I put my nose to the delicate blossoms. “Let me put these in water before we go.”
I retrieved a vase, and TK sniffed at the flowers. She batted at them while I set to arranging them. Hayden plucked a sprig of baby’s breath from the bouquet and twirled it over her head to keep her entertained.
“These are lovely.”
“I’m glad you like them.” With a secret smile Hayden fingered the fragile white petal of a flower.
I planted a kiss on his cheek. “I like this, too.” I circled the buttons on his dark gray shirt. He had on black pants and a black jacket. He looked like danger personified even though his only signs of rebellion were his piercings and his hair.
“Me taking you out or my shirt?” He watched as I traced the circumference of each button from his chest down.
“Both.”
“It’s just a dress shirt.”
“But I know what’s under it.”
When I reached the waist of his pants, Hayden grabbed my wrist to prevent me from going any lower. “Keep it up and you’re going to ruin my plans.”
“Sorry.” I gave him a swift kiss on the lips. “I’ll be a good girl and keep my hands to myself.”
“I don’t know if you have to take it that far . . .”
I wriggled out of his embrace and bolted for the door. I hightailed it down the stairs to his car, which was standing with the four-ways flashing in the No Parking zone, and jerked on the door handle. Of course it was locked.
“There’s nowhere to run,” he said, low and menacing, as he advanced on me.
I spun around and squealed as he trapped me against the side of the car, barricading me in. And I thought I would be safe once we were outside.
He pinned me with his hips and I felt him, through the silky fabric of my dress and the heavy layer of my wool coat. I’d missed the playful side of him; he’d been so cautious with me lately.
“I planned to wait until after dinner for this, but right now the hood of my car looks pretty appealing,” he growled against my throat.
“It’s not very private,” I argued, shifting my hips, nervous excitement making my stomach clench.
“Like I give a fuck.” One of his hands slid down the outside of my thigh, and he pulled me closer.
A throat cleared to our right. Hayden released me and turned his head. I stared at his jacket, red flooding my cheeks.
“Good afternoon, Officer,” he said smoothly. The car chirped and Hayden took a step back, opening the passenger door as he did so.
“Mr. Stryker.”
At the sound of Officer Cross’s voice I glanced over. He gave me a tight smile. “Are you all right, Miss Page?”
“Hi, Officer Cross,” I replied, mortified. “I’m fine.”
“It’s Collin, sweetheart.” He turned his attention back to Hayden. “This is a No Parking zone.”
“We were just on our way out.”
Hayden pressed his fingertips against the base of my spine, like he wanted me to get in the car. I wasn’t capable of movement, though; I was too caught up in the memory of Hayden’s last altercation with Officer Cross.
“That’s a sixty-dollar fine.” Officer Cross’s hand rested on the butt of his gun.
“You can write me a ticket if you want.” Hayden placed the keys in my palm, closing my hand around them. “Why don’t you start the car, kitten? It’s cold, and you’re shivering.”
Unable to look at Officer Cross, I dropped into the passenger seat. Hayden closed the door with a quiet click. I leaned over and slid the key into the ignition, turning the engine over. It came to life with a guttural rumble. Music blared through the speakers and I fumbled to turn it down. Hayden’s hand rested on the hood of the car, his fingers tapping restlessly.
I couldn’t hear what either man was saying, but Officer Cross kept glancing through the windshield at me. After what seemed like forever, he ripped a piece of paper from his pad and Hayden snatched it from him, rounding the front of the car, mouth pressed in a thin line.
Officer Cross rapped on my window. I rolled it down. “You’re better than that, Miss Page. Have a little self-respect,” he said, his disapproval blatant.
I blanched, stunned by his audacity. Hayden wrenched open his door and folded into the driver’s seat.
Officer Cross plastered on a fake smile. “You kids have a nice afternoon. Drive safe.”
Hayden tossed the ticket on the dash and yanked his seat belt across his chest. He threw the car into gear as Officer Cross stepped away. I hastily fastened my own seat belt, grabbing the door handle as he screeched around the corner. He made three more turns and pulled over, slamming the car into park. He was out of his seat and over me before I could blink, eyes fiery with anger and desperation.
“Mine.” One hand fisted in my hair and the other slipped under my dress. “Mine, mine, mine,” he snarled, kissing me fiercely.