by A. M. Kusi
She was falling. But would he be there to catch her? Or was this just temporary?
Chapter 24
Bently
Shuffling the papers on his desk, Bently looked through the stack of messages Betsy had left while he was out on medical leave.
“Evans, you’re back.” Vargas walked in, taking a seat across from him.
“Miss me?”
“I won’t miss the desk duty I had to do in your place.” She laughed.
“Any leads?”
“On your attack? No. Cameras caught the dark figure with the bat. Mason didn’t see anything identifiable when he rushed over. But he said the assailant was definitely a teenager or smaller-built man.”
“He should have chased the fucker down,” Bently grumbled.
Vargas tipped her head to the side. “He was more worried about you. There was a lot of blood and you were unconscious. Mason did the right thing.”
“Who would be targeting me, and why?”
“That’s what I want to know.” She studied him.
“As sheriff, I’m bound to piss someone off. It’s part of the job description. But I really have no idea who would want me dead.”
“You think this is related to your truck windshield?” she asked.
“Could be.”
“Watch your six, Evans.” Vargas stood.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Oh, we got DNA evidence back from Charli’s evaluation. Perp is unknown, but it’s not the first time someone has reported this guy. I got six matches from the whole East Coast.”
Bently shook his head and clenched his fists. “Any hits on the sketch?”
“Not yet.”
“Keep me updated,” he said.
“Will do.”
Bently got to work on the mountain of paperwork Vargas had left for him to check over. He glanced at the clock. It was going to be a long day.
Chapter 25
Belle
A bouquet of deep red roses was nestled in the corner of Belle’s front door. She set down the bags of groceries and reached out to inspect it closer. No one had ever gotten her flowers before. Who would . . .
Bently.
Butterflies tumbled in her belly. A flash of yellow caught her eye on the front of the gray ceramic vase. She peeled the note paper off to inspect the masculine writing.
Meet me at Green Park at noon. -B
She smiled and inhaled the fresh floral scent of the bouquet. This felt an awful lot like dating. Was it? Or was that wishful thinking? Bently would say so if he was ready for more, wouldn’t he? Maybe this was just his way of saying “thank you” for her help.
***
Two hours later, she parked her car in the lot next to the sign for Green Park. Only a few parents played with their tots around the sandbox and play structure on this Wednesday afternoon. She got out and zipped up her coat against the slight chill in the air. She turned her face to the blue sky, and the sunrays warmed her. She took a deep breath. Clean, crisp air filled her lungs.
“Don’t you know it’s illegal to look that good?” Bently said from behind her. She turned as his molten eyes locked with hers. “I should give you a ticket, because you’ve got FINE written all over you.”
Her heart rate sped up and fireflies tumbled haphazardly in her belly. She laughed. “Come on, Bently. I know you’ve got better lines than that.”
He smirked, eyes flashing with amusement. Bently stepped closer, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. Her chest hitched from his gentle touch as he brought his face closer to hers.
“I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
God damn. She swallowed. A mix of emotions warred inside her. Was he serious? Was this more? She couldn’t be sure. “Th—that one was better.”
He looked at her mouth before returning his gaze to her eyes. “Come on. I’ve only got an hour for my lunch break.” He took her hand in his, pulling her along beside him as they walked up a dirt path.
“In the winter, kids use this as a sledding hill,” he pointed out.
She nodded, taking in the green grass-covered mound. Several trees reached out their naked limbs towards the blue sky at the top. A plaid blanket with a wooden basket sat underneath one.
Her eyes darted to Bently and then back. “What is this?”
He held out his arm and gave a slight bow. “Your picnic, my lady.”
Emotion welled in her chest, stinging her eyes. She blinked, trying to hold back the tears that threatened. He’d listened to her the other night and taken time out of his busy workday to make one of her dreams a reality. Bently had put in the effort and hadn’t expected anything from her in return.
Bently cleared his throat. His brows drew together in concern. “Are you okay?”
She stepped forward, placing a hand on his chest, looking up into his eyes. “You did this for me?”
He shrugged. “Everyone should have at least one fancy picnic in their lifetime.”
Didn’t this man know just how amazing this was?
“I—I don’t know what to say . . . Thank you, Bently. This means . . . it means the world to me.”
His brow furrowed as he looked away, almost as if he was embarrassed.
She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, as he secured her waist. The air thundered with anticipation between them. She reached up on her tiptoes. His pulse beat frantically against her chest as her resolve splintered.
He’d been so gentle with her—she could do the same for him. If labels seemed to scare him, she could avoid them for his sake. There was no way he just wanted to be her friend. Yes, he flirted with everyone, but the things he said to her, the way he’d trusted her with his demons, the effort he put into taking care of her—he was wooing her, dating her, no matter what he wanted to call it.
