Page 39 of Redemption

As we sit across from each other, Stephanie’s eyes light up with curiosity. “So, what's your secret? Why tacos?”

I chuckle, leaning back a bit. “You can learn a lot about a person by how they handle messiness. Tacos are revealing like that.”

She laughs, the kind of laugh that’s infectious and makes people nearby glance over with smiles on their faces.

“Well, prepare to be impressed,” she challenges, raising an eyebrow as she picks up her taco.

We dive into our meals, the conversation flows as easily as the salsa from our tacos. Every shared story and joke draws us closer, and I realize how much I’m enjoying her company. The warmth in her eyes and the genuine interest in her questions make it impossible not to be completely drawn in.

As the evening unfolds, the world seems to shrink down to just the two of us, creating a bubble of comfort and connection. Long after we’ve finished eating, we linger at the table, reluctant to let the night end.

When we finally head back to her place, there’s a quiet moment outside her door. The night air is cool, carrying the faint sound of distant traffic and the rustle of leaves.

“I had a great time, Raven,” she says, stepping a little closer, her gaze meeting mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip.

“Me too,” I confess, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips. I lean back against my door, taking the weight of her body against me.

There’s a brief pause, the kind that’s filled with possibilities, and then we’re leaning in. The kiss is soft at first, like a question,but it deepens, fueled by the chemistry that has been building between us all evening. It’s electric, making my skin tingle and my mind race.

We pull away slowly, breathless and a bit dazed, sharing a look of wonder. The world comes rushing back, and with it, the unexpected sight of two Calvert City cops approaching us. Their uniforms are crisp under the streetlights, and one of them is waving as if they’ve been trying to get my attention.

“Raven,” one calls out, his voice breaking through the magic of the moment. “We didn’t mean to interrupt, but we’ve got a question for you.”

Fuck my life. I instinctively pull her closer, pushing her back behind me. Stephanie looking between me and the officers with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, her fingers brushing lightly against my arm.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I give her a reassuring smile before turning to the cops, a hint of confusion in my voice. I'm not sure any of this goes to my eyes. “What’s up?”

“We were wondering if you’re ready to come back to the department,” the second officer says, looking straight at me, his voice barely hiding the smartass tone.

The question hangs in the air, heavy with implications. I feel like I’m balancing between two worlds, a decision that demands consideration. Stephanie’s presence is a grounding force, a reminder of what’s really important to me right now.

I nod slowly, buying myself a moment to think. Time to get out from under this. They won't do anything with her around. “Can we talk about this later?”

The first cop nods, seemingly understanding they don't want to get into this with her here. “Of course. Sorry to intrude.”

They walk away, leaving Stephanie and me in the relative silence of the night, the moment still charged with energy.

“Come back to the department?” Stephanie echoes, eyebrows raised in curiosity.

“I used to work with the Calvert City police,” I explain, pushing a hand through my hair. “Took some time off for personal reasons, but they seem to want me back.” That's the fucking simplest way to explain it, but it's so much more complicated.

“Are you considering it?” Her question is gentle, probing but not overstepping.

“I don’t know,” I admit, meeting her eyes.

There’s a shared moment of understanding in her gaze, and it reassures me more than I expected. Whatever decision I make, I know that this connection, this burgeoning relationship, is an anchor worth holding onto.

She steps closer, her hand slipping into mine. “Whatever choice you make, I’m here.”

“Thanks, Stephanie.”

She smiles, and I can’t help but smile back, the warmth of her hand in mine grounding me.

We linger there a little longer under the stars, talking softly about anything and everything. The night deepens, wrapping us in its embrace, and I realize how significant this feeling of belonging is.

Eventually, we say our goodbyes, the promise of more nights like this one hanging in the air between us. I watch her disappear into her house, feeling lighter, the uncertainty of the future tempered by the certainty of this moment.

As I drive away, my mind is a whirl of thoughts and emotions. The invitation from the cops, the unexpected depth of my connection with Stephanie, it all swirls around, leaving me contemplative and eager for what’s to come.

For the first time in a long while, I’m ready to see where this path might lead.

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