“Now this is a surprise! As long as you didn’t come to slap me,” I joke as Addie comes walking into the Sheriff’s office.

It has been a week since the fire. Addie is slowly recovering, from the fire. The sadness left her eyes when she found some pictures of her mother in a storage container her dad had. She didn’t really have an attachment to the house, which has made it easier. She’s been living in a hotel with her father, while looking for an apartment—something I have also been doing. In fact, I have an appointment tomorrow to look at a place close to my cousin Faith’s house.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I think about getting a place and asking Addie to crash there. I’m not talking anything permanent, at least not yet. That would probably be crazy. We’ve only had a few dates and a lot of kissing—kisses that are slowly turning my balls blue… and the memory that keeps haunting me of the one time I’ve made her come. The one time that’s etched in my memory and replayed over and over in my head. My hand is getting to know my dick way too much—which is another reason to find that apartment sooner rather than later.

“Funny, you’re so funny,” Addie laughs. “Actually, I thought I might see if you’re free for dinner. I have reason to celebrate.”

“Well, I don’t know, it’s pretty hoppin’ around this place,” I joke. I’m on evening duty, and there’s not another soul in here except for Georgia, the night dispatch. Normally, the office would be closed by now, but Luka implemented this new experimental program. One deputy will remain on duty through the night for emergencies. No one was really looking forward to it, but I volunteered. I don’t have a family at home and so far Addie and I see each other through the day. We’ve not seen each other after the sun goes down since the night of the fire. That’s bugging me. If it weren’t for the kisses and the occasional second base she’s letting me hit, I’d be worried she’s about to put me in the friend zone.

“I can tell that you’re real busy,” she laughs. “What do you say, Black Horn?”

“Jesus, Addie.”

She doesn’t respond with words, but she giggles like a school girl. The sound makes me hard and makes me laugh at the same time.

“Explain to me how you can take a name I hate and make it sound sexy?”

“It’s a gift. So, what about it? Are you down for dinner?”

“Down?” I shake my head, but she just rolls her eyes at me.

“I’d like dinner,” I tell her pulling her into my arms. “But, I’d really love dessert.”

“Me too,” she says with a sigh that is full of regret. “I’ve been looking everywhere for a place of my own that I can afford, but that might be a non-issue soon.”

“How so?”

“I aced my second interview! I’ve got a final callback next week. It’s down between me and one other chef. They’re going to have us cook an item off their menu and then choose which they like best in a blind taste test.”

“Is this really how these places do these things? That seems more like a reality TV show to me.”

“When you’re paying what they’re offering with hella’ benefits, you can do anything you want. Especially since these kinds of positions are few and far between,” Addie says, making me grin.

“Hella? You kids with your modern slang.”

“I don’t think that’s modern slang, grandpa. So are you taking me to dinner?”

“Hey Georgia? I’m going to take my two-way with me and beeper. If you need me, I’m going to go out and grab a bite with Addie.”

“Sounds good, Black. Hey Addie!”

“Hey Georgia,” Addie responds with a wave.

I reluctantly let go of her, but still keep hold of her hand and we walk out.

“Where do you want to eat?”

“I was thinking the best place would be the diner. That way you’re close to work if you’re needed. I’m supposed to meet Petal in an hour anyway and it’s close to her shop.”

“Petal? What for?”

“Worried she’s going to spill family secrets?” Addie asks as we cross the road to the diner.

“Let’s just say that she might owe me one.”

“Why? What did you do?”

“She’s still bent out of shape because I picked out a dress for her to wear on a date.”

“You picked out a dress…”

“It was a damn fine dress. Hell, I’d even say that they have Rain because of that dress.”

“Whoa. It really must have been some dress.”

“The kind men pay money to see a woman wear,” I tell her as we walk into the diner. I don’t bother to add that it was a hooker’s dress. I doubt Addie would appreciate that fact.

“Maybe I should take you on my shopping spree.”

“You’re going shopping?”

“I have three outfits, Black. Don’t tell me that you haven’t noticed.”

“I haven’t really, every time I see you it’s like seeing you for the first time,” I croon, as I help her into her chair and then sit in the seat across from her.

“Oh that was just too much cheese on an empty stomach,” she says shaking her head.

“Ouch,” I laugh. "How did your apartment looking go today?”

“Not great. I know Dad doesn’t want me to take a place on North—”

“Stop right there. Do you know how many times a day one of us gets called out there? There’s no way you’re living on North Street, Addie. That’s final.”

“Gee, Black, I don’t remember asking for your permission,” she snipes and boy have I pissed her off. I don’t really care. She can get mad or she can get glad. There’s no way she’s going to live on North Street.

“I’m just stating a fact. I won’t let it happen,” I tell her plainly.

“I don’t see how you can stop me.”

“Try me, Princess. You’ll be surprised what I am willing to do when it comes to you.”

“Well, you can’t do anything to me if one of us doesn’t get our own place. I’d rather not make a habit of doing it in a car. That’s not really who I am.”

“You shouldn’t knock it. I bet I could make you like it, Addie.”

“You probably could, but the last thing I need is for my father to catch his little girl naked in the back of a cop car.”

“What if I’m the naked one? You could wear another dress,” I answer with a sly grin.

“Maybe we should change the subject since I need to go to Petal’s soon and all this talk about what you would do to me is only adding to the frustration levels that I already have on high alert.”

“Glad I’m not the only one,” I mumble.

“Then you see the need for an apartment. I should talk to the landlord—”

“Absolutely not,” I growl, putting my foot down.

“What are you two arguing about?” Addie’s father asks coming up behind us. He looks at me skeptically. I see the annoyance in his face. He doesn’t like me putting the moves on his little girl. I can respect that. When Addie and I have a daughter, I’ll probably be the same way….

Holy shit. What did I just… Whoa…. Christ…

“Black was just telling me how he forbids me to get an apartment on North Street.”

“Well look at that. Something Black Horn and I can agree on,” the Mayor answers and I wince.

“Shit. Does everyone know that damn name now?”

Addie looks down at her lap guiltily, while her father laughs loudly, slapping me—a little too hard—on the shoulder.

“My daughter and I don’t have secrets,” he says, helping himself to the empty chair beside me.

“Have a seat,” I grumble, seeing right quick that I’m not about to get a romantic dinner with Addie tonight.

“Nice of you to offer, Long Horn,” the Mayor says flagging down a waