Page 3 of Forever and Always
Mrs. Smithson nods, and I sense a hint of relief in her voice. “Of course, Officer. I’ll have everything ready for you.”
As I turn to leave, I catch Bobby’s gaze once more. This time, I hold it a fraction of a second longer, and I could swear I see a flicker of attraction in his eyes.
Heading back to my cruiser, I try to shake off the thoughts of Bobby. My body reacts in ways it shouldn’t while I’m on duty, serving and protecting the people of Norton, MA.
As I drive back to the station, I watch the town go about its day—people busy with their lives and businesses. Norton is a small town, where gossip spreads like wildfire, and as a gay officer, I’ve learned to keep my personal life under wraps. But that wedding planner… there’s something about him that piques my interest.
I arrive at the station and head to my desk, hoping to dive into case files and distract myself from the lingering thoughts of Bobby. But my partner, Officer Rodriguez, notices my distraction.
“Hey, Darke, what’s got you preoccupied?” he asks, nodding toward the files. “You’ve been staring at the same page for ten minutes.”
I sigh, rubbing my temples. “Just a lot on my mind, Rod. This Smithson case is getting complicated.”
Rodriguez raises an eyebrow. “Complicated? Or is it that cute wedding planner who’s got you tied up?”
Norton is notorious for its gossip—people with too much time on their hands, eager to pry into others’ lives.
I shoot him a warning look, but he just chuckles. “Word travels fast, Darke. Someone at the estate noticed the way you looked at him. Don’t worry, I won’t spread it around. Yet.”
I shake my head. “Whoever it was, they were imagining things.”
But deep down, I know he’s right. Bobby has gotten under my skin, and I need to figure out why.
* * *
Later in the day, I get a call over the radio from a standby officer. “We’ve got a situation with a broken-down car. The driver needs assistance.”
“Can you identify the person?” I ask, keeping my tone steady. The officer describes the individual: male, mid-twenties, about five-foot-four, slim build, wearing glasses, and dressed in a business suit.
“Did you get a name?” I ask, a bit more gruffly this time. When he says “Bobby,” I almost drop the radio.
Bobby.
I can’t believe it—Bobby, the wedding planner, is the one with the broken-down car. A sudden surge of excitement and concern hits me.
Rodriguez, who’s overheard the conversation, walks by and gives me a knowing pat on the shoulder.
I clear my throat and press the radio button. “Officer, what’s the location?” I ask, doing my best to sound professional despite my racing heart.
The officer provides the address, and I quickly get into my cruiser, heading to the scene.
When I arrive, I spot Bobby standing beside his car, looking both frustrated and worried.
Stepping out of the cruiser, I approach him, keeping my expression neutral. “Bobby, what seems to be the problem?”
He looks up, and our eyes meet. I see a flicker of recognition and relief in his gaze.
“Officer! Thank goodness you’re here. My car just died on me, and I have no idea what’s wrong.”
I try to focus on the situation, but I can’t ignore how vulnerable—and undeniably attractive—Bobby looks in this moment. The sight of him stirs my cock, a tension that tightens beneath my uniform.
3
BOBBY
As the imposing but kind officer approaches, a swirl of emotions rushes through me—embarrassment, relief, and a hint of excitement. I try to compose myself, hoping to play it cool.
“Hi again, Officer… um, I’m so sorry, I don’t even know your name,” I say, feeling a bit awkward.
