Page 15 of A Very Grumpy Sheriff
I drive into town and park outside Suri’s apartment.Her car is out front, so I know she’s home.I can’t hide my smile as I take the stairs two at a time up to her place and knock on her front door.
She opens it a second later, and my mouth waters at the sight of her clad in a pair of black yoga pants and a loose green t-shirt.The shirt slides off her shoulder, and I realize she’s not wearing a bra.
“Goddamn,” I groan.
Suri smiles happily, though she tries to hide it from me.“Well, hello to you too,” she jokes.“What are you doing here?”
“I came to pick you up for our date.”
“What date?”
“The one I’m about to take you on.”
“It’s been a long day.I don’t feel like getting all dressed up and?—”
“You’re perfect.Come on, let’s go.”I lace our fingers together and tug her toward me, reaching behind her to swipe her keys off the entryway table.I lock the door behind us and lead her down to my car.
“Where are we going that the dress code is pajamas and slippers?”
“My place.”
“Your place?”
I open the passenger door and help her into the car.“Yeah.I thought I would cook dinner for you.”
“Oh.”
“And then we can talk,” I say, closing the door before she can argue with me.
The drive back to my house is quick and quiet.I can tell that Suri is nervous, her fingers twisting together in her lap as we drive out of town and toward my house.
“You bought this place?”Suri asks as we park in the driveway.
“Yeah.It was hard to find a rental in this town.”
“I know.I got lucky with my apartment.”
I cut the engine, and we climb out.I’m annoyed I didn’t get to open her door for her, but I assure myself I’ll make up for it later.I take her hand in mine and lead her up to the front door.
“What are you hungry for?”I ask as she follows me into the kitchen.
“Canyou cook?”
“Yeah, I’m good in the kitchen,” I promise.
“How about spaghetti?”
“Coming right up.”
I pull out a stool for her, grab her hips, and lift her onto the chair.“Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m okay.”
I nod and make a start on dinner.Suri’s eyes are on me, studying me, as I boil water and preheat the oven.I open a bottle of wine, pouring us each a glass.When I pass the glass to her, she takes a deep breath and meets my eyes.
“Why are you doing all of this?”she asks carefully.
I smile.“Because you’re mine.”
