There’s no missing the innuendo in her whisper. “Depends on the situation.”
This close, her perfume is intoxicating. How is it that ten minutes ago, I was determined to be a proud friend, and now, I want more?
I shouldn’t have had that shot.
As if one measly tequila is the thing bringing me to my knees.
One of her curls falls onto her forehead, and I brush it off her flawless tawny skin.
“Proud of you,” I say.
She beams. “Say it again.”
I hold her gaze so she can’t miss it. “Proud of you.”
We hold the look a second too long—long enough for the noise of the bar to fall away.
The alcohol in her veins is making the rounds, and she scrunches her eyebrows together, a half-smile tugging at her mouth. “You think I’ll be any good?”
“Of course. I showed you the application, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, but…”
“Doesn’t matter what I think anyway…”
She cocks a smile that feels familiar. Too familiar. The same brand of flirting I used to pretend didn’t mean anything.
“It matters a little what you think.” Her voice is high and cute as fuck.
And just like that, we’re back here—balanced on the same thin line we used to call harmless because it was easier than calling it what it was. A fiery attraction neither of us could act on.
“Yes, Officer Johnson. I think you’ll be the best.” I don’thedge it.
“Good.” Her smile turns wicked. “Maybe you’d like a ride-along…off duty.”
I swipe my finger along my lip, expression steady even as something sharp twists under my ribs.
I wish she meant it.
“Name the time.” I play along because that’s what we do. “But we both know you’re just a honey trap.”
“Excuse me?” She beams at me, but her eyes are heavy with tequila. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re luring me in.”
“Luring you in for what?”
“I don’t know.” There’s a dare somewhere in my words. “You tell me.”
Her gaze drops to my mouth, and for the first time, I don’t try to hide it when mine does the same.
We stare at each other for a beat.
We’ve never stood here before. We’ve flirted around the edges, traded looks and jokes, but I never pushed. Never called her bluff like I was ready to move if she said go.
This is different.
This is dangerous.
