Tibbs was similar in that way, or at least he had been. And now I was slightly worried things might change. And well, I couldn’t have it both ways, could I? Be grateful he didn’t see me as a “girl” and complain he didn’t want me as a woman. Because that would be psycho.
After I was clean—and hoping to leave all thoughts of Tibbs down the drain with the soapy water—I dressed and headed back to my apartment. There were still a few hours before I needed to be in Midtown to report for duty, and other than a quick message to assure me he was alive, I hadn’t heard from Miller. And since I was no longer hitting something, I could use the distraction.
Yep.
Anything other than think of Tibbs.
Because unfortunately it wasn’t only his ridiculously hot body that I needed to avoid, it was the sexy, witty, fun side that I’d suddenly discovered as well.
“Are you going to see her again?” I asked Miller as we walked to our cruiser. “Or you going to keep things casual. If you’re taking a vote, I say play the field a little longer.”
Grayson had told me that Ariel—the woman he’d met last night—had been more awesome than he could’ve imagined. They laughed and chatted at the bar, and finally went back to her place where he totally forgot about his cheating ex-girlfriend. He didn’t tell me he’d slept with her, but judging by the smile on his face when we’d turned up to the station, I assumed he had.
He shrugged, getting that stupid look on his face when he got hung up over a girl. “I don’t know, Tessa. I kinda feel like we have a connection. She gets me.”
“Goddamn it, Miller,” I breathed a breath of frustration. He’d called me by my first name which usually meant he was serious. And considering last night was supposed to be a fling, I didn’t like where the conversation was heading. “You’ve known her for a night, how much of a connection could you have? You can’t fall in love with her. There’s a rule, six months before you can even consider being in love with someone else. You are in complete violation.”
That was Grayson though. He fell in love hard and fast, which was why he ended up with a broken heart. Still, I’d hoped he’d hold out a little longer, waiting until the second or third date before declaring they had a “connection.”
He laughed, shoving my shoulder before moving to the driver’s seat. “Oh, yeah? What code are we talking about? Because I’m fairly sure there is no such rule.”
“Just promise me you’re not going to move in with her or anything,” I slipped into the passenger side of our car, “and for God’s sake, do not propose.”
“Jesus, Ricci. I know I work fast but not that fast. I promise I’ll talk to you before I make any life-changing decisions.” He settled into the seat beside me, buckling up before hitting the ignition.
The captain had kept us mostly busy and we hadn’t really had time to chat. But we were heading out to a domestic dispute and I figured I could use the time on the drive over to convince him not to declare his undying love. It was going to be a challenge but I had to at least try.
“Good. I’ll be like your sobriety sponsor but for relationships. You have to do all ten steps before you can say the L word. And no cutting corners.” I smiled as we pulled out of the lot.
“Yeah, yeah.” Grayson grinned. “And where did you run off to last night? Nothing take your fancy?”
We hadn’t discussed my exit, or that I hadn’t left alone, his news taking precedence. It was preferable, if I was honest, not excited to tell him I’d gone home with Tibbs even though nothing had happened. “I wasn’t feeling it.” I chewed on my lower lip, feeling guilty for not coming clean. “And I was tired.”
He nodded, not questioning my motives because he had no reason to suspect otherwise. “Well, thanks for coming out with me anyway. If you ever need the favor returned, I’m your guy. I’ll even play the jealous boyfriend.” He lowered his voice before turning to me. “Hey asshole, get your hands off my woman.”
“Great. I’ll remember that.” My eyes rolled, not convinced by his fake meathead routine. “And by the way, my dad thinks you should come back to the gym.”
Miller shook his head,