Page 38 of Professional Consult

But judging by the annoyed look on her face, Lexi doesn’t seem to think so.

Would it be so bad to spend time with a beautiful woman inclined toward flirting?

The answer is yes. It’s a terrible idea that could lead to spiraling self loathing if my history gives any indication.

“I spent three hours searching through the woods for Old Lady Kline yesterday, and my bunions had a lot to say about that. If it’s alright with you, chief, I think I’d rather sit back at the precinct today.”

Barb plops down in her chair and begins typing. “I can always show her how to file more reports, although I’ll say this: she’s a shit admin.”

Lexi gives a small, “Humph,” crossing her arms over her chest and casting Barb a dirty look.

I grab my hat and a fully charged walkie tail. “Sounds good.”

“That won’t help me,” Lexi rushes out. “I need to do actual police work.”

“I’ve done more report filing as a police officer than I’ve done legwork,” Barb counters.

“Yeah, but my show isn’t going to have many scenes of me typing, and if it did, I’m pretty sure I’d ace that.”

Barb chortles. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. I’ve seen kindergarteners with better hand placement and more words per minute.”

Lexi looks away, shaking her head briskly as she mutters something underneath her breath.

I hate that I’m feeling so opportunistic. That this creates an excuse for me to spend time with her when I should be bending over backwards to prevent that from happening. I could call Josh right now and he’d be here in five minutes flat to train her up, but a defiant part of me refuses to give into sanity.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

Am I imagining the happy look on her face?

It could mean anything.

Her words haunt me.“That’s too bad because the role-playing I was doing in my head was far different.”

There is no doubt that I am very interested in the role-playing she’d alluded to. At best, she wants to fuck me…or maybe that’s actually the worst-case scenario, as I have a feeling that no matter how many times I take her, I’ll be left wanting more.

And we have all of two weeks together.

CHAPTER10

LEXI

Luke is an enigma.

Not the type of person who thrives on being mysterious because it gives them attention.

He’s a tough nut to crack and doesn’t want anyone to even try breaking through his shell.

Or, that’s what I had thought before his role-playing comment.

I tell myself it meant nothing. Last night, he’d come home with rotisserie chicken and sides, but chose not to eat at the table with me, and this morning he tried to pawn me off on Barb again.

But that comment leads me to believe there is something underneath his gruff exterior. Desire he doesn’t want to claim.

If I had to guess, it’s because he hates me more than he wants me. I don’t think he likes me being here, in his town, riding alongside him in his cop car. He doesn’t strike me as a misogynist, so it must be the Hollywood vibe he doesn’t like.

“Did that donut fill you up?”

“Yes.”