Oh no.
Bea sees him and groans. "Kill me now."
"Too late to turn around?"
"Way too late." But she's smiling as she unbuckles. "Thanks for the ride, Seth."
"Anytime."
She opens the door, and Ben's voice carries across the yard. "Well, well, well. Deputy Monroe bringing my sister home. In a patrol car." He's walking toward us now, that shit-eating grin getting wider. "Did he put you in handcuffs, Bea? How kinky."
My face erupts in flames. "I—we weren't—that's not?—"
Bea groans. "Oh my god, Ben."
"What? I'm just asking important questions." He leans against my car, looking way too pleased with himself. "So, Seth. Give her a proper escort home? Lights and sirens?"
"Your sister needed a ride," I manage. "That's all."
"Mm-hmm. That's all." Ben's eyes are dancing with amusement. "Sure thing, buddy."
"Ignore my brother," Bea tells me, shooting Ben a death glare. "He thinks he's hilarious."
"I am hilarious," Ben protests. "And I'm also going inside now before Bea murders me." He taps the roof of the patrol car twice. "Good seeing you, Seth."
"I hate you!" Bea calls after him, but he's already jogging up the steps, laughing.
She turns back to me, cheeks flushed pink. "I'm so sorry about him."
"It's fine." My face is still burning. "Brothers, right?"
"The worst." She hesitates, like she wants to say something else. Then just gives me a small wave. "Night, Seth."
"Night, Bea."
She heads up the walkway, and I wait until she's safely inside before pulling away.
The driveback to the station is quiet.
My patrol car smells like cinnamon and apples and warm omega. Every breath reminds me of her. Of the way she looked at me in the car. The way her scent changed when we were sitting at the overlook.
That moment before the radio crackled.
When her pupils were dilated and her lips were parted and the air between us felt electric. When she told me the kiss was "everything."
Would I have kissed her? If the call hadn't come through?
My hands tighten on the wheel.
Yeah. I think I would have.
And the terrifying part—the part that has my heart racing even now—is that I think she might have kissed me back.
Chapter 9
Bea
Honeyridge Falls looks like Christmas exploded all over it.
