Rayna: I’m so, so sorry, Derek. I got caught up, and then starting seeing patients. I can’t believe I did this.
Derek Hansen: It’s okay, babe. I understand. I can only imagine how busy things get around there. Do you have time for lunch though?
Rayna: Thank you for understanding. Give me just a minute to check the schedule.
Moving down the hall, she stopped just behind the front desk. “Hey, Billy, what time did we book in lunch today?”
“Hey, Doc Michaels.” Billy smiled. “Let me see... Yes, it’s looking like one to one thirty is blocked for lunch. Did you need me to shift anything?”
“Hmm.” Rayna ran her teeth over her bottom lip. “What’s the one thirty appointment?”
“Let me check.” Billy scrolled through the office scheduling system. “Looks like a new patient checkup. A beagle puppy named Augie. Probably the usual lab tests and vaccines.”
“Shoot.” She bit her bottom lip, knowing there was no way to push the appointment later. She’d just have to make it work. Unless... “What do we have at twelve thirty?”
Billy raised a brow and then looked back at the computer. “Well...we have Caspian coming in for a nail trim. You usually do a quick checkup on him after he’s done.”
“Right, right. Okay, let me know as soon as he’s here. I’ll check him before the nail trim. That way I can head out for lunch a little early.”
Billy grinned. “Lunch date?”
Before she could stop it, a small grin arched Rayna’s lips. She rolled her eyes, mostly at her own corny giddiness. “Maybe.”
“Yay!” Billy clapped. “I can’t wait to hear all about this.”
“Oh dear. Don’t know what I am going to do with you.” Rayna giggled. She couldn’t help it. Sheesh, talk about another schoolgirl moment. She rolled her eyes again. “Going back to work now.”
Still smiling, Billy turned back to his computer. “I’ll call and see if Caspian can come in early.”
Instead of commenting that it might not be a good idea to move a patient around so that Rayna could go have lunch, she decided to let Billy do what he did best, which was handle her scheduling. If anyone could pull that off, it was Billy. Either way, she was happy to have at least forty-five minutes free for lunch with Derek.
When she got back to the main treatment area, she sent the targeted time to Derek and then got back to work. Sweet anticipation thrummed in Rayna’s veins. The wait to see him was bittersweet. Here she was, all dressed up in her un-sexy green scrubs, her lab coat, and her hair pulled up in its standard, un-exciting ponytail.
Would he still find her attractive? Would he kiss her hello? Would he back her against the wall in exam room four like he’d done last week when he’d shown up to ask her out? Wait, maybe it was better if she left the clinic and met him somewhere.
Grabbing her phone, she typed another message.
Rayna: Did you want to meet somewhere? There’s lots of places close by.
Derek Hansen: Works for me. Is there someplace you’d like to go?
Rayna: There’s a small family owned lunch cafe called Double Decker in the plaza across the street. Meet there?
Derek Hansen: Perfect. Can’t wait to see you.
Rayna sighed, and a smile curled her lips. Warmth bloomed in her chest, and she knew as a result her skin was flushing pink. However, this time she didn’t care. Rayna couldn’t wait to see him either. She had two more patients to attend to before Caspian was in for his trim.
After that, she was free. At least for forty-five minutes anyway.
Chapter 11
“I’m running late.” Rayna set her cell phone down and hit the speaker button.
“You’re always running late.” Tish laughed. “Do you need me to come over and help you get ready? Some tequila perhaps?”
Rayna ran a brush through her hair, trying to get the length to cooperate into some sort of organized display. “I had a late appointment. And no, definitely no tequila, thank you very much.”
“What dreamy place is he taking you tonight?”
“He won’t tell me. Says it’s a surprise.” Rayna added a little spray to her hair.
“So, it would seem like you’re over your cop hang-up.”
Rayna frowned and glanced down at her phone. “No. Not over it. Just not going to focus on it. Besides, we’re just dating. I’m keeping it casual because, for the first time, I’m having amazing sex, and I don’t want to complicate that with feelings. And hello, not like I’m marrying the guy.”
“Honey, some guys cheat. But lots of guys don’t.”
“I know that, Tish.” Agitation itched along the back of Rayna’s neck, and she shoved it aside, focusing instead on adding a touch of mascara.
Apparently, Tish wasn’t done. “Just because he’s a cop does not automatically mean he’ll be a liar or cheater like your father. Let’s face it, your dad was an asshole.”
“I know that, too.” Rayna tossed the mascara aside. “Good grief, can we not talk about this right now? It’s not exactly going to set my night off on a good note.”
“Yes. Sorry. I just... Sweetie, I’d hate to see you miss out on something awesome because of an old idea.”
“Not an old idea, plus—” Rayna paused, listening. “Crap, he just rang the doorbell. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
“Oh dear, that’s a scary thing coming from you, Tish.” Rayna rolled her eyes. “Bye!” Flipping off the bathroom light, she rushed from her bedroom, down the hall and to the front door.
Of all the subjects to bring up, the one regarding her cop father, and his constant lies and also frequent infidelities during his marriage to her mother, was not one Rayna needed to have in the forefront of her brain right before seeing Derek—a cop she was now, against her better judgment and hard lessons learned thanks to dear old Dad, casually dating and having regular sex with.
Pushing down her heated agitation as best she could, Rayna swung the door wide and froze. All annoyance and thoughts of her father flew from her brain. Her breath caught in her lungs, and her skin got tight and warm. Oh my.
The sun had barely begun to set, and he was still wearing his sunglasses. Rayna wasn’t even sure what clothes he wore on his amazing body, because she couldn’t get past how absolutely mind-blowingly sexy he looked in, of all things, sunglasses.
He slid his shades down a little to stare at her over the tops of them. “Doc, I’m really getting concerned with your ability to be safe in your own home.”
Oh dear, looking at her like he was right then? All serious, beyond sexy and, well, dominant—her nipples went stone-hard. She swallowed past the glue that coated her tongue. “Um...”
He removed his glasses and stepped to her, so close their bodies were almost touching. “Um?”
Sucking in a deep breath, Rayna tilted her head back to stare up at him, and her clit started throbbing. She needed to say something, she was sure of it. But with him so close, smelling so good, looking so good, Rayna could not manage a coherent thought...other than: “I want you.”
One corner of his mouth twitched, and he stepped closer, effectively pressing his body to hers. “Is that so?”
Rayna nodded and stepped backward, but only because he was walking them that way. Every inch of her body was burning with lust now. And he hadn’t even touched her yet. Good grief, was it always going to be like this?
It’d been just over a week, and she’d seen him at least four out of those seven days. Each time he’d taken her out somewhere. Mostly dinner, lunch or coffee, but usually in some off-the-beaten-path place that she’d never heard of.
Trish called them dream dates, and honestly, Rayna couldn’t argue it. Plus, before, after, and sometimes even in between, they’d been having sex. So much sex, Rayna was sure her libido would need a
nap. But apparently not, because it was wide awake and revving for more.
When they’d cleared the entryway, Derek swung the door closed, then wrapped an arm around her, picked her up, raising her to his lips, and kissed her.
Rayna gripped the sides of his neck, curling her fingers around to hold him tight, and moaned as his tongue dove into her mouth. Derek growled, turning them, and her back hit the wall in the entryway.
When he pressed against her, Rayna felt his erection through his pants...and oh yes, this was too good. Too mind-blowing. Too...everything. Hot, wet, fast and furious, and she welcomed every glorious moment of it.
Derek broke from her mouth and pressed his forehead to hers. Breathing heavy through his nose, he licked his lips. “Fuck, you taste good. As much as I want to fuck you right here and now, I’m not going to.”
Dizzy from his kiss, his touch, his scent and taste, Rayna swallowed and tried to focus. “May I ask why?”
“Because we got a reservation in Cave Creek for dinner.”
Rayna felt the lust in her body settle into a sweet warmth in her stomach. “Oh.”
He set her back on her feet. “While we drive there, we’re talking about your habits.”
Rayna blinked. “My habits?”
“Yup. The bad ones. Grab your purse, Doc. Clock is ticking.” He moved back to the front door.
She frowned as confusion filled her brain. What on earth was he talking about? “Bad ones?”
“Like I said, we’ll discuss it in the truck.” Derek chuckled and opened the front door. “Meet you out front. Assuming you’re heading out the garage door, so how about you start by locking this one when I close it.”
“Of course. Don’t be silly.” Still perplexed, Rayna moved to him.
“‘Of course,’ she says. ‘Don’t be silly,’ she says.” With a chuckle, he shook his head, while rolling his eyes to the sky, and then bent, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before slipping his sunglasses back on and closing the door.
Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. And yes, she did as he said, locked the door. But not because he told her to, because not locking it would be foolish and unsafe. Yet, for some reason, Derek thought she wasn’t being safe. In her home. Hmm...
For the life of her, Rayna had no idea why he thought that. So, yes, as soon as she got her butt in the truck, as he said, they’d discuss it because she wanted to unravel this little mystery. Grabbing her purse, she moved through the house to the kitchen and out to the garage.
Derek was waiting for her, his back against the grille of his truck, arms crossed over his broad amazing chest. Legs crossed at the ankles. As she hit the enter button on the garage keypad, she took in his attire.
Gray short-sleeve button-up, dark blue jeans, and black boots. Gorgeous. Rayna bit her bottom lip and moved to him. He took her arm and walked her around to the passenger side, opened the door for her, like he seemed to really like to do and then—
“Your chariot, m’lady.” He smiled and helped her up into his truck.
Rayna giggled. She couldn’t help it. He was so sweet to her. Under all those hard muscles and his bossy, alpha cop demeanor, he was a total romantic at heart.
Yes, another dream date for sure.
* * * *
“So, let’s talk safety.” As he navigated onto the 101 freeway, Derek reached across the center console and took her hand in his.
She leaned toward him. “Wait, real quick before you start. How’s my sweet Axle?”
“He’s fine. Nice try with the distraction.” He chuckled and looked over at her.
“I beg your pardon, sir. I’m not trying to distract you.” She grinned. “I genuinely miss him, especially since you haven’t brought him in for his weekly checkup.”
