Page 64 of Guarded Deputy
Her resounding laughter is the only response I get before she calls out goodbye and hangs up. With that image, I head to my apartment to get ready for my date. I promised myself I was going to enjoy my single status for a while and then a sexy deputy stormed into my life, making me throw that out the window.
“Hey,” Nate says when I open the door.
“Are you a stripper?” I spit out without thinking to break the ice and imitate our first encounter.
He laughs and shakes his head. “Nope, but I’m also not here on official duty.” He winks.
“Shame. I was looking forward to official stripping.”
Oh, my God. Shut. Up.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’m just…nervous and say the worst things.” I look away from Nate, who’s laughing at my expense.
“I like that you’re nervous. It means you care about tonight.” He reaches his hand out to grab mine, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“Of course I care.” I widen my eyes. “If I didn’t, you would not be here and I’d be in PJs watchingGilmore Girlsrepeats and eating cookie dough. Few things come between me and cookie dough.”
“I’m glad I fall under that category.” The crooked smile he gives me screams danger, and I’m about to hop on the ride without a seatbelt.
Mr. Hot (and Packing) Deputy is looking at me like I’m cookie dough. And I wouldn’t mind if he took a bite.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks after a moment of silence where I’m lost in fantasy-land.
“Yeah.” I step out of my apartment and lock up before walking toward his car together. I pause when I see the truck and smile. “I should’ve known a boy from Texas drove a pick-up truck.”
“I’m here to feed your Texas stereotypes.” He smirks.
“That’s not…” I shake my head. “I meant, you look like the guy to drive a big vehicle.” We get to his truck, and I pause, looking up at it, realizing just how high it is.
“I’m just teasing you, Lizzy.” He chuckles, opening the door for me.
“Well, teased I was.” Sometimes I question the things that come out of my mouth.
“Up you go. You think you can handle it, or do you need help?” He lifts an eyebrow in challenge.
“I’ve got this.” I lift my foot onto the step and grab a hold of the handle above the door, hoisting myself and settling in.
“Impressive.” Nate nods in approval and closes the door.
I admire his confident strides as he walks to the driver’s side. When he brushes his hand through his hair, I take in the defined muscles on his arms through the scrunched up sleeves of his Henley shirt. Not to mention, the shirt fits him tight in all the right places, stretching over his broad chest.
Nate is strong and masculine. Being around him makes me feel more feminine, more safe. It’s weird. I don’t need a man to make me feel beautiful and yet someone like Nate brings out this innate delicateness.
“Seatbelt.” His words break through my thoughts.
“Right. It’s always the first thing I do in a car.” I snap on my seatbelt and lean back on the cushion.
“I didn’t say it before, but you look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” I smile, running my hands down my dress. I opted for a flowy floral dress with cap sleeves that could be dressed up or down since I wasn’t sure where we are going.
“The other day when I was out for a run I found this secluded area near the beach. I thought we could go there and have a picnic. I promised I’d keep nosy people out of our date.”
“Quite romantic, Deputy.” I look over at him.
“I can be.” He nods, focusing on the road. “I ordered a pizza to pick up, so once I grab it we’ll be on our way.”
“Sounds good.” I sigh, listening to the soft hum coming from the engine and looking at Nate’s profile every so often. His nose has a slight bump, as if he got hit when he was younger and it didn’t heal properly. It adds character to his features.