Cop Tales an Anthology for a Cause

by T. R. Cupak

  She looked at her cell phone. “No. He should be with his friends. You expecting anyone?”

  I shook my head.

  Another knock, a bit louder this time.

  I rose. “I’ll get it. Maybe FedEx?”

  Another knock.

  “I’m coming.” My words gritted through my teeth as I swung it open.

  I froze. Dumbstruck. Speechless to the hunk standing before me, holding something from the bakery in his hands.

  “Hi.” His voice oozed masculinity—deep, rich and all baritone.

  My heart somersaulted in my ribcage.

  “Hi?” I wanted to smack myself. Did I just ask him a question?

  “I just moved next door.”

  Did he ask me a question? I wasn’t sure. I was too busy staring at his mouth moving, his hazel eyes twinkling. Too busy admiring his toned upper body. I dared not lower my gaze to the bottom half.

  Don’t look. Stay focused. It’s not polite, Nikki.

  “Yes. Hi. How can I help you?” I clasped my hands in front as I shifted my weight to my other hip, hoping I’d answered him correctly.

  How can I help you? Oh dear God. I wanted to smack myself as a nervous smile stretched across my face.

  What the hell, Nikki? He was just a guy. But he made me tingle all over with desire and lust, and a whole lot of other feelings I couldn’t name. The power he held over me at one glance, that scared the crap out of me.

  Calm down. It was just a reaction to being attracted to the opposite sex. Sure he was good looking—thick, arched eyebrows curving around his big beautiful eyes, a perfect nose, and how I do love men with chiseled jawlines. Damn, he looked sexier close up.

  “I wanted to give you a cake.” He lifted a box.

  Awww. He’s so sweet.

  “A cake?” There I go again.

  “Hi. I’m Kayla. It’s so nice to meet you. My roommate, Nikki…” She pointed at me. “She had a bit too much to drink so you’ll have to excuse her lack of communication. She’s normally not like this.”

  “I’m not an alcoholic!” I glared at Kayla for saying something stupid, but I was acting like an idiot. And she was coming to my rescue. And I needed to keep my mouth shut.

  “And your name is?” Kayla asked.

  “Theo. It’s nice to meet you both.”

  Kayla shook his hand and took the cake box from him. “This is so sweet of you. We

  should have been the ones to bring you something. In fact, we were just talking about going over there to welcome you. Would you like to come in?”

  “Sure.” Theo smiled and entered. He glanced about the living area and then stopped at the table. “I’m so sorry. You were having dinner.”

  Saturday night. No plans for him. No girlfriend perhaps.

  “No. I mean, we were having dinner, but you’re not interrupting,” I said quickly. “Please join us if you haven’t eaten or if you just want to nibble.”

  “Everything looks so good. I don’t mean to impose.” He walked backward toward the door.

  “No, no, no. We’re almost done anyway.” Kayla tugged him back. “Nikki cooks up a storm. Besides, you brought dessert. This was meant to be.”

  Thanks.” Theo pulled out a chair and sat next to me.

  Kayla set out a plate and utensils for him, and then eased into her seat. “So where did you move from?”

  “I actually didn’t move far. My roommate, the guy who helped me move in, is getting married and I needed a place of my own. This place is temporary. I’ve been meaning to find a place before, but with work and all, I didn’t have time.”

  I passed Theo a plate of shrimp. He took it with a smile and scooped some on his plate.

  “You cooked all of this?” he asked.

  I shrugged, my cheeks warming. “Yes. I learned from my dad. He’s a chef.”

  “I think I have to marry you.” He chuckled, but his eyes met mine like he meant it.

  A flirt indeed.

  And I liked it.

  I looked away shyly and took a gulp of my wine. Then I asked, “Would you like a glass of wine or beer?” I rose and strolled to the fridge, but I felt the weight of his stare on me.

  “Beer, please.”

  I turned to give him a confirmation nod, and our eyes met again. Time seemed to slow.

  Kayla gone.

  Table gone.

  The walls gone.

  Only Theo and I remained.

