There’s a warning note in Matthew’s voice, but I ignore it as I continue. “Yes, he installed an automatic light for me the other day so I don’t have to come home to a dark house after a long shift.”
“Did he now?” Sheriff’s eyes narrow even further. “Well, you can never be too safe.”
“That’s what he said too. It was very nice of him to do it, so I wanted to thank him with some brownies. I hope that’s okay?”
Once again his gaze darts to Matthew, who’s been standing here like a statue—shoulders stiff, lips pressed in a tight line.
“I guess so. Just don’t take too long. He has work to do.” He nods. “Say hi to your parents. I hope to see your dad at our poker night this week.”
“Of course. I’m sure he’ll be there.”
He nods, glancing between the two of us once more before turning around. And for the first time, I notice that we’ve drawnthe attention of the few officers in the building as well. All of them curiously watching our interaction.
Shifting my attention to the man next to me, I gently wrap my fingers around his stiff ones. He grasps them tightly, squeezing for dear life. “Walk me out?”
Matthew puts the box on the nearby table before letting me pull him out of the building with me.
I walk to the side before turning around to face him. Some of the tension has left him, but I can still see the darkness shining in his eyes.
“You didn’t have to do that,” he mutters quietly.
“I did.” I give his hand a squeeze. “We have a deal, remember?”
“Right.” Matthew huffs and runs his free hand over his face. “A deal.”
I tilt my head to the side. “You okay?”
“Fine.”
His tone is clipped, almost detached.
I hate seeing him like this.
This… defeated.
I place my free hand on his chest and smooth it over his firm muscles. Matthew’s gaze zeroes in on me.
“What are you doing?”
My tongue darts out, wetting my lips. “Do you think they’re watching us?”
“Probably.”
His gaze holds mine before it falls to my mouth.
My lips part, throat bobbing.
I swear I can feel his gaze on me like a physical touch. I graze my teeth over my lower lip.
Matthew slides his fingers under my chin, tugging it down and making my lip pop out.
“Good. Let them watch.”
After all, that’s the point.
Before I can give myself time to change my mind, I lift onto the tips of my toes. Matthew’s eyes widen as I close the distance between us, my lips brushing against his smooth cheek before pulling back. Surprise is shining on his face, his eyes dark with heat.
I shove him teasingly against the chest as I walk backward. “Go back to saving lives, Officer.”
