Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 614(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 614(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Finn hopped out of the piece of shit SUV and rushed around to the passenger side to open the door for her. “Sorry it isn’t fancy, but it’s efficient.”
A total fucking lie because it wasn’t even that, but he didn’t give a shit if it was or wasn’t since he wasn’t footing the bill to fill the gas tank. However, he’d prefer to pick her up in his own damn vehicle or on his bike. Unfortunately, that was impossible since the Kia was registered to one Danny O’Neill, while his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was registered to the real Daniel Finnegan.
Unfortunately, for every minute he had to drive that Kia Soul, he swore he lost one more piece of his own fucking soul.
Keeping one hand on the car door, he said, “I’m surprised you didn’t want me to meet you at the diner.”
She lifted her bare shoulder. Well, not completely bare since it was the arm covered in a full black and gray sleeve. With the sweater’s wide neckline, he could now see that the detailed flowery tattoo also extended over her shoulder cap.
He closed his eyes and drew in a slow breath to fight the urge to lean in and trace every one of those damn flowers with his tongue. Not only would licking someone he’d just met make things a bit awkward between them, it might get him slapped in the face or kneed in the nuts.
While settling in the passenger seat, she answered, “It’s only down the road.”
“Do you normally get in vehicles with strangers?”
When she froze in the middle of pulling the seat belt across her torso, her head spun toward him and her blue-green eyes widened. With a grin, he slammed the door closed before she could escape.
He jogged around to the driver’s side and climbed in, shutting them in together.
As soon as he did, she murmured, “With that comment, you’re making me rethink this.”
“Don’t. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Said the spider to the fly.” Her chest rose and fell as she took a deep breath.
This was not a good start to their dinner date. He shouldn’t have planted any doubt in her mind. “Would you be more comfortable taking your own vehicle? I won’t be insulted if you do. I get it.” And, believe me, I’ve seen some shit with my job and that’s the reason why that comment slipped out before I could stop it.
Of course, he had to keep that last part to himself. She couldn’t know he was a cop with the Southern Allegheny Regional PD. Just like he couldn’t reveal he was a temporary federal officer gathering evidence of drug dealing with the very MC that bought her strip club.
At least, not yet.
He wanted to use tonight’s dinner to get to know her better and to see if she’d be a good candidate for becoming a CI. But tonight wasn’t all about business. He selfishly wanted to know more about her for himself.
For fuck’s sake, he wanted to know everything about her. And he hoped to fuck she wasn’t involved in the Demons’ dirty dealings.
She sighed. “It would be nice to live in a world where women didn’t have to worry about their damn safety twenty-four/seven.”
“I won’t argue that. I saw an online discussion asking women what they’d do if the Earth was devoid of men for a day.” Even as a cop, the answers were eye-opening.
“If that happened, the whole day would be heaven on Earth. We would relax and do things we normally wouldn’t. We shouldn’t have to be on the defensive all the time.”
“Again, I agree. I’m sorry life’s like that for you and other women.” Even though part of his job was to help protect citizens in his PD’s jurisdiction, it wasn’t always possible. “Should I start driving or do you want to drive separately?” Despite the interior of the Kia being dark, he could feel her staring at him. He glanced over at her. “I want you to be comfortable.”
After a few seconds, she nodded. “The diner’s only about five minutes away. Do you have any nefarious plans for me within the next five minutes?”
He fought the twitch of his lips. “I promise going fifteen miles per hour above the speed limit and not using turn signals is as bad as it’s going to get.”
She grabbed the door handle like she was about to jump out. “Well, damn, you just proved you’re a psycho.” When she laughed, her whole face lit up.
His grin matched hers. “How about if I use my turn signals and keep it to five above?”
“I can deal with that.”
He nodded and shifted into Drive. “You’ll have to direct me to where we’re going.”
“There aren’t too many places around here open past nine, so take a left onto 119. Do you know where Walnut Hill Cafe is?”