“Very cute. I’ll bring him over next time I spend the night, deal?”
“I’d love that! Yes. Deal.”
He glanced at her again. “Can we talk safety now? While there’s still enough driving time for my lecture?”
“Yes, let’s. I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I can’t think of anything else I want more than a lecture from you.” She giggled.
He smirked. “Now, Doc, don’t go being more cute when I’m trying to be serious.”
“Oh, well, in that case...” She let go of his hand and turned in her seat to face him and gave him something close to a frown. “How’s this for serious? Wait, let me try again.” She turned her head slightly, dipped her chin, pursed her lips and raised one brow. “How about now?”
“Lucky I’m driving, else I’d spank your ass for being so sassy. Albeit, cute as hell, but still...sassy.”
At her intake of breath, Derek glanced over, and the expression on her face had completely changed. Her blue eyes were wide, her face was a little flushed, and she had her teeth planted in her bottom lip.
Huh...did his Doc want to be spanked?
“You’d spank me?”
Derek glanced back to the road, pausing as he weighed his options on how to answer that question. Screw it, may as well just see what happens. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “Hell, yes, if you earned it, I’d spank you.”
“I’ve never been spanked before.” She cleared her throat. “I think I might like it.”
Her tone was so low, he almost missed it. Thank fuck he hadn’t. This woman, Jesus, she was like opening a present every damn day. She’d like it, he knew she would. It was building, each time they had sex. Every time he took her, she gave him a little more control, and Derek wanted more. “Good. Another first just for me.”
He took her hand once again and squeezed. Knowing she’d need to process her latest sexual realization, he decided that was enough on the spanking topic for the moment and redirected. “Now, stop changing the subject. Let’s get back to safety.”
“I didn’t change the subject. You did!” She laughed.
“Changing the subject again, I see? Sassy. So sassy.”
“Oh dear. I give up.” She laughed again, and Derek felt it tingle from the top of his head down his spine. “Tell me about my safety issues, please.”
He sighed. “There’s just so many, I have no idea where to start now.”
Laughing again, she pulled her hand free and swatted his arm. “No fair!”
He shrugged. “I know, but I like hearing you laugh.” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips.
He liked hearing her laugh as much as he liked making her moan. The moaning was beyond amazing, though. But Derek held that extra bit of information back from her. She already had him beyond enthralled, caught in her spell, there was no getting free. He’d give her all that detail later, but slowly, and in a way that she’d know it was real.
She slid her hand from his and stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers. “I like that you make me laugh, even if you are a little bossy and annoying at times.” She bent over the console and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and then settled back in her seat. “Tell me what my safety needs are, Officer.”
Derek’s cock pulsed behind his zipper. Yeah, totally under her spell. He cleared his throat, glanced at her, and did his best not to drown in her pretty blue eyes so he could stay on topic. “Your garage code is a problem.”
She brushed her hair off one shoulder. “How so?”
“It’s your birthday, Rayna. That’s way too easy for anyone to figure out.”
“Oh. Well...I hadn’t really...”
He glanced at her, and this time she was frowning. “Yeah, I get it. But babe, you gotta change it. Come to think of it, please tell me that’s not the code you use for your debit card, because if so, you gotta change that, too.” He heard her blow out a breath. “Okay, that’s an affirmative.”
She crossed her arms. “All right. What else?”
“I got there tonight, rang your bell, and you didn’t chec
k the peephole before opening the door.”
“Of course not, Derek, I don’t have a peephole.”
“Exactly, Rayna.” He reached across and put his hand on her thigh.
“Ugh...okay, fine. You’re right. I’ll hire someone to put in a peephole. But in my defense, I never use the front door. And it’s not like I have many people coming by. I’m at the clinic all the time.”
“No need to hire someone. I’ll put the peephole in for you.”
“Oh, no. That’s not necessary. Really, I can just hire a handyman.”
Not gonna happen, some strange guy at her house. No way. Derek frowned. “You’re seriously going to deprive me of giving you something I want to give you to keep you safe?”
“Well no, but Derek, that’s not your responsibility. I can’t accept that.”
“Yeah, Rayna, you can. Because I’m offering it. I want to do this for you, and I’d appreciate if you’d let me.” He gave her thigh a squeeze. “Besides, it’s just a peephole.”
“I know, but...”
Layers, she had so many damn layers around her. Good thing he was up for breaking through them. “Look, I get that you’re used to doing things on your own. Nothing wrong with that. But it’s okay to let someone help once in a while.”
She gazed out the passenger window. “I know it is.”
“Good, then it’s settled. Tomorrow, I put in a peephole.”
“Fine.”
“Then we put in an alarm system.” He braced.
She jerked to face him. “A what?”
“An alarm system, Doc. You got one at the clinic. I’ve seen it. You need one at your home.” He nodded as he exited the freeway and stopped at the light.
“Derek, I don’t—”
“Speaking of that, please tell me the code for the alarm at the clinic isn’t also your birthday.” Since the truck was stopped, he turned his head to fully look at her.
Avoiding the Badge Page 11
