One Taste of Crazy (A One Taste Novel Book 3)

by Amanda Siegrist

  Probably surprised by his tone, she looked at him again. “Didn’t Stitch tell you on the phone?”

  “Stitch?”

  She lazily tossed a hand toward the massive dude standing by the counter. So his name was Stitch, which fit the total picture of the badass he appeared to be.

  “I’m asking you.”

  “Why haven’t you kissed me yet?”

  “Kiss you?”

  Dee frowned. “Yeah. Kiss me. The last time something happened, you kissed me. I’m waiting.”

  His anger, boiling steadily since the standoff with her friend, started to inch closer to the surface. Was she playing games with him?

  “Oh, so was that your plan? Leave this morning and find another way to get me to kiss you. I’m pretty sure all you would’ve needed to do was ask instead of leaving.”

  “You’re mad?”

  “Brilliant deduction.” He slowly breathed in and out, trying to calm down. Even though she upset him, hurt him more than anything else, he didn’t want to take his anger out on her. “Just tell me what happened.”

  Defeat started to form in small increments until just like that she steeled her features and gave him a blank expression. “I was leaving. Just standing on the sidewalk when this car came out of nowhere. He jumped out and grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the car. I kicked him and started to kick him again when he shoved me backwards. I fell into Stitch. The guy drove away.”

  “Why were you here?”

  She stared at him, almost as if debating what to say. “Visiting an old friend.”

  “That’s all?”

  “Are you accusing me of something, Sauer?”

  “No. I’m waiting for you to stop lying to me.”

  When she said nothing, he knew she was lying. “Did you get a good look at his face?” She didn’t see his face great the night before, but he was hoping she got a better look this time.

  “Not really. He had a hoodie on.”

  “Anything useful about him that would help me identify him?”

  “I…don’t think so.”

  She hesitated. Why was she trying to make his job harder? Why couldn’t she just let him do his job? She was still lying to him.

  He stood up and took a step back, then turned toward Stitch. “Did you catch the license plate or what he looked like?”

  “I saw the license plate.”

  “Great. What is it?” Newman pulled out his little notebook from a pocket inside his jacket.

  “It’s getting a little hazy now.”

  “Excuse me?” Now this jackass was going to start lying. What the hell? “Did you catch the license plate or not?”

  “I’m not sure I like you. Deena said you were shy. I don’t see an ounce of shyness.”

  Sauer glanced at her, confused why she talked to this guy about him. Was that good or bad? Then he turned his full attention back to Stitch. “Nobody jerks me around, especially when it comes to my job. All I’m trying to do is find this bastard who's trying to hurt Dee and you’re preventing me from doing that. Even Dee is.”

  “Just tell me what you know. I hate being left out.”

  Sauer swiveled his gaze to her. Dee now stood, hands on her hips, the anger prominent. “It’s not your job. It’s mine. I don’t have to share anything with you.”

  “Well, I don’t have to share anything with you then. Fair is fair.”

  “Do you enjoy getting attacked? Do you enjoy—” He stopped talking. He wasn’t about to ask if she enjoyed messing with his heart in front of an audience. It’d also give her the knowledge he cared about her more than she cared for him.

  “I just want to help.”

  “It’s not your job!”

  Dee staggered back by his outburst. He rarely yelled, and at a woman, forget it. That never happened. But the thought of her getting hurt scared him.

  “Okay. Uh, let’s all take a deep breath.” Newman walked closer and placed a hand on his shoulder, leaning in to whisper, “Yo, partner, you good? Maybe we should step outside for a moment.”

  “I’m good.” Looking at Newman, he nodded for added reassurance. “It was never going to work out. You were right.”

  Newman frowned. “What does that mean?”

  Ignoring him, he stepped closer to Dee. “Why did you come here?”

  “I told you. To visit an old friend.”

  Sauer looked at Stitch. “Why did she come here?”

  “To visit.”

  “What did the license plate say?”

  “The letters and numbers are all jumbled.”