Was she ready to do the same? He hadn’t said he was ready for a relationship—but his actions spoke loud enough. Did she really care about the label enough to pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity based on her fear?
“Bently?” Her voice came out needy.
“Yes?” he asked, pained.
“Kiss me.”
He hesitated only a moment before he leaned the rest of the way, his soft lips caressing hers gently, slowly, as if savoring the delicious connection. She traced the seam of his lips with her tongue, tasting him. His kiss turned hungry and seeking as he squeezed her closer, stealing the breath from her lungs. This kiss gave as much as it took. This kiss had the power to heal her, or break her. The connection was like a riptide, sucking her under and leaving her powerless to stop it. She sighed, pressing herself against his hard planes. One of her hands wove into his hair and gripped. He groaned, possessive fire slamming through her at the hypnotic sound. Calloused hands cupped her face before he slowly pulled away, resting his forehead on hers.
The world around them came back into focus. The sound of their heavy panting was the only exchange between them as a million thoughts raced in her mind. Is he going to be mad and shut down like before? Does this mean he wants a relationship? Did she just ruin their friendship?
“You’re under arrest,” Bently said.
What the hell? Her brow furrowed as she pulled back.
He was grinning. “For taking my breath away.”
She burst out laughing as he joined her. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” he asked, sitting on the blanket and patting the spot next to him.
She got comfortable as he opened the wooden basket and pulled out a whole charcuterie with an array of dried meats, aged cheeses, and marinated olives. Inside was also a bottle of wine, water, and chocolate truffles.
“There’s only one glass?” she asked.
“I’m on duty. It’s all yours, Ang
el.”
She picked up a cracker, piling it with meat and cheese before she took a bite. As he ate, he seemed to be more interested in studying the people below them playing at the park than speaking to her.
“This is a nice town,” she said.
He nodded. “For the most part.”
She’d seen her fair share working in the emergency room, and being a SANE-certified nurse, to know just how far the reach of violence was in the world.
“How are your injuries feeling?” She studied the healing cut by his hairline.
“Getting better every day. How’s TJ? I’ve missed working out with him on the courts this week.”
She smiled. “He asked about you. He’s good. He’ll graduate in December.” He’d already shown he trusted her by sharing his past. How could Belle show Bently she believed in him? She inhaled shakily. “I know it would mean a lot to him if you came.”
He took another bite, chewed, and swallowed before replying. “I’ll be there. But is this your way of asking me on another date?”
“Is this a date?”
Bently coughed and grabbed his bottle of water before taking a sip. “Is TJ all set for college in the spring semester?”
“Yes. But you didn’t answer my question.”
“It’s a friend-date.” He smirked.
Belle shook her head with a smile.
Bently shifted to face her. “You feel like going with me to see Remy’s friend Emma and her band play at The Shipwreck Saturday?”
“For another friend-date?”
“Of course. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t spend time with you?”
She sipped the sweet wine before teasing him. “Sure, that sounds fun. But it’s so unlike you—giving me notice of more than a few hours.”
He shrugged and smiled. “Got to keep you on your toes. I can’t be predictable if I want to be spontaneous.”
She chuckled.
“It’s a Halloween costume party, by the way. I was thinking you could come as a sexy nurse.” He grinned.
She shook her head. “I bet you were.”
“Well, you could go as an angel and I could be the devil.” He winked.
“A little cliché, don’t you think?”
“What do you suggest?” He stuffed an olive into his mouth.
“I think you’ll just have to wait and see.”
“Ooh, intrigue. I love it. Okay, then I’m not telling you what I’m going as either.”
“I do love a good surprise.” She smiled, their eyes meeting. She hoped he really understood just how amazing he was.
He sighed. “Unfortunately, duty calls. I gotta get back to the office.”
She downed the rest of the wine in her glass and put it in the basket. “Thank you again for this.” She stood and helped him fold the blanket and put it on top of the picnic basket he was carrying. She slipped her hand in his as they walked back to the parking lot.
“You good to drive?” he asked.
“Yes, but I’ll probably go for a walk anyways before I go home. My shift doesn’t start until three today.”
He nodded. She looked up at him, her eyes darting to those perfect lips. She wanted another taste. Just one more moment where everything else disappeared and she could just be a woman, just experience. He leaned in slowly. She tilted her mouth towards him expectantly, willingly. He grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her in, kissing her forehead before he turned and walked away.
“See you Saturday at nine.” He waved.
Disappointment flooded her, clouded by confusion at all the mixed messages.
“It’s a date,” she called after him, hoping to gain some semblance of control.
He kept on walking towards his truck without looking back. He motioned goodbye to her again as he drove past.
She bit her lip. He’d kissed her—holy hell, he’d used those magic lips on her. But then he’d gone and distanced himself again. Or had he? The forehead kiss was sweet, undoubtedly so. But she’d wanted the heat. The line drawn between friend and something more was now so blurry she didn’t know where they stood.
