“Is that answer enough?” he whispers against my lips before pulling away.
I want to ask him what the hell we’re doing and tell him no one can know about this because I’m pretty sure it’s not allowed, but instead I stay silent and lick my lips.
“Yeah, I guess it is.”
I haven’t gotten to where I am right now by following the rules, and I guess that’s not about to change.
He flashes me a grin and places some money down on the counter. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
I nod and let him lead me outside, hand in hand.
Lead.
I think that’s the key word here.
I let a man lead me.
I never expected Felix Banks to enter my life, but now that he’s here?
I think I might be all in.
SIX
“SO I have a confession to make,” Cara announces, crossing her legs and leaning back against the couch.
“Oh, good, because so do I,” I reply, rubbing my hands together in anticipation. “Hit me with it. What have you done this time?”
“Nothing,” she says, blushing a little. “It’s just, I don’t know. I guess I’ve been hanging out with Rhett a little more than usual recently, and I think we may have started flirting.”
My eyes widen. “You guys are finally leaving the friendship zone? How the hell did that happen?”
She purses her lips before responding. “I don’t know. He just started putting in more effort, coming to see me more and calling more. And then he said let’s go out for dinner and a movie, which as you know is nothing new for us, but it just felt different this time. It felt like a date.”
Reaching over, I pull her into a hug. “I’m so happy for you guys. I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for this. Mom is going to be so excited; she’s always asking how come the two of you don’t just get together already.”
“Is my dad going to be excited though?” she grumbles, cringing.
“Is you with any man going to excite Uncle Rake?” I ask her, wincing in return. “Hey, at least he’s a Wind Dragon. And Uncle Rake loves Rhett. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”
Unlike me, because bringing a cop home would probably be the worst thing I could ever do.
Besides actually joining the force myself.
Shit.
“That’s true. How about you? Spill,” she says, giving me her full attention.
“I kissed my partner,” I blurt out, exhaling. “And it was the best kiss I’ve ever had, and I want to do it again.”
Her mouth drops open. “I fucking knew it! I knew just by the way you spoke about this guy something was there. Tell me everything. Where were you? Does this mean you two are going to start dating?”
“It happened a few nights ago: a few of us went to grab a drink after work, and one thing led to another. We had only two drinks, so we weren’t drunk, and he made sure I got home safely and then left. I kind of thought he was going to come inside when he walked me to my door, but then he didn’t.”
“Did you want him to?” she asks, studying me.
“No. I don’t know. It would have been stupid to invite him in, but I was tempted,” I admit, closing my eyes and resting my head back. “I’m glad I didn’t though. He doesn’t know that I don’t have any experience, and I don’t want to rush into anything. I want to be sure.”
“You sound sure,” she adds, blinking slowly. “I need to meet this guy, seriously. When I’m at your place next you have to bring him over.”
“I suppose I could do that,” I agree. “I need a little time to see if this is going to turn into something or not.”
“Are you even allowed to be romantically involved with your partner?” she asks, voicing the dreaded question.
“Who are you, the police?” I tease, covering my face with my palms. “I don’t know. I’ll worry about that when we get to it.”
Cara laughs softly under her breath. “Man, this was just the plot twist we needed.”
“He’s started texting me too,” I admit, looking at her and gauging her reaction. “We spend so much time together as it is at work, and some shifts are so intense, you know? We have to be on the same page, and have each other’s backs because our lives depend on it. We had to learn to trust each other.”
“Sounds like the makings of a great relationship,” Cara replies. “Might have to be a secret relationship though.”
“Why do I always have to hide shit?” I ask myself out loud.
“Because you go after what you want, Clover. Without rules or boundaries, you always follow your heart, and I love that about you.”
“And I love you for loving that about me. How much shit did Rhett give you about knowing I am a cop?”
“Not too much, he knows what we’re like by now,” she says, shrugging it off. “Besides, he’s not my dad. He’s never going to be able to control me, and if he wants to be with me, he’s going to have to realize that.”
“I think he already does.” I snicker, resting my head on her shoulder. “I guess we better get back to the clubhouse. I want to see everyone before I drive back home tomorrow.”
“You’re coming to the barbecue next weekend, right?” she asks, standing up and pulling me up with her.
“Yeah, I won’t miss that.”
We head back to the clubhouse, each with secrets of our own.
But I can’t help think how much heavier mine are than hers.
“Another arrest, but not the guy we’re after,” Felix murmurs as we get back into the police car.
“We’re working up the chain. We’ll get him eventually. And we’re still making the streets safer,” I point out, even though it can be frustrating.
“Always so confident.” He smirks.
“We make a great team. And we’re both determined and stubborn as hell. I have no doubt that it’s not an if but a when.”
“We have a few more leads we can chase,” he says to me, just as another call comes through.
“I think we should start with Charmaine. I think she would help us,” I tell him. “And might even remember something else that could help us find this guy.”
“That’s a good idea,” he says.
“You sound surprised.”
