Page 3 of Hot Pursuit
“That’s pretty.”
“It’s a name.” I shrugged. I had no idea I could flirt. Shit, if this was my last chance, at least I could flirt with a hot cop built like an Adonis.
“Mine’s Logan,” he shared.Logan.It fit him.
“I like it. It works, Officer Logan.”
“Yeah? Fits me?”
“Are all cops this needy for compliments?” I teased, trying to ignore the serious fear mounting inside me. I breathed in slowly and noted that nothing major seemed to hurt. I just felt stiff. Really, really stiff. Trapped.
“Pretty much.” His answer made me smile, but then my lips wobbled.
“Hey, Logan?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“Did I, umm, did I hurt someone?” My brain felt like a slushie, all fuzzy with what had happened. I’d been waiting for two cars in front of me to get through the stop sign. I’d watched a truck fly through the stop sign with two police cars chasing close after him with lights and sirens. The moment they passed, thecars moved up, and then… nothing. Nothing but a loud bang and crunching metal.
“No.” He shook his head. “You were at a stop. We had a high-speed pursuit, and the suspect hit the electrical pole behind you.” I tried to turn, but pain shot down my neck and spine. “Stay still for me, okay? Just to be on the safe side.”
Safe side?Was that possible in this situation?Don’t think about it. Focus on the good,an all-familiar voice in my head muttered,Focus on the cute guy talking to you. Don’t overthink it.
“Okay,” I whispered, closing my eyes for a moment.
“Hey, look at me. Please, princess.” I forced my eyes to do what he asked. “What’s your real name?”
“Vi,” I shared and shook my head, immediately regretting the sharp movement. “It’s Violet. Actually, it’s Violeta.” I had no idea why I was getting so detailed. “But sometimes people have a tough time pronouncing it, so I go with the English version, or hey you,” I joked, because that’s what I did when I was scared or nervous.
“Hey you?” His lips twitched. “I like that sexy sense of humor of yours.”Is he flirting back? Or am I more delusional than usual? I mean, if there was ever a time to be delulu about anything, this would be it.“That’s a fucking gorgeous name, baby. Tell me about you. Where were you headed before…”
“An electrical pole fell on my car?” I asked, and he was gracious enough not to wince.
“Exactly.” He grinned. There was something about his grin that made me relax. That felt familiar despite just having met him and the crazy adrenaline-induced situation.
“Home. I haven’t had a good day.” I shut my eyes and breathed in deeply, exhaling slowly.
“Why’s that?”
“I woke up late.”
“Hey, we’re human. That happens.”
“True, but it was because my roommate decided she didn’t feel like there was a need to pay the electricity since she’s going to be a movie star soon. So, she decided to spend the money I gave her for utilities and rent on a new dress so she could hit the bar at NoBu and try to catch someone’s eye. Mind you, all she’s ever been on is an extra in a foot cream commercial.” I turned towards him. His eyes seemed to glitter with humor.
“And then what happened?”
“I got to work late, and my skeezy boss…”—I made a face—“didn’t like that.”
“I bet.”
“You do?”
“A minute later than I’d plan to see a beautiful woman like you? Yeah, that would ruin my day.” He was flirting.Is that flirting? Why did I live life so carefully, so cautiously, for it to end up like this?
“Well… that’s sweet, but he’s not. He piled on the work and then…” My hand rose to touch my forehead. I felt the scratch. My flesh was open, and my hands started to shake as my mind spun, wondering what that could look like.Oh god, the blood.
“Then what, babe?”
