Page 92 of Guarded Deputy
I press my lips together and remain quiet. I once asked Dani if her hatred toward him was actually attraction and she practically bit my head off. I would very much like to keep my entire body intact, especially now that I’m dating Nate and would like to feel his hands and lips on me again.
Heat trails up my body, and I shake it off.
“Are you thinking about Nate again?” Dani laughs.
So much for trying to hide the direction my thoughts went in.
“No,” I lie.
“Right. And I secretly love my neighbor.” She rolls her eyes.
That’s questionable, but I keep it to myself. Instead, I finish my coffee and tell them about the science experiment I’m going to do this week and hear about the recipes Avery and Gabriel are creating for a new cookbook and the interview Dani has at the station with one of country music’s up and coming stars.
In another life, I want to work in the music industry to meet all these musicians, although I’d likely be a rambling mess unable to get a full question out. Just observing me with Nate is enough to tell that my social skills with people I like or admire is questionable.
Chapter 26
Nate
IseeLizzydownthe hall and smile. Looking around, I don’t see anyone else in the area so I pick up my pace. She looks over her shoulder and spots me with wide eyes. I’m not sure why she’d react that way, but I keep walking toward her. I’m about to wrap her in my arms and kiss her cheek when she shifts, and I see a young boy in front of her.
I put the brakes on my plan and wait a few feet behind her. Thank God she moved or it would’ve been really bad.
When she finishes talking to the boy and he leaves, she turns to me with crossed arms and a crooked smile.
“Hi.” I shuffle on my feet.
“Hi, Deputy Moore.”
“I didn’t realize you were busy.”
“I could tell. I heard your heavy footsteps.” She drops her arms and puts them in her pockets.
“I got distracted when I saw you and had a one-track mind.” I shrug unapologetically.
“At work?” She arches her eyebrow in challenge, and it takes everything in me not to grab her and kiss her.
“There was no one around.”
“Ah, but there was.” She smirks, cracking her authoritative mask.
“Can’t blame a guy for trying to kiss the woman he likes.”
“Very true.” She reaches her arm out and I take her hand, squeezing it. “How’s your morning been?”
“Boring because I haven’t seen you.”
She laughs and shakes her head, looking at me.
“You already won me over. The cheesiness could stop.”
“Cheesy? Me?” I look at her offended.
“Super cheesy. Like extra cheese pizza.”
“Babe, there’s nothing cheesy about my words. I speak the truth. Besides, a man should never stop wooing a woman, even if hewonher.“ I step closer and kiss the top of her hand.
Lizzy sighs with a soft smile. I have the urge to always make her feel like she’s wanted.