Page 65 of Guarded Deputy
The man is gorgeous, but besides that, he’s interesting. I’ve seen him working with the kids and despite his hesitation at first, he’s great with them. From what I hear, the high school students are also happy to have him.
“Are you gonna keep staring at me?” His lips twitch, and I snap my head to the front and hope like hell he doesn’t see my blush. “I don’t mind.” He reaches for my chin and tilts my head, briefly making eye contact. “Go on, look at me.”
“I wasn’t staring,” I reply lamely.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed with me.” Nate chuckles arrogantly, and I roll my eyes. “If you were the one driving, I sure as hell would be staring.”
My heart leaps at his words, and I look at him with a soft smile.
“Really?” I ask because he doesn’t seem like that kind of guy to stare at a woman.
“Yup. In fact, I think we should switch places and you can drive so I can take you in.”
I shake my head with a grin at his ridiculousness and look out the window, noticing we’re almost at House of Pies.
Nate is bringing out all the big guns on this date, and I know I won’t be able to resist his charms. I already feel like I know a lot about him based on our notes and yet there’s still more to discover. I hope he’ll give me the chance to get to know all of him.
Chapter 19
Lizzy
Afterquicklygrabbingthepizza, Nate drove off to this secret location. The truck rocks as he drives down a path that opens up to the ocean.
“Wow,” I breathe out as I lean forward on the dash when I see the crescent moon’s reflection on the water. “So you brought me to Emerald Bay’s make-out spot, huh?” I glance over at him.
“What?” His eyes widen as he turns the car to park in reverse so the bed of the truck is facing the water.
Laughing, I shake my head and open the door. “People come here for a reason.” I wink and try to gracefully step down from the truck, but there’s no way to be graceful climbing down this monster. I end up hopping down, my skirt flowing around me. A light breeze sweeps over me and the scent of the ocean fills my senses.
“I had no idea,” he defends as he comes around to my side of the pick-up.
Thankfully, no one is here, and we’ll get our privacy.
“How would you know?” I smile. “I’m only half-kidding, although teens do come here to make-out.”
“Is that what you want?” He grunts, wrapping his arms around my waist and tugging me toward him.
My breath catches at his unexpected movement, and I place my hands on his biceps. Looking up at him, I want to beg him to kiss me, but we can’t base our relationship on how compatible we are in that department. I want to know his heart.
“Maybe later. I’m hungry.” I smirk and squeeze his biceps before taking a step back or I’ll jump him right here.
“This place is beautiful.” I look out at the peaceful water.
It’s not quite a beach like he described it, but the water is a few feet away with some rocks and grass separating it, and we’re near the entrance to the state park.
“I’m glad you like it. Come on.” He opens the back door and grabs the pizza box from the seat.
I follow him to the rear and widen my eyes when I see that the bed of the pickup truck is covered in a thick blanket.
“We can sit on the ground if you prefer,” Nate says.
“This is perfect.” I look in awe when I realize there are some pillows and a cooler, too.
He places the pizza on the dropped tailgate and smirks, grabbing my waist. Nate lifts me until I’m sitting on the edge, but instead of moving back, he stays rooted between my legs, staring into my eyes.
His hands flatten against my body, moving slightly to my back. It tickles, but I’m more engrossed in the way his eyes shine. Involuntarily, my legs squeeze around his hips, and he smiles. My body heats, flames licking my skin as time stands still.
“Thank you,” I finally say with a smile and reach up to comb my fingers through his hair.