Project Produce (20 page)

I opened my mouth to argue, but he ducked inside the car and unlocked my door. Finding myself grinning despite his outrageous comments, I slid into my seat and shut the door. “We never did buy a baby gift,” I pointed out, still smiling.

“You’re right. We bought several,” he answered with a chuckle, pointing to the back seat. “One Torpedo Dart Gun--minus a dart, one empty Spider Man Web Blaster, one half-loaded Giant Millennium Super Soaker, and one very wet Wee-Wee Diana.”

“Gloria’s going to kill us,” I said.

“Let’s just hope Wee-Wee Diana’s all tapped out.”

We both laughed and remained smiling for the rest of the ride back to my apartment. Tonight, Super Cop had seemed like a regular guy. A guy who was compassionate and sensitive, who had a wonderful rapport with children, yet could be a child himself with his easy-going humor and playfulness. A guy I’d never known existed.

A guy I had no idea what to do with.

***

“What am I going to do, Gloria? You know what I went through back home. I don’t need this right now.” I curled my bare legs up under me on the worn-out couch and sipped my Saturday morning coffee, the rich aroma filling my senses. I wore my standard T-shirt and panties sleepwear. I couldn’t bring myself to wear the green silk nightie I’d bought, because it reminded me too much of Hot Britches.

Gloria usually slept in on Saturday mornings, but she was too keyed up from the success of her gig last night. There’d been an agent in the audience who’d given her his card, saying he was interested in talking to her about representation. I was thrilled for her, really, I was. But we’d talked for the last hour about her. Now, it was my turn. I needed help.

“So forget about him, simple as that.” She poured herself another cup and joined me on the couch, her silk pajamas whispering all the way. Then snatched the afghan off the back cushion and tossed it over her legs.

“I tried. And failed.” I sighed, shivering. An early morning chill had settled around us, so I pulled a corner of her blanket over my lap and continued. “I was completely content in giving up on the male species, then bam, I meet Hot Britches. Now, I’m totally confused. He seems so perfect, I have to keep reminding myself that he’s obsessed with sex.”

“Excuse me, how many times have you had sex with Dylan?” She arched a brow.

“Well, none, but--”

“Listen,” she swiped her hand through the air, “for someone who’s supposedly an addict, he sounds a bit lame to me.”

I frowned. “He’s not lame. He’s made moves, or maybe I have. Heck, I can’t remember.”

“My point exactly. An addict probably would’ve given up a long time ago, or possibly pressured you ‘till you caved. You, of all people, should know that. Everything’s black and white with you,
chica
. Maybe you’re wrong about this one.”

“I’m not, trust me. I saw--”

“The evidence, I get it. I just don’t buy it.” She reached out and squeezed my hand. “Just because he’s into girly mags and Internet porn, doesn’t mean he’s addicted to sex. It just means he’s a guy.”

I stared down into the creamy swirls of brown in my cup. “I guess part of me is afraid he may have seen that stupid porn video of me. I just don’t think I could stomach that.” My eyes met hers. “What if he’s just being nice to me because he thinks I’m easy?”

She laughed. “Honey, if you were easy, he would’ve gotten some by now. I think he would’ve figured that one out and given up on you.” She grew serious. “Ever think maybe he just likes you for you?”

“I might think that, except for Flasher Freak. I know how much Dylan wants to be the one to catch him. Once that happens, he won’t have a reason to hang out with me. He’s just using me to further his career.”

“Kinda like you’re using him to find your answers?” She arched a winged brow.

“Yeah. Great basis for a relationship.” I snorted. “Once he finds out he’s part of a psychology project, he’s going to hate me anyway, so what’s the point?”

She stood up and carried her cup to the sink, rinsing it out as she spoke. “You’re way over-thinking this. Just enjoy his friendship while it lasts. You seem happier since he came into your life. It doesn’t have to go any further than that, if you don’t want it to. And if it does, well hell, enjoy that too.” She winked. “Just don’t go losing your heart, and you’ll be fine.” She headed into her room to change for work, calling out behind her, “Loosen up, would ya? Go have fun.”

Gloria was right. I stared outside at the bright sunshine and clear blue sky, determined to have a good time on my date.
Hypothetical date, that is
. So, really, I shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Just because I was the type to fall fast and hard in the past didn’t mean I would do so now. Especially if I was on guard against it. I just had to keep reminding myself of that, and everything would be all right.

***

“I can’t do this.” My skates slipped out from under me, and I landed hard on the ice for the millionth time today. Who knew my insecurity could be an asset? I painstakingly made my way to a bench, plopped down with a wince, and crossed my arms over the bulk of my Eskimo parka.

“Sure you can. Just have a little patience, and it’ll come.” Dylan gave me an encouraging smile.

Why did he have to be so nice? Or so cute? And why in the world had I ever agreed to ice skating at Rockefeller Center when I didn’t have a clue how to skate? Because I’d had such an amazing time in the toy store last night, I admitted. And because I never could turn down a challenge.

Since I chose where we went last night, it was his turn today. He hadn’t even told me until he picked me up and we were on our way. Like I could cancel then. Besides, I wasn’t kidding when I said I was competitive.

I once ate ten pounds of Grandma Brown’s baked beans all by myself because Shawn Sheritan claimed to have done so and made the arrogant mistake of saying I couldn’t. I didn’t even like beans, but I was determined to make him pay. I just hadn’t anticipated the entire west wing of Cutesville High would pay as well.

If someone had lit a match, the whole school would have gone up.

But I didn’t regret it one bit. Even if I hadn’t been the most popular kid in school, I’d won. Today wasn’t any different. Okay, so I wasn’t tooting like a choo-choo train stuck in high gear, but there was no way I would quit until I skated on my own at least once.

To Dylan’s credit, he’d been trying to help me all afternoon, but I’d been too stubborn to allow it. No wonder he was good at skating. How could he not be? His feet were so big, he looked like he wore skis instead of skates. Heck, I could be Nancy Kerrigan with those. I huffed out a breath and peeked up at him from under the hood of my humongous coat. I hated that I couldn’t do this on my own, but maybe it wouldn’t be such a terrible thing to accept just a little bit of help.

I thrust out my hand, and a tender smile curved his lips. That was hard for me to do, and he knew it. He took my hand and tugged me to my feet.

“Whaaaaaaaa!” I fell into his chest and threw my arms around his waist, squeezing the breath out of him.

“I like you, too,” he wheezed, “but if you want me to show you how to skate, you’ll have to loosen your hold.”

“Sorry.” I started to let go, but my feet began to zig then zag. Grabbing back onto him because my life depended on it, I shook my head firmly. “Uh-uh. No way. No can do, Detective. You’re not leaving me on my own out here.”

He chuckled and wrenched my arms loose, but he kept hold of my hands. “Relax, Mac. I’m not going anywhere.”

And he didn’t. He stayed by my side. Or rather, in front of me, skating backward and holding my hands for the next hour, until I gradually gained confidence. Grinning that cute crooked grin, and wearing those heat shields that had become less annoying and more a part of who he was, he urged me on, never once losing patience. Most guys might have been bored or tired of me by now, but he truly seemed to be enjoying himself, confusing me even more.

“Hey, this isn’t so bad. I think I’m getting the hang of it.” I smiled, feeling the excitement surge through me. With the afternoon sun shining and the air mild, I felt happy. Really happy for a change. And that terrified me. What did it all mean?

“Ready to go solo?” he said, breaking into my thoughts as he released my hands.

“W-Wait! I can’t. It’s too crowded. Look at all the people whizzing by. Hey, get back here this instant.” I kept grabbing at him but missing.

He shook his head and stayed just beyond my reach.

I wobbled to and fro, my arms and legs jerking, making me feel like a really bad break-dancer. When I gained my balance, I took short little glides across the ice and nailed him with a murderous glare. “Just wait until I catch you.”

“Bring it on. I’m waiting. And while you’re at it, take a look at what you’re doing.”

“I’m coming to get you is what I’m doing. And when I do, I’ll...” My voice trailed off. “Holy cow, I’m doing it!” I shrieked. “I’m really doing it. I’m ice skating all by myself.”