“It’s obvious, but I didn’t think of it,” he admits, and I can tell he doesn’t like that fact.
I shake my head at him in amusement. “This is a partnership, not a competition.”
“That’s profound coming from you, Miss Competitive,” he replies, lip twitching.
“I’m learning,” I say softly, humbly even.
“Yes, you are,” he says, pride in his tone.
I glance out the window, unable to keep the smile off my face. It’s a good feeling, that I’m finally doing something right and I’m being acknowledged for it.
Jenks never taught me anything, or even gave me any constructive criticism; it’s as if he didn’t want me to do well. With Felix, he treats me as though I’m a reflection of his skills, so it’s like we really are a team. If one of us wins, we both win, and if one of us fails, we both fail. I never knew what it was like to have a real partner up until now, and I’m so grateful I got this opportunity before I decided to leave the job.
After our shift we find ourselves at the gym, except I’m feeling a little tired, so I just walk on the treadmill.
“Do you want to go?” Felix asks me, stopping next to me. I was watching him doing his weights, but obviously even he can sense that I’m just not feeling the workout today.
“Only if you’re done,” I tell him. “I’m being a shit gym buddy today, aren’t I? If we’re going to make this a thing, I should probably put in a little more effort.”
“You had a rough day,” he says, looking me in the eye.
We ended up stumbling upon a meth lab, and yeah, there were children living inside the house. Seeing them sitting there, looking so scared, because to them we were the bad guys, it was a really hard pill to swal
low. Two parents were arrested, and four children are now going to be placed in foster care if none of their family members step up to take them in.
“So did you,” I reply, turning off the treadmill.
“I’ve been doing this much longer than you have. Working out helps me deal. If that’s not your thing, you need to find out what is,” he says, offering me his hand. “Why don’t we go do something else?”
“Like what?”
“How about a swim?” he suggests, blue eyes twinkling. “It’s the perfect night for it.”
“I didn’t bring a suit,” I reply, although I’m now wishing that I did, because I would really like to finally see him shirtless. “Are there pools here?”
“Yeah, there are. But I had something else in mind,” he says with a sly, boyish smile. “Something that doesn’t involve bathing suits.”
“Skinny-dipping?” I guess, arching my brow. “Do you do this with all your partners? What do you take me for, Felix Banks?”
“Someone who likes adventure,” he replies, winking at me. “I know the perfect spot, and I’ll even close my eyes and wait for you to get in first.”
“A true gentleman,” I tease.
I’ve never actually been skinny-dipping before, so why the hell not? “Okay, you’re on.”
He grins in triumph.
“But, Felix?” I add, facing him. “Just so you know, I definitely won’t be looking away while you get in.”
He laughs and offers me his hand. “If you want to see me naked, Clo, all you have to do is ask.”
Wait, what?
It had been that easy this whole time?
Oh, wait. I’m behaving myself, right? I mean, we have a professional relationship only, one that has now turned into a kind of friendship. More and more lines are being blurred every day, and if I’m not okay with that, I need to stop this, now.
I don’t.
We leave the gym, him sweaty and me happy.
We then drive twenty minutes to the beach.
“Can I take you out on a date sometime this week?” Felix asks me, glancing over at me from the driver’s seat, catching me completely off guard.
“Really? You want to take me on a date? Is that allowed?”
“Yes, I want to take you on a date,” he replies, tone gentle. “And I don’t know, probably not, but is it really anyone else’s business what we do in our private time?”
“I guess not,” I say, mind racing.
Time waits for no one. I either need to take a chance with him and get to know him better, or completely friend-zone him and potentially have to watch him move on with someone else. Now I understand the position Cara has been in for years with Rhett. It takes so much for a guy to get my attention; it’s hard for me to find guys I connect to and actually want to spend time with. And the one who does is possibly off-limits because he’s my partner.
“Is it because you finally saw my ass in these yoga pants? It looks good doesn’t it?”
He barks out a laugh. “I don’t know, I think I’m going to need to check you out in them again, at a closer distance.”
Grinning, I duck my head and come to a decision. “I’d love to go on a date with you, Felix.”
Fuck it.
I’m in.
He’s too good to pass up, rules be damned.
He looks relieved, exhaling, as if he’d been holding his breath.
“Did you think I was going to say no?”
He nods.
“But you still asked?” I push, wanting to see where his head is at.
“You’re worth the chance,” he says with a nonchalant shrug. “If you’d said you weren’t interested, it would’ve fucking sucked, but at least I’d know where I stood and I would’ve accepted it.”
“Lucky I didn’t turn you down then,” I tease.
“I am lucky,” he agrees.
We start chatting, about anything and everything. I tell him about my favorite spots back home and how I have an obsession with Asian food and culture, and he tells me how his cousin Bella is going to be visiting him and how he’d love for me to meet her.
As soon as the car stops, we both get out, and I can tell how much everything has changed in such a short space of time. I slide up to him so that our bodies are almost touching, and his hand drops down to my waist, touching my bare skin. I always feel sexy when I wear my workout clothes, and today is no exception, my black sports crop shows off my flat, tanned stomach, and my tight pants reveal every curve.