  He glanced back and forth between Dee and Stitch, his heart pounding, aching, and falling apart into a million pieces. He didn’t want to do it. She was leaving him no choice. He refused to be jerked around—by anyone.

  Clearly, Dee didn’t care that much about him. She left this morning. Maybe she didn’t care at all. Maybe sleeping with him had been a distraction from the beginning.

  He was such a guppy. Falling for it. She used him.

  “Fine. I guess I just have to lock both of you up for obstruction.”

  “What?” Dee screeched.

  Sauer saw Stitch out of the corner of his eye stand a little straighter but said nothing.

  “You can’t be serious, Sauer? You’re not a jerk, so why are you acting like one?”

  “I take my job seriously. I won’t see you get hurt again.”

  “Locking me up will keep me safe, huh?” She took a step toward him, her hands still propped on her hips. Her red hair, bouncy as ever, curls framing her face, made him ache to brush them back. He ached so badly to touch her for just a moment.

  “Maybe it’ll teach you a lesson as well. You’re impeding my investigation.”

  “What’s so wrong with letting me help?”

  “You’re not a cop.” How many times would they go around in circles about this? “What’s so wrong with letting me handle it all?”

  “I don’t need other people handling my problems.”

  “Really? Yet you came here to let him help you.” He jerked a hand in Stitch’s direction. “How come he can help, but I can’t?”

  “I…came to visit.”

  “You’re still lying to me. Good to know.”

  “What’s good to know?”

  “Where we stand.”

  She trembled, her eyes glistening. Was she about to cry? “So I mean nothing to you?”

  “You should know how I feel about you.”

  “How? You’re about to arrest me. Doesn’t sound like you care about me at all.”

  “Damn it, Dee, I love you! I never would’ve slept with you this morning if I didn’t.”

  Silence descended.

  Shit. Why did he say that? With people around them. He was worse than an idiot. Just call him stupid.

  He turned away from her and walked out.

  Chapter 10

  Last time Sauer was scared about what happened to her, he kissed her senseless, starting them on a path that was probably inevitable. This time, instead of kissing her, he declares his love. Then walks away.

  Why did he walk away?

  Would he arrest her?

  Why didn’t she run after him and declare her love back?

  “Can you just put him out of his misery and tell us why you came here?”

  Dee turned away from the window, trying to see where Sauer walked to, and looked at Newman.

  “Just tell him, Deena.”

  Her gaze trailed to Stitch. Then Newman and Stitch shared a look.

  “Giving us the license plate would be helpful as well.”

  Stitch continued to look at Newman as he walked over to her. “I know why you feel like you have to take care of it yourself, but it might be better to let them handle it.”

  “You’re just saying that because of what Sauer said.”

  “Are you saying that didn’t affect you, doll?”

  Dee ignored that loaded question and looked at Newman. “He won’t really arrest me, will he?�
��

  Newman shrugged. “I’ve never seen him act this way. I have no idea what he’ll do. He should arrest you for taking his car.”

  “Borrowed.”

  Newman laughed. “If you say so.” His laughter died quickly. “Quit jerking him around, Dee. He doesn’t deserve to hurt like he is.”

  “I’m not.”

  “You’re shitting me, right? You can’t see how much you hurt him?”

  “Watch your tone, dude.” Stitch tensed beside her.

  “Start talking. I’m almost to the point I’m not going to wait for Sauer to arrest both of you.”

  “Whoa, what’s going on here?”

  Dee turned toward Zeke, who had just walked into the shop with Ben.

  “Dee’s withholding information about our investigation, and so is her friend.” Newman didn’t bother to keep his annoyance and disgust out of his voice. She couldn’t be mad at him. She deserved it.

  “Come on, Dee…” Zeke said, cocking a brow as if she was acting like a child not getting her way.

  Wasn’t she a little? Was it a big deal if she told them what she knew? She hated to admit that it felt like she would lose control of the situation if she told them anything. The situation was already uncontrollable. This asshole had tried to hurt her twice. How many times would something have to happen before she let Sauer in—in more ways than just the obvious?

