“Does anyone have popcorn?” a third called.

Matters were deteriorating by the moment.

The worst part was he couldn’t regret the kiss. It may have started as “practice,” yet it quickly delved into something far more substantial, infinitely more intense. Something sparked when their lips met. Passion and fire, a sensual onslaught. Yet it was more than physical desire, more than basic need. It just seemed right.

Yet the consequences were alarming:

The spectators were smiling in glee.

The officer was fingering his handcuffs.

Adrianna folded her arms across her chest.

He cringed. “I really am sorry, officer.”

The officer looked at him for a moment more, before breaking into a smile. “I can’t say it hasn’t happened to me once or twice. Next time, go somewhere a little more private.”

Dominick let out a breath of relief. “Will do.” The officer handed him back his license, and the audience departed, some with audible groans. Silently, Dominick raised his window and started the car.

His passenger said nothing as they drove out of the parking lot and back onto the highway. The silence continued as they drove the first mile, and then the next five. Finally, just after they glided through the toll booth express lane, Adrianna said quietly, “What did the officer mean back there?”

His hands tightened on the butter leather wheel. “I’m sorry?”

“When he asked if it was really you.” Her scrutiny burned hot against his neck. “It was almost like he recognized you.”

Not good.He forced a grin. “That’s impossible. I haven’t been on the cover ofMastermind Criminals Quarterlysince July.” He had, however, been featured on CNN, among a dozen other news websites and channels.

She laughed, but it resonated as falsely as his smile. “Why would he ask something like that?”

“There could be many reasons.”The main one being he was a celebrity in disguise.“Perhaps he didn’t think I looked like my picture. Maybe he thought I had a fake ID, which I don’t.” He kept his eyes on the road, switching into cruise control. “What else could it be?”

She studied him for a moment, then lifted her chin. “I have an idea. Show me your driver’s license, and I’ll tell you if it looks like you.”

“Absolutely not.”

She gaped, as he bit back an oath. Obviously, he couldn’t show her a driver’s license with his real name, yet he hadn’t planned on being so adamant. “I’m sorry. It’s just if you see it, you may think differently of me.” True, yet not for any reason she’d ever imagine.

“It can’t be that bad.” As expected, she misinterpreted the motive behind his protest. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” She sucked in a breath of air. “You know what I meant. I wasn’t referring to… to…”

This time his smile was genuine. “What exactly were you–”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Nick Walters.” She crossed her arms over her chest, but her eyes sparkled. “Now you have to say yes.”

He sobered immediately. “I’m afraid not. It’s just a little too… shocking.”

She was silent for a moment. “That bad, huh?” The words were said lightly, yet an edge tinged them. “Perhaps one day you’ll trust me.”

Perhaps one day he would. She asked no more, yet he did not mistake her silence for acceptance.

Did she suspect he was not as he seemed?

* * *

“Everything will be fine.”

That was a lie.

“All will go smoothly.”