Page 9 of Cuffing His Bride

Watching her now, there’s no denying that this is where she belongs. There is something airy and cheerful about her as she runs her fingers on the delicate petals, smiling to herself as she re-arranges flowers that I’ve never seen in my life. I find myself getting lost, watching this side of her.

“Officer Hunter!” she says breathlessly when she notices me standing just outside the little flower shop. “You’re here.”

“I am,” I say, studying her. “You look … better.”

Honestly, she looks like a whole different person. She’s more herself now, and I’m glad for it.

Her cheeks flare up in a pretty blush and she looks away. “Well, I did have a good night’s sleep, thanks to you.”

“Hey, Amelia, did you prepare the pink carnations for the order that came in this morning?” a female voice calls out from inside the shop.

“I’ll get to it in a few, boss!” Amelia yells back, before turning to look at me apologetically. “Sorry, Officer, but looks like I’ve got to go and prepare some apology flowers.”

“Apology flowers?” I ask.

“Yeah. Pink carnations are the “I’m sorry” flowers. The order probably came from someone who fucked up, and needs to apologize to someone.”

“Does it work?” I ask curiously.

Amelia giggles, leaning in as if she’s letting me in on a secret. “Not always. Flowers can only get you so far, but don’t tell anyone I said that. People need to think they work so that they keep giving us business.”

She flashes me a smile so bright that I can’t help but smile in return.

“Sir!”God damn it. I turn to see rookie waving at me carefully, two cups of coffee and a box of donuts in his hands.

“Well, it was nice seeing you, officer,” Amelia smiles.

I step closer. Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t step back. “What time do you clock out? I’ll come to pick you up and drive you home.”

“U-um,” she stutters.

I take another step until she’s flush against me. She glances around to see if anyone is watching, but I certainly don’t care who sees or what they think. I want them to know that Amelia’s mine.

“We need to finish up what we started, kitten. Tell me what time to pick you up and I’ll be here.”

Her breath catches and her eyes glaze over with want. “Seven,” she whispers. “Sometimes I stay later, but I’ll be ready by seven.”

“Good,” I say, taking a step back. It’s only when there are at least two feet between us that I’m able to breathe regularly again. “See you tonight, Amelia.”

I walk back to the squad car, only to find the rookie digging through the differently flavored donuts. But it’s not just donuts. I stare at the cookies in the box and give him a questioning look. I know for sure that I did not give him enough money for that many sweets.

“That looks like it cost more than what I gave you,” I say as I start digging for my wallet. “It was supposed to be my treat, let me—”

“Oh, no need for that,” Officer Blue says as he stuffs his face with a strawberry-frosted donut. “The lady in the bakery said I remind her of her puppy, so she offered me free cookies. Told me I could go back for more if I ever wanted to.”

I can’t suppress my eyeroll. There’s no use reminding the kid that cops aren’t allowed to receive free gifts from people. I’m almost tempted to ask him to return them, but he’s already bitten into one and the baker would probably just throw them away. That, and they’re honestly the best in town. I grab a cookie, and let my eyes drift back to Amelia, still flitting in and out of the shop across the street.

She’s 21, almost ten years younger than me. She’d probably do better dating Officer Blue, who’s closer to her age. I scoff at the thought.

Amelia could have anyone she wants, but she’s chosen me. I’m never letting her go.

Chapter Seven

Amelia

I’m nervous as I lead Hunter into my apartment. He’s been here before and yet, this feels different somehow. When he walked in yesterday, we didn’t have this tension lingering between us. We didn’t have unfinished business with each other.

“Would you like something to drink?” I ask, dropping my purse on the couch and making my way to the kitchen.

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