  It felt so strange to feel a connection with a guy I’d just met, like he was meant to be mine. I didn’t know if he felt anything remotely close to what I was feeling so I pushed it aside. Besides, he was my neighbor, and I barely knew him.

  “Not bad with the chopsticks,” I said, after I handed him a beer bottle.

  “I love Asian food. I had to learn how to use them.” He shrugged, that boyish grin too cute for my eyes.

  “So you went to college around here?” Kayla asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

  He nodded and confirmed with a yes after he swallowed.

  Kayla drilled him with question after question, and Theo politely answered them all. After thirty minutes of that, we opened the dessert box.

  Theo made himself comfortable, sliced the cake, and handed slices to us first like a perfect gentleman.

  “This is so good,” Kayla moaned after taking a bite. “You actually bought Nikki’s favorite. It’s from MJ Bakery, right?”

  “Yes.” His eyes lit up. “Vanilla filled with strawberries. It’s my favorite too.”

  His charming smile warmed my heart. We had at least one thing in common.

  After devouring her cake in silence, Kayla slid off her chair as if she remembered something important. “I’m sorry, Theo, but I can’t stay. I mean, I have to be somewhere. I’m going to my boyfriend’s place and—” She placed her plate in the sink and swiped a hand across her lips. “You should stay and keep Nikki company.”

  My face went blank. I wanted to punch my bestie in the face for putting me on the spot like that.

  “Um… You don’t have to stay, Theo. I mean, you’re welcome to. I’m not kicking you out, but I don’t want you to think you have to stay. I’m sure you have things to do or people to see.”

  Theo’s eyes bounced from me to Kayla, and then back to me. “If you’re not busy, I would love to keep you company.”

  Kayla patted Theo’s shoulder like a mother praising a child. “Good. Also, she wants to watch To All the Boys I Loved Before. You okay with that?”

  My jaw dropped open, and I was seconds from attacking Kayla to tape her mouth shut. I loved her for trying to set me up, but she didn’t know this guy. And neither did I. For all I knew, he could be wanted by the police. A psychopath. A serial killer.

  Please be normal.

  Chapter Three

  “Bye. You kids have fun. And do anything I would do.” She winked at both of us and shut the front door behind her.

  “I’m so sorry. You don’t have to stay, and you certainly don’t have to watch the movie with me.” I began to clear the remaining plates from the dining table.

  Theo picked up the utensils and followed me.

  “No, I want to. To tell you the truth, I want to see what the hype is all about.”

  I slinked around him and gathered the used napkins. When I spun, Theo stood by the sink, water running under his hands.

  “You don’t have to wash the dishes. You’re my guest.”

  He didn’t look my way, but instead continued to speak while soaping the dishes. “I barged in during your dinner. You fed me. I think I kicked your roommate out…” he chuckled, narrowing his eyes with a question. That musical sound sent pleasant chills through me. “So at least let me help you clean.”

  I moved closer, aligning my body next to his, but not touching. “Then I’ll wash.”

  He grinned, the softness in his eyes highlighted by the warm yellow kitchen light above him.

  I had to admit, he looked fine washing dishes.

  “Oops. Sorr
y.” Theo splashed soap suds on my arm as he scrubbed a fork with the sponge. Not an accident. He seemed friendly and playful, qualities I looked for. He was making me smile, and definitely warming up to me.

  “Oops. Sorry again. I’m a little slippery.”

  I angled my eyebrows at him, snorting. “Next time, you’ll find yourself all wet, Mr. Slippery.” I flicked water on his shirt.

  He smiled that boyish, shy kind of smile, as his eyes pierced through my gaze. “To next time then.”

  His tone rang with promise and a challenge all at the same time.

  After we finished and managed not to get all soapy or wet, which I might not have minded, we headed to the living room. I stopped my lustful thoughts and reminded myself I barely knew him.

  Slinking down next to him on the sofa, but keeping a safe distance, I turned on Netflix.

  “You sure you want to watch this? Last warning.”

  When he bit his bottom lip, looking a bit frightened and unsure, my stomach flip flopped.

  Stop acting so darn cute.

