Page 68 of Open for Negotiation

He and I walk around the car and stand on the passenger side of the car with Scarlett. I slip my arm around her and pull her into my side, kissing her temple.

“We got carried away—” I say, but he holds his hand up to stop me.

“I have to say, this isn’t my first time catching a couple in… the heat of the moment… and it won’t be the last.” He drops his arms and rests his hands on his utility belt.

“Officer,” Scarlett leans in to read the tag on his chest, “Carmichael, we are visiting from Atlanta, and just had a really intense conversation in the car and one thing led to another…”

I squeeze her hand. “Breathe, baby.”

Officer Carmichael just laughs. “Look, I’m going to take it easy on you because I’m a nice guy. We got a call because someone called in saying there was a car here that normally isn’t. They wanted me to make sure everything was all right. I can see that it is.” He adjusts his stance a bit, crossing his arms over his chest again. “However, any other officer may be inclined to arrest you for lewd acts and indecent exposure, so keep this at home, all right?”

“Yes, sir, yes, absolutely we will.” Scarlett covers her face with her hands. “Oh my God, I’m mortified.”

Officer Carmichael just laughs and says, “I work in a party town. I promise, I’ve seen worse. I’ve had to touch worse, and to be honest, my fiancée, Nora, will think this is hilarious.”

“Oh great.” Scarlett waves her hand. “Can we go now, please? Before I literally sink into the concrete in embarrassment?”

“You heard the lady,” I say to him, offering my hand. “Thanks for taking it easy on us, Officer.”

He shakes my hand firmly. “Drive safely.”

Scarlett and I climb back into the car, laughing all the way back to the apartment, knowing that, without a doubt, this will be a story we remember forever.

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