“Do you know how damn beautiful you are?” he asks me, scanning my eyes.
“This is escalating,” I mutter, smiling at him with said hazel eyes. “You’re not so bad yourself, Felix. I like the whole funny, sexy jock thing you have going on.”
He’s the perfect mix of boy next door and badass.
We walk along with our bare feet in the sand, the huge full moon lighting the way. I’ve read about romance, and I’ve even seen it with my parents and other members of the MC, but I’ve never experienced it before. It turns out its not expensive gifts and elaborate over-the-top dates, but this.
Just us: unable to stop looking at each other; alone with moonlight on our faces, highlighting our smiles and dreamy eyes; hand in hand. This right here is romantic, and I can’t stop smiling. I don’t know what he’s done to me. If someone told Cara and Rhett I was acting like this, they’d probably laugh in that person’s face, because this is just not how I usually act. I’m usually a little standoffish, a little rude, and I like my own personal space, but with Felix? I like holding his hand. I like when he looks at me. And I like that he’s fun and spontaneous and is pulling me out of my comfort zone.
Even more, I like that he’s making work feel like home. Like it is where I am meant to be.
He rips off his white T-shirt and throws it down on the sand, oblivious to the fact that my jaw is hanging open and my eyes are as wide as saucers. Okay, I knew he worked out and was clearly muscled, but I had no idea just how much. His six-pack is so cut and toned, I just want to trace it with my tongue and let my fingers explore every inch of him.
He has that sexy V, like an arrow pointing to heaven.
Or hell, if I’m lucky.
His basketball shorts drop next, leaving him in a pair of briefs and nothing else.
“Normally I’d go commando,” he admits with a grin. “But not for working out.”
“Good to know,” I rasp, licking my suddenly dry lips and staring at the obvious bulge in his underwear. “Well, don’t let me stop you now.”
I’m pretty bold for someone who has seen only two penises up close in her life.
I’ve touched one.
And that’s where my experience ends.
He pulls his briefs down with a smug smile, but covers his package with his hands. “The key is to always leave a little mystery.”
“Little?” I tease, brows rising.
He chuckles and turns around, showing off his round, tight ass. “A whole lot of mystery.”
Stepping into the water, he wades in until it’s up to his hips. “Much warmer than I thought it was going to be,” he calls out to me. “Come on!”
He has his back to me, keeping his promise, while I remove my sports bra, yoga pants, and black lace panties. Covering my breasts with my hands, I test the water temperature with my toe before stepping into it. He’s right; it’s actually pretty warm. I stop next to him and lower myself onto my knees so my breasts are covered by the water.
He does the same, dropping down and staring up at the night sky. “Perfect way to end the night, don’t you think?”
I dip my hair back into the water. “Definitely. And also a first for me.”
“You’ve never skinny-dipped before?” he asks, sounding surprised. “I thought this was something everyone did.”
“It was on my bucket list,” I admit, lifting up my head and slowly going deeper into the water, Felix following beside me. I guess when you usually have scary-ass bikers following you around, makin
g sure you’re safe, you do your best to keep your clothes on at all times. The last thing I’d ever want one of my uncles to see is my walking around on the beach naked.
Felix moves in front of me, so we’re facing each other, and cups my face, his wet fingers leaving droplets running down my neck. “Is kissing someone while skinny-dipping also on your bucket list? Because as of tonight, it made it to mine.”
“You’ve never kissed someone in the ocean before?” I ask him, eyes dropping to his perfectly formed, full lips. Or is he just referring to the skinny-dipping?
He shakes his head.
“Me either,” I say, even though that is pretty damn obvious.
A slow-spreading smile that gives me butterflies plays on his lips before he leans forward and softly kisses me, testing the waters before he dives in deeper, sucking on my bottom lip and making me feel light-headed. I press myself against him, my breasts touching the warm, wet skin of his smooth chest, my arms tangling behind his neck, pulling myself closer to him. He tastes like salt and mint and never was there ever such a perfect kiss in the history of kisses.
When he pulls back and looks into my eyes, I’m breathless, left both satisfied and wanting more. He doesn’t look down, taking in my naked body, just keeps on seeing right into my dark soul and accepting me just as I am. His fingers trail down my back and land on my hips, and he presses one long kiss to my forehead.
“Well, fuck,” he whispers, eloquently expressing exactly how I feel.
“I think . . . we might need to do that again,” I say, pressing my lips back against his.
He smiles, then gives me what I want and more.
SEVEN
A FEW nights later I’m standing in front of my mirror in my little black dress and block heels, waiting for my first official date night with Felix. I press my red lips together, making a smacking sound, then turn to the side to make sure my ass looks good, which it does. I can’t remember the last time I went on a dinner date. A gentle knock at the door tells me Felix is early, but not too early, and I can appreciate that. I love punctual people.
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