He laughed, grinning from ear to ear over my obvious elation. Skating circles around me, he kept encouraging my every move. A few strands of black hair slipped from his ponytail, snagging in his goatee. He shook it free and flashed those pearly whites, making me lose my concentration. God, he was gorgeous, his olive-toned skin glowing in the sunlight. What I wouldn’t give to have him hold me in his arms, right here, right now. He swung around behind me as though he’d read my mind and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Whoa, there, chief. What are you doing?” One of my nervous giggles slipped free.

“Shhh. You’ll be fine. Hold on tight,” he said, then I felt him stagger his skates between mine and pick up the pace. We glided around the rink.

“W-Wait. I don’t think I’m ready for this.” I wrapped my arms tightly over his and held on for dear life, mentally making the sign of the cross. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Oh, God. Oh...” I gradually got the rhythm, my feet finally falling in sync with his. “Oh, wow. This is incredible.” I loosened my death grip on his forearms just a little, but I’d be darned if I’d let go completely.

Pulling me in closer, he whispered, “You’re incredible.” My skate slipped, and he chuckled softly. “I have to say you are refreshingly unique from any of the city women I’ve dated.”

“Hypothetically dated, you mean,” I shot back, failing to keep the smile out of my voice.

“Is there any other kind of date?” He laughed.

“Not that I can think of.” We rounded a corner. “Woohoo,” I yelled, ignoring the odd stares directed my way. I didn’t care. This was as much fun as the toy store. Maybe more. I could be myself around him, and he was okay with that. I peeked over my shoulder, and he shook his head, grinning.

In fact, that ridiculous silly grin hadn’t left his face all afternoon, no matter how much he’d tried to cover it. I was glad I’d seen it, because it made me feel less self-conscious. I was having too much fun to worry about making a fool of myself. The day was perfect--sunshine, fresh air, adults chatting, and children laughing. Perfect until I looked back. He’d taken off his sunglasses, and I couldn’t help getting lost in his eyes. He couldn’t seem to look away, either.

“Holy Mary, mother of God,” a hoarse voice croaked out.

A jolt of awareness zipped through me, and I whipped my head around. A little old man with big owl eyes stood frozen, directly in our path.

Dylan cursed, then grabbed me, doing some spin-off thingy I’d seen the football players back in high school do, missing the old man by a mere inch. Watching a football player do a spin-off on cleats was a whole lot different than participating in one with a padless Detective wearing hockey skates. There was no way around it. We were going to fall. Dylan turned his back to the ice and pulled me on top of him, landing hard on his back.

The breath whooshed from his lungs, but I felt fine. I couldn’t believe he’d done that. I was almost as big as he was, yet he made sure I wouldn’t get hurt. I melted inside, until I noticed he’d started to turn blue. As I scrambled off him, he gasped for breath, a nice pink returning to his stubbled cheeks.

When he breathed normally again, he said, “I think I’ve died and gone to...” his voice trailed off as he stared into my eyes, looking dazed.

I yanked off my mittens and cradled his face, searching his eyes with concern. “Dylan?”

“...heaven,” he finished, still staring into my eyes, looking floored.

“Tell me you’re okay,” I whispered, my lips a breath away from his. “Please be okay.”

“I am now,” he responded, then reached up and pulled my head down until my lips connected with his.

The same spark shot through me that had happened the last time he kissed me, and I had a feeling it always would. When I didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, angling his head to the side and slipping his fingers into my hair. His lips moved slowly over mine, and his tongue swept every angle inside my mouth, as though he was dying of thirst and I was the sweetest nectar. The need and urgency I felt stunned me to my very core.

“Hey, get a room,” someone yelled.

“You two kids all right?” the old man asked.

I jerked, then pulled away and stared at Dylan in total confusion and disbelief over everything I’d felt in that kiss. I couldn’t be feeling this way about a guy like him. And he couldn’t be feeling everything that kiss said he was feeling. I’d been hurt too many times to believe
any
guy could feel that way about me.

Note to self: Get out now!

“Is he breathing, miss? Do I need to call an ambulance?”

I shook my head, trying to clear it, then sat back, feeling overcome.

Dylan rolled to his knees, then took my hand and pulled us both to our feet. He kept my hand in his own. “I’m fine. She was just giving me mouth-to-mouth,” he said when it was apparent I couldn’t speak.

I think I was in shock. I couldn’t do this. I pulled my hand out of his and turned away to face the man. “We’re fine. I hope you’re okay.”