Page 59 of Forbidden Hearts
“I think the word is chivalrous.”
“Oh, that’s rich.” She scoffs.
The cruiser is only a few feet away, so I slow, taking advantage of the last few steps. “I thought this was the dream. A guy coming in and literally carrying you out after you’re hurt.”
“Yeah, that only works if that guy actually is available.”
I am . . . not. I am not.
“I see.” We reach the car door, and I carefully put her down. “Climb in.”
She groans. “Great, now I am riding in the back of the cop car. I should’ve stayed home.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Melinda.”
I let out a deep laugh. “Melinda is doing her best to screw her ex out of her system.”
Phoebe’s gaze meets mine. “How would you know that?”
“She’s not exactly shy about it.”
Her lips purse. “Have you been one of her conquests?”
The tightness in her voice causes a ripple of pleasure through me. “Would it bother you if I was?”
“No.” She answers way too quickly.
“I think it does,” I challenge.
We stand here—her back against the door and me way too close to her, and I lean closer, inhaling the trace of citrus and sugar that lingers on her skin. “It doesn’t. You and I can’t happen, remember?”
“I remember.”
And I do, so I step back. “Get in.”
She climbs in the back, and I mentally prepare myself for the drive.
“How is your ankle?”
“It’s fine. I just twisted it, so I’ll probably be completely normal tomorrow.”
I hate that she’s hurt. I could pummel Austin for letting her get in the middle and Brit for actually hurting her.
“I’m taking you back to my house,” I tell her.
“What? Why?”
“Do you want to explain to your father why I’m dropping you off in a cop car—injured? No.”
“You asked me this and answered for me, so thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.” I pause a moment, then say, “Besides, it’ll keep you out of trouble if you’re there.”Because I want you there.
“Doubtful.”
We drive in silence, mostly because I’m not sure what other asinine bullshit is going to come out of my mouth. There is no good reason that she can’t go home. She’s a fucking grown woman and can take care of herself. I just want her in my house. I want her close and not with any other man.
