Page 60 of Whatever It Takes

The ride downtownwas taking forever. I had to wait until Emery was asleep, so I could sneak out of the house. Erica promised me that she would call me if she woke up. If Emery knew that I was surprising Quinn, she would guilt me into letting her come along.

It was only a little after ten o’clock, and I knew the guys would still be out horsing around. I was hoping to get to the hotel before they got back. I could barely contain my grin knowing how surprised Quinn would be to find me waiting for him in his hotel room.

I took advantage of the break in traffic and sped my way through the open lanes. I was so distracted and hell-bent on getting there that I didn’t see the cop car off to the shoulder of the road tagging cars.

“Shit.” The lights on the top of his patrol car spun as he came right up behind me. Great, just what I needed…a speeding ticket.

I pulled off to the shoulder and resisted the urge to flip off all the other motorists as they slowed down to get a better view.

I placed my car in park and rubbed my hands up and down the steering wheel nervously, wondering if I should call Quinn for help. No. I couldn’t do that knowing he would probably ask what I was doing on Interstate 76 heading toward the city.

I grabbed my registration and insurance card out of the glove box while it seemed like the officer was taking his sweet-ass time getting out of his car.

He finally approached my window. “Evening, ma’am. Do you know why I pulled you over?”

I glanced up and had to concentrate on not swallowing my tongue. Tall, dark, and hot as hell. Damn.

He smirked when he caught me staring. “Yes, I was speeding. I’m sorry. I don’t have a good enough explanation. I wasn’t paying attention.”

He licked his bottom lip and flashed me a pair of dark black eyes. “You were going fifteen miles over the speed limit.”

“Wow!” I acted shocked. “I didn’t realize I was going that fast. I’m so sorry.” I handed him the envelope on my lap containing all my information. “Here is my registration and insurance.”

He took the envelope and smirked at how flustered I was. He probably got this type of reaction all the time. “Thanks. I need your license too.”

“Of course, you do. Duh.” I reached in and took my identification out of my wallet and handed it over. I was nervous even though I had no reason to be. It was just a ticket, nothing illegal.

“Thanks.” He winked and swaggered back to his car.

I blew out a deep breath and glanced at the clock on the dash. I really wanted to get to the hotel before Quinn and the guys got back to their rooms. Now I had to worry about how many points this would be on my license and how much of a fine this would cost me. I really couldn’t afford to have my insurance go up.

About five minutes later the officer reappeared at my driver’s side window. “Here you go, Mrs. Anderson.” He handed me back the white envelope with all my information. “Seeing that you’ve been very cooperative and have no prior tickets, I’m going to cut you some slack tonight. I’m just going to give you a warning. Please slow down.”

“Really? That’s it? Thank you, Officer. I really appreciate that.”

He cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. “I recognized your last name.” His eyes flickered across the inside of my car. “I figured you’ve had enough bad luck lately and could use the break.”

My heart pounded in my chest when I saw the pity in his eyes. “Thanks. For what it’s worth, I want my estranged husband off the streets just as bad as you guys do.”

His eyes widened and I watched a grin tug at the corners of his mouth. “Is that right?”

“Yes, and I appreciate your kindness. I promise to obey the speed limit from here on out.”

Jesus. I sounded like a dork. I wasn’t trying to be such a brownnoser. I just wanted to get the hell on with my night, but the gleam in his eye told me he liked that little piece of information I just shared about my relationship status with the runaway DA.

Why the hell did I have to open my big mouth?

“Where are you headed in such a hurry?”

My smile was automatic just thinking about Quinn. “Downtown, to meet a friend.”

He blatantly stared at me. He was definitely checking me out. That made me even more nervous for some reason. Not that I was interested, just uncomfortable.

“Lucky friend.” He moved a little closer inside my car. I held my breath, unsure of what to do. “My name is Caleb.” He held his hand out to me.

I grabbed his offered hand and gave it a firm shake. This encounter was awkward and completely unprofessional, but he did just do me a favor.

“It’s nice to meet you, Caleb.” I smiled, trying to find the right balance between being polite and not leading him on.

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