  “I’m sure. I’ve got good company. And if I get bored, I’ll just stare at you.”

  My face burned. “What? No. You’ll be fine. You’ll enjoy it.” I waved a dismissive hand.

  I hoped he would enjoy the movie, because God help me, if he did anything remotely sexy or cute or charming, I’d contemplate a one-night stand with this guy. No. Stop. I’m not that kind of girl.

  We were glued to the screen. We laughed. We commented during certain parts. And when the hot tub scene came on, my whole body flushed until I was sweating on the inside.

  Theo shifted. Our knees touched, but there was a safe distance between us. Sometimes, he accidentally bumped his elbow against mine. He simply apologized and continued watching. When I eyed him out the corner of my eye, I caught him looking at me.

  “That was too cute,” he said. “Thank you for suggesting it. And thank you for watching it with me.”

  Too damn sweet.

  “You’re welcome.” I offered a warm smile. “Thank you for staying and keeping me company.”

  “Well, I better go. It’s getting late.” He rose from the sofa and gave me his hand.

  I slid my hand into his strong grip, and I loved the warmth of his touch traveling up my arm. “Thank you. Well, neighbor…” I rose weightlessly from his pull. “See you around.”

  He kissed the back of my hand, sending hot, sparkling shocks through my core.

  “We should make this a regular thing. It could even be on a weekday. Neighbor getting to know a neighbor better.”

  “Sure.” I opened the door. I didn’t mean to rush him out, but nerves made me act hastily. “Next time, I’ll bring the cake. Or I’ll get the cake if we meet at my place again.”

  I didn’t want to assume he’d invited me to his place.

  He stepped over the threshold and turned. “Your place or mine—you pick. Bring Kayla if it will make you feel comfortable. Oh, and I’ll cook dinner this time. How about this Wednesday?”

  “Hmmm…” How did this happen so fast? He was asking me on a date at his place. I couldn’t answer at first, shocked he had asked me out.

  His brow furrowed. “Sorry. Is that too soon?”

  “No. Wednesday is perfect. What time?”

  “Seven?”

  “Sounds like a plan.” My voice chimed like a bell.

  “Don’t forget to lock the door. I’m right across if you need me.”

  “Thanks. And thanks again for the cake.” I closed the door after him but kept it ajar, enough to see him look over his shoulder at me once before he entered his condo.

  Then, I had no idea where the need and inspiration came from, but I dashed to my room and started typing.

  Chapter Four

  “Hey. How did it go last night?”

  I jerked and shoved a hand to my chest, as if to hold my heart from dropping to the floor. I turned to Kayla standing by my bedroom doorway.

  “You scared me. Make some noise, would ya?”

  Kayla smirked, wicked and playful, and so satisfied. “Judging by how you didn’t hear the keys in the lock, and the way you’re engrossed in typing, I’d say you had a wonderful night. You’re welcome that I left early so you could have the hottie to yourself.”

  I glared at her, but then softened my expression. “You’re right.”

  Kayla squealed and plopped on my bed. “Well, give me info. What did you guys do?”

  I told her how he helped me clean up, and how we had a little soap and water fight before watching the movie together. I even told her the cuteness of how our knees and elbows touched.

  I dropped on the bed next to her, our bodies side by side, backs on the mattress.

  “How did this happen?” I said softly. “I mean… I wasn’t looking.”

  “The best kind,” Kayla said, her neck craned to the side to face me.

  I gave her a light punch. “Well, technically, you made it happen.”

  She shook her head. “No, I didn’t. I didn’t make him come over. He came over on his own. I just gave it a little push. And you know what? I bet he saw you peeking out and must have thought you were a hottie.”

  I slapped my forehead. “Oh, God. He saw me? You think he saw me?” I paused for a moment. “No, he didn’t. He couldn’t have. I was careful.”

  Kayla shrugged. “He must have seen you sometime, or why would he come over and bring cake of all things?”

  “Maybe. Anyway, we have a date this Wednesday. His place, and he’s going to cook dinner.”

  Kayla jolted up in a sitting position. “Holy cow, no way. Did you guys kiss?”

  I sat up, our crossed legs facing each other. “No. Not on… This wasn’t a date.”

  “Well, he certainly did something right. You were typing away.”

  I giggled. Oh, shit. I actually giggled like a schoolgirl with a crush. “I don’t know. He made me feel something special. I can’t explain it. It’s been a while, you know.”

  Kayla wrapped her arounds arm me and softened her tone to a somber one. “Yeah, I know. See, things will be fine. You deserve happiness. You can’t stop living because of your brother.”

  “I know. I just needed time. Something Brad wouldn’t give me.” I sighed.

  “Well, he’s an asshole to let someone as precious as you go. He doesn’t deserve you. It’s a good thing you found out how he deals with intense situations.”

  I released from Kayla and wiped a little tear I’d tried desperately to keep at bay.

  “So what’s your story?” I asked. “You’re here kind of early.”

  “Greg and I had a fight.”

  “I’m so sorry. What happened?”

  “He came home very late and drunk. Honestly, I’m not sure if we’re going to last. I want someone a little less selfish.” She released a long breath. “He asked me to come over, but he didn’t bother to call to let me know he would be home at like four in the morning. I was so freakin’ worried about him. I called his cell phone and he didn’t answer. I stayed up all night.”

  “Shit. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I never told you, but this wasn’t the first time. We’ve been fighting a lot lately. I’m on the verge of calling it quits. I can’t take it anymore. I’m like his mother. We’re supposed to be on equal levels.”

  I had no words to guide her, so I caressed her arm. “Let me know when you decide. I’m here for you.”

  She grabbed my hand. “Thanks, as I am here for you, too. Anyway, let’s go out to lunch. Did you eat? Are you hungry?”

  “Sure, I can eat.”

  “Let me get my jacket. It’s cooler out today.”

  When Kayla left, I gathered my things.

  “Where shall we—” I froze when Kayla stopped in front of the opened front door.

  “What are you looking at?” I asked, and peered in the direction she was staring.

  “Whoever he is, damn, he looks fine. He can cuff my hands and take me to his prison.
Wait … Is that Theo?” she asked in a hushed voice.

  The man walking across the condo parking lot, his wide shoulders and toned body filling the cop uniform beautifully, was Theo. My heart dropped. No, not just dropped. It splattered all over the concrete the way it did when I found out my brother, who was also a cop, had died on duty.

  There had been a robbery in downtown Los Angeles at a local liquor store. The theft involved two accomplices dressed as women. One of them shot my brother.

  “Oh, shit. It’s okay.” Kayla spun and tugged me back inside.

  I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t form words. This…this was not happening.

  “Did we ask him what his job was?” I asked, staring at the painting of a landscape on the wall.

  “I don’t recall, but I guess we didn’t, or else I wouldn’t have left.”

  Somehow, I found myself sitting on the sofa. “I can’t do this, Kayla. I can’t do this again. It’s only been a couple of years since…” I shoved my palms to my face. I wanted to cry, but no tears came.

  “Hey…” She rubbed my back. “Just because your brother got shot doesn’t mean Theo will. And I have no right to make a comment like that, but—”

  “It’s not fair. I’m finally ready to move on and he turns out to be a cop. Of all the professions. I wouldn’t have anything against it, but Sam was a cop, and look what happened to him. We’re not even dating and look at me. I’m a mess. Now I’m going to wonder if he’s safe every day, whether we date or not. I’m sorry, Kayla. I don’t mean to be like this.”

  “It’s okay.” She continued to rub my back. “It’s hard. I’ve never been in your shoes before, but I get it. I really do. Maybe you should stay away from him for a while.”

  I finally looked up. “I’m going to have to tell him. We have a date on Wednesday.”

  “Well, it’s not like you’re breaking up with him. You’re not together. He’ll understand and move on.”

  Her tone did not sound convincing, and a piece of me that had already warmed up to him told me I was a complete idiot.

  She sighed. “Does this mean you’ll have writer’s block again? Damn, I wanted to read your steamy novel inspired by Theo.”

  I snorted. Kayla always knew how to make me laugh.