for a second longer. Clubs aren’t my thing. They used to be when I was younger and wanted to get laid, but that was a million years ago. Maybe I am, in actual fact, a big fucking bore, but I want to go home, too, and get back to my dog. Fucking pathetic, but this is my life.
“If I agree, you’ll tell your friends you know me and I’m taking you home, okay?”
“That sounds dirty.”
“Stella?”
“Oops,” she giggles. “Sorry.”
I gently let her hip go, but stay holding onto her shoulder so she doesn’t fall. “You ready?”
“You’re such a party pooper,” she sighs.
Little does she know I’m far from it. I know my limits and I’ve never been drunk since college. I don’t like it. Not being in control is one of my biggest fears, and drinking myself into oblivion won’t be rearing its head here anytime soon. But making sure she gets home safe is now my number one priority. Whether she likes it or not.
“Trust me, you’ll be thanking me in the morning,” I say. “Did you bring a purse?”
She shakes her head. “My phone and card are tucked into my skirt.” That has me dropping my eyes. I’ve no idea where she has it, but I take her word on that. Seeing my hesitation she adds; “Need to search me?”
I take a deep breath. “No, Stella, I don’t.”
“Pity,” I’m sure I hear her mumble.
If I get her out of this goddamn club and to my truck in one piece, it’ll be a goddamn miracle, but at least she’s being compliable.
Drunk Stella is pretty cute, but I’ve seen enough of her bratty behavior for one night. Time to get this princess home.
“Do you carry a gun when you’re not working?” Stella asks as I drive her to the bakery’s apartment.
“Why is that important?”
“Just making conversation.”
I sigh. “Yes, I’m always packing.”
Even though I’m driving, out of my periphery I see she gives me a once-over. “Where on earth do you hide it?”
I flick my eyes to hers for a millisecond. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“If I had to guess…” Her eyes drop further down to my crotch. “I’d have to say… You have a gun holster under that jacket.”
“You know what, Princess? A good cop doesn’t kiss n’ tell.”
“What if you’re a bad cop?”
Our eyes meet. “You’re askin’ for trouble.”
She purses her lips. “Are you flirting with me,Detective?”
