“I gave you an orgasm so powerful it knocked you unconscious.”
The heat in her face spread like wildfire.He said the most outrageous things.He liked to shock her, but there was always that nip of truth.This time it stung more than the fingers pinching at her bottom.
He soothed the pinch with a caress, and the air on the porch turned sexually charged.
“Next time, you can set the pace,” he said.“But remember.When Prince Charming kisses Sleeping Beauty, she’s supposed to wake up.”
Maxie’s mouth went dry.There was going to be a next time?And he expected her to take the lead?
He eased away from her.“Damn, but you make it hard to go.”
“You really have to leave?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”His gaze slid over her, snagging on the outline of her nipples under the cotton shirt and again where her thighs were rubbing together.“But do me a favor, would you?Put some clothes on around that guy.”
“Who, Cam?”She tugged at the hem of her shirt but stopped when the fabric pulled even tighter over her breasts.
“The hatchet man, yes.”
She let out a scoff.“He’s hung up on Lexie.Anyone can see that.”
“Yeah, I see it, but let’s try not to confuse him.Okay?Because if he gets toocuddlywith you, I might have to find my gun.”
Chapter Eight
The day was going to be a scorcher.The sun was still low on the horizon, but it beat on the back of Zac’s neck as he walked from his Jeep to the station house.The humidity had lowered overnight, but it was getting ready to pounce again.He let himself in through the back door and savored the coolness of the air conditioning.The situation with Maxie was getting more and more tangled, but there were things he had to do here.
He was sheriff of a small town that was having a major event.It may be centered on family fun and wholesome entertainment, but it also meant a cluster of people would be packed into one place.That could cause problems right there, but with this heat?Tempers could flare.People could suffer heat stroke.He needed to check in and make sure he’d put enough coverage on the streets.
Then he could get back to his rapidly evolving love life, if that was what was truly happening.
He spotted one of his sergeants at the water fountain.“Hot enough out there for ya, Dodd?”
The older man was one of the most experienced on the force, but he looked weary as he stood upright.He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.“It’s like one of them fancy-ass saunas, Sheriff, and I hate them things.”
“Me too, but I’m about to head back out into it.I’m off duty, but I’ll be at Park Art if anyone needs me.”
Dodd grimaced.“Why head out there today of all days?A sane person would stay inside where there’s air conditioning.”
“Are you saying I’m not sane, Sergeant?”
“It was a metaphor, sir.”
Sure, it was.Zac grinned.The man was probably right.He hadn’t been in his right mind since Maxie had fainted into his arms.“Let’s just say I got an offer I can’t refuse.”
“Ah, the Miller girl.”
Zac lifted his head, his attention darting away from the duty roster.
Dodd let out a chuckle.“Word’s gotten around that you were seen with her down at the Indigo Iguana last night.In fact, three of her, whatever the hell that means.”
“We had dinner with some friends.”He left it at that.It still surprised him how people’s lives were considered open books here.In Chicago, he’d gotten so used to protecting his private life, hiding it so nobody could find it, that it had nearly disappeared.With his job, there’d been no other option, not if he’d wanted to reduce the risk to his friends and family.Maxie was a hometown girl here, though, and people weren’t shy about poking around.It was going to take some adjusting.He just wasn’t sure what he should say about her visitors.That was her story to tell, when she wanted to tell it.
“She’s a sweetie pie,” Dodd commented.“Last April, I was a bit late in calling for flowers for Lorraine for our anniversary.Hell, I forgot, but Maxie didn’t.She had a bouquet already made up.I like that girl.”
“So do I,” Zac admitted.He liked her a lot.
“Easy on the eyes too, if you don’t mind me saying.”