He hasn’t ever done this as far as you know. Cut him some slack.
Could she be all in and risk the rejection she feared so much without any guarantee from Bently? It didn’t really matter if she was ready, because she was jumping over the line between friendship and more with two feet. No more living in the gray area. It was time she put it all on the line. But would he?
Chapter 26
Belle
Belle turned and checked her reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t easy finding a costume so last minute, but she’d finally settled on the perfect one.
A knock sounded at her bedroom door.
“Yeah?”
TJ peeked his head in. “You look awesome. Bently’s here.”
“Thanks.”
“He seems like a good guy,” TJ said, putting his hands in his pockets and looking off to the left.
“He does,” she agreed.
“He’s nothing like the other guys.”
The grim reminder from TJ was like a slap in the face of the last time she’d trusted a man, given him everything, just to have him use her and throw her out like garbage when he was finished.
She nodded, speechless. Her stomach knotted. Would Bently do the same? Was she stupid for assuming a leopard could change their spots? How could she be sure he hadn’t been with anyone else while she’d been spending time with him?
“You okay?” TJ asked.
She nodded and grabbed her leather jacket and whip. “I’m just fine,” she lied.
TJ walked down the stairs ahead of her.
Bently stood by the door. The tight material of his costume showed off every hard ridge of his muscles and there was no missing the bulge between his thighs. The black mask covered most of his face and matched his cape.
“Batman?”
“Wonder Woman.” Bently nodded his approval. “Looks like we are better matched than we thought.” He smirked. His white teeth flashed in contrast with the dark mask. “Damn, you look good enough to eat.”
“Hey, now! There are some things I really don’t need to know about my sister.” TJ made a disgusted face.
“Sorry, bro. You got your own hot date tonight, don’t you?” Bently asked TJ without shifting his gaze from hers as she approached.
That was news to her. She looked questioningly towards TJ. “You do?”
He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “Mark is coming over with a date and his sister, Cam.”
“If you’re thinking of trying anything—”
TJ held up his hands. “I promise I won’t.”
She shook her head, unease building. TJ was seventeen, but he had so much on the line.
“Condoms in the drawer of the bathroom sink.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Mm-hmm. You got too much to lose to go and knock someone up in high school. You better use your head. And I mean this one.” She tapped his temple lightly.
TJ shifted uneasily on his feet as he looked down, as if embarrassed. But it was better to be upfront about these types of things. He was a young man with raging hormones and a huge crush on this girl.
“I’m gonna go upstairs. Have fun, guys.” TJ took the steps two at a time like he couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
Bently chuckled.
She turned around with her hands on her hips. “I don’t find anything about this funny.”
He shook his head. “You never cease to surprise me.”
“Are we going to this party or not?”
“I don’t know if I should let you out of the house looking that good.” He smirked. His voice deepened as he continued. “Lots of dangers out there in Gotham City.”
She chuckled. “Well, it’s a good thing I can take care of myself.” She tied the whip onto her belt.
Bently’s hands gripped her hips and pulled her against him. “And I’ve got your back.” His fingers trailed lower before squeezing a handful of her ass.
Electric lust shot through her. Heat blanketed her core and her breath hitched. His touch burned her in the best of ways, igniting a yearning within her. But was she ready for that? She swallowed and pressed against his chest.
He released her before opening the front door. “The Batmobile awaits.”
She chuckled as she slipped her jacket on. Following after him, she locked the house behind her. When they got to his truck, he opened her door and lifted her up. His hands glided over her thighs as she climbed the rest of the way in. She shivered. Something about tonight was different.
The way he touched her, and the emotions he stirred up inside her.
He climbed in the cab next to her, stealing all the air. She stifled a laugh at the ridiculousness of their costumes. But damn, he looked hot. Maybe it was because of the role play, or perhaps the cover of darkness, but her imagination was running rampant with all the bad things she wanted this man to do to her. Pure primal need overwhelmed her rational thought. It was easier to relax and enjoy this if she wasn’t Belle with her past, but someone else—in this case Wonder Woman.
He drove them into town, the low music the only sound in the truck. When they parked, he had her door open before she’d managed to unbuckle her seat belt. His strong arms stretched out to catch her. He set her onto her unstable feet. She slipped her jacket off and put it on his seat. It was sure to be warmer inside.
Bently nodded to the bouncer at the door before they entered. He placed his hand on the small of her back and a shiver ran through her as he guided her in. Music thumped. Bodies pulsed to the beat on the dance floor off to the left as the band performed on stage. The bar was packed. Bently ushered her through the crowd. Heads turned, women casting hungry gazes towards him. She didn’t blame them. The man was too good looking for his own good. Still, a slight burn of jealousy lit in her belly.