Page 17

I need to get out of here. And preferably back to my job.
How is this job so easy for everyone else?
Probably because they don’t kiss pretty strangers while on the clock.
“You know why,” I say, then swiftly turn. But for the small woman she is, she quickly rounds me, blocking my path forward.
“Oh, would you be referring to how you kissed me when you weren’t even my date?” She plants her hands on her hips.
“You kissed me back.”
She scowls. “I was offering instruction. You clearly needed all the help you could get.”
“Is that why you bit me?”
She raises up on her toes, getting as close to my face as she can. “Maybe you need another lesson!”
“Maybe I do.” Wait, what?
This woman is in my head. I better get a bulletproof vest before she gets into my heart as well.
I don’t want to be rude, but I’ve got to ditch her. If this was five years ago, and a woman as beautiful and feisty as Amelia had crowd-surfed her way to me, I might have fallen in love on the spot and flirted until I had her number and our first date already lined up. But I can’t. Not today, not ever.
I take a deep breath and turn myself into a cocky jerk. “Look, I’m flattered you were so smitten by me, but you’re not really my type.” The words taste awful coming out of my mouth.
Her eyes narrow, but only slightly, before a coy smile takes over her face. “I never said you were my type either. But I’d like an explanation and a name, and then you can be excused.”
There’s that sexy principal vibe again.
“I’ve already explained. I’ve got to go.” I step around her, but she mimics my movement and plants her hands on my chest.
My desire to leave evaporates like she stole it right from my body with her touch.
“Do you often shove women out of doors to get rid of them?” she asks, cocking her head to look into my eyes.
I arch a brow. “No, but it was quite entertaining. I might have to make it a regular practice.”
“And here I thought I was special.” Her fingertips trace lazy circles on my pecs, and I go still, struggling to draw in regular breaths. “Why did you kiss me?”
How hard is it to get rid of one woman? I bite the inside of my cheek, hating myself already. “Convenience.”
It’s impossible to miss the flash of hurt that crosses her features, but as quick as it comes, it’s gone. She fists my shirt and I clench my hands at my side, ignoring the instinct to take her down like I would if someone else grabbed me like this.
“You’re lying. To me, and yourself, Mr. Policeman.”
I purse my lips. “Perhaps you should consider why you feel distrustful of everyone.”
She scowls. “You want to kno—”
“There you are.” A kid with a pimply face and glasses appears beside Amelia. He doesn’t get so much as a glance from her though because her gaze is still fixated on me.
“I got you a drink.” He holds out a glass.
I’m not sure, but the substance smells a little like root beer. I wonder if this is the kid Cruz carded.
“Looks like your date has come to take you home.” I snicker at Amelia. “His mom must be waiting outside.”
She glares up at me. “He’s not my date.” Then she turns on the kid. “Derek, I’m as close to thirty as you are to puberty. I’m sorry but it’s not going to happen. My heart has already been pledged to this man.” She leans into me, resting her head on my chest possessively.