Page 39 of Need You
“Do you date?”
The corner of his mouth curved up. “Why? You interested?” He was teasing, of course, but it didn’t stop her face from heating.
“Just curious, since you seem to work constantly.”
“There’s that,” he said. “And it’s a little difficult given the nature of my job.”
“Why?” Was he afraid he’d date someone who turned out to be a criminal and then have to lock her up?
“Like with that Facebook photo, my private life is up for public scrutiny. It’s easier to see women outside town.”
Reading between the lines, it sounded like the police chief was only interested in hookups. “So you’re a serial dater,” she asked. The notion that he was a player disappointed her. Why did men have a problem with monogamy? Or was she being sensitive because of Robert?
Before he could answer, a server came to take their drink orders. Delaney got an iced tea and Colt a beer. He seemed to know a lot about local craft brews.
When the server left, he said, “I’m not a serial dater. How about you?”
“Me?” The question caught her off guard. “I’m not a dater at all.”
“Still not over Robert?”
That’s the thing. She was totally over Robert, but he’d left her wounded and unsure of herself. “It’s more that I’m overwhelmed trying to get a new collection off the ground.”Trying to start completely from scratch.
“You’ll do it,” he said with confidence.
That took her aback. “Why are you so sure?”
His eyes moved over her dress, the action so intimate it felt like a caress. “You make that?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t pay a lot of attention to women’s clothing, to any clothing for that matter. But that dress ... well, let’s just say you could enslave the entire male population with it. Maybe that wasn’t your intention when you designed it, but you’re good. Incredibly talented.”
She’d had the top fashion critics in the world praise her designs, but none of their reviews thrilled her the way Colt’s just had. “Thank you.”
“It’s just the truth. Of course, you’re what makes the dress.” His eyes lit on her again and suddenly her tongue became tied like a pretzel. When had grouchy, demanding Colt gotten so deft at giving compliments?
Luckily, the waiter came with their drinks and took their orders, relieving her of having to respond. Because there were no words for how good he’d made her feel.
“What’s going on with the mayor?” she asked when it got too quiet at the table.
“Last I checked, he was still an asshole.” He quickly scanned the room. “I shouldn’t have said that. Totally unprofessional.”
“Hey, it’s just the two of us. And I already thought he was an asshole.”
“It must be nice not having a boss,” he said, amused. “As far as Pond and me, the city council put him in his place. I doubt he’ll give me any more problems.”
“I’m glad,” she said. “You’re a good chief.”
“Thanks.”
The server brought their meals, they ate, talked, and when it came time to pay the bill, Colt grabbed it.
“I wouldn’t have suggested going out if I’d known you were going to pay. Come on, Colt, let me get this. It’s the least I can do.”
Despite her protests, he handed his credit card to the waiter.
“Are you one of those guys who can’t let a woman pay for him?”