  “Fine.” She folded her arms as she almost stomped her foot to add to her petulant child act. “As soon as Sauer comes back, I’ll tell him.”

  “You jerk him around again about this investigation and I’ll slap the handcuffs on you myself.” Newman pointed an accusing finger at her.

  “I said watch your tone.”

  Newman glared at Stitch. “You don’t scare me. How about you watch your tone?”

  Ben cleared his throat. “How about I find Sauer and move this along? Let’s all calm down.”

  “I’ll be in your room.” Dee touched Stitch’s shoulder as she passed him. “I’m bound to explode if I stay around all of you.”

  ♡

  “Hey, Sauer.”

  He looked up, his knee bent, leaning against the alley wall around the corner of the tattoo shop, and didn’t even attempt to smile at Ben’s friendly face.

  “When did you guys get here?”

  “A few minutes ago. You okay?”

  He bent his head and shrugged. “Sure. I’m used to acting like an idiot. No big deal.”

  Ben took a spot next to him. “Dee’s ready to talk to you. Newman mentioned what happened. Probably not the way you wanted to tell her, but I think it’s a good thing.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does.”

  He lifted his head, meeting Ben’s gaze. “I don’t know what to do. Dee…she’s complicated. I keep screwing up at every turn. Now she knows how I truly feel and I probably ruined my chances.”

  “I screwed up plenty with Rina. Do you want to know the one thing that worked?”

  Sauer nodded, eager to soak up any advice he could get. He wasn’t ready to lose Dee, even though he probably lost her before he even had her.

  “I didn’t give up.”

  Not the advice he was expecting.

  He didn’t want to give up. Giving up wasn’t his style. No matter how many times life brought him down, he always got back up.

  Dee just made things so difficult. Of course, one of the many reasons he loved her. It made Dee, well, Dee.

  “You’re right.”

  Ben chuckled. “Of course I am. Remind Zeke. He forgets all the time.”

  Sauer laughed with him and started walking back to the tattoo shop with Ben by his side.

  “So, you threatened to lock Dee up?”

  “If she doesn’t tell me what she knows, it’s not going to be just a threat.” He laughed with no humor laced in it. “How’s that for trying to endear her to me?”

  “I’ve never seen anyone match Dee in an argument. You’re doing just fine winning her heart, threats and all.” Ben couldn’t hold in his laughter.

  Sauer walked into the shop first, eyeing Stitch right away, who was still leaning against the counter as when he left.

  Newman looked at him and nodded at Stitch. “Got the license. The car was reported stolen last night. Doesn’t help us much. Zeke offered to interview the victim. Him and Ben will head that way, we’ll head to the precinct. Susan still needs Dee’s fingerprints.”

  “Sounds good.” Sauer glanced around the shop. “Where’s Dee?”

  Stitch stood up to his full height, obviously trying to intimidate him somehow. It did nothing but piss him off. He still wanted to hit the guy just because he was friends with Dee. When did he become so jealous?

  Since he fell in love, apparently.

  “She’s in the back. One tear touches her eye, you’ll be sorry.”

  Sauer stepped closer. “Just what do you think I’m going to do?”

  “Arresting her would be the dumbest thing you ever did.”

  “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done something dumb in my life.”

  Stitch took a step, a punch away. “I care about Deena. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had. Once you’re her friend, she’s there for a lifetime.” He sighed heavily. “It might not be obvious, but she cares deeply. She hides her feelings well, but she hurts so easily. I’m just telling you not to hurt her.”

  Sauer’s anger toward him slowly dissipated. “I’d hurt myself before I’d ever cause her any pain. Arresting her isn’t about hurting her, it’s to protect her. I’ll do anything to protect her.”

  Stitch took another step closer. Sauer almost backed up, but held his ground. If the guy was going to punch him, he’d jump in with both arms swinging.

  His voice was low. Low enough where only Sauer could hear him. “She ever talk about her childhood to you?”

  “No.”

  “Don’t give up on her.” Stitch cocked a brow. “Ain’t saying I like you or anything…but…she’s worth it.”

  Twice now, someone said that. Don’t give up. Never. He might develop an entire head of gray hair before it was all said and done, but he’d never give up on her.

  For the longest time, they stared at each other before Stitch finally backed away and gestured down the hallway. “Last door on the right. And don’t touch my shit.”

  Sauer nodded and walked away. Each step he took felt like the last steps he’d ever take. Like a death sentence. It shouldn’t have felt that way. He didn’t know what awaited him. Probably, “It’s over. I don’t want to see you again.” Just line the needle up to his vein and inject him. It’d kill him if she said those words to him.

  Why did he shout out he loved her? So soon in their crazy messed up relationship? It was the worst thing he could’ve done.

  Focus on the case. That’s what he’d do. Pretend he never said a word. He didn’t imagine she’d bring it up.

  He knocked once on the door, then opened it. Dee stood across the room, her back to him, staring at the designs on the wall.

  “You should’ve never said that, Sauer.”

  The pain ricocheted everywhere, almost staggering his balance. How did she even know it was him? She still hadn’t turned around. What did he say to that? While he regretted jumping the gun on telling her, he was glad she knew he loved her. It would’ve been difficult to hide.

  “It’s the truth.”

  She turned around, her eyes blazing with fury.

  “You got a funny way of showing how much I mean to you when you wanna lock me up.”

  His brows dipped. He thought she was talking about his declaration of love. She still thought he was going to arrest her? Well, he would, if she didn’t cooperate. Might be a weird way to show ‘I love you’ but he wouldn’t see her get hurt. She needed to let him do his job without interference.

  “Well? You gonna slap on those cuffs?”

  Okay. So she was going to ignore the love confession. Maybe a good thing. He didn’t want to b
roach that subject yet. Especially in a tattoo shop with everyone waiting for them up front.

  “Are you going to tell me what you know?”

  Her anger depleted, replaced with despair. “Would you really arrest me if I refuse to tell you? That’s not you. You’re not a mean guy.”

  He moved closer, within reach to grab her into his arms if he wanted to. “How many times do you want me to say it? I take my job seriously. It’s not about hurting you. It’s about keeping you safe. I will find this guy. I need you to stop looking yourself.” He couldn’t stand it any longer. His hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her flush against him. “He tried to hurt you again today. Dee…you know how I feel. I can’t—won’t—see you hurt. Once was enough.”

  She lowered her head against his chest. “I don’t know how to let go. Don’t be mad at me.”

  “I’m slowly getting over it. Just, please, tell me why you came here.”

  “He has a tattoo. I saw part of it. Stitch drew the details for me. He’s going to ask around to see if anyone recognizes it. Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’s a lead.”

  “Can I see the drawing?”

  Dee lifted her head, but didn’t move out of his embrace. “Can I have a kiss yet?”

  “You don’t play fair.”

  “Duh.”

  The laugh fell out before he could stop it. “You drive me a crazy kind of nuts.”

  “The shy, quiet guy going crazy?” She brushed a hand over his head. He loved it every time she did that. “Just don’t ever match my crazy.”

  He lightly grazed his lips against hers. “Drawing?”

  “A man of few words yet said with such a punch.” She chuckled as she stepped out of his arms and grabbed a sketchpad from the desk near them. “It’s not much.”

  He looked at the drawing, impressed by Stitch’s skills. The man had talent. He didn’t have any tattoos, but eyeing the small, yet detailed sketch, made him want a tattoo. What would Dee say if he got her name tattooed on him?

  Oh, man. He wasn’t that crazy. Or was he?

  No.

  “I guess he didn’t recognize it.”

  “No. But I’m hoping somebody else does. We’ll find this guy.”

  Arching a brow, the anger flooded back in. “I’ll find this guy. Let’s not keep arguing about it.”

  “I like arguing with you.” She flashed him a smile and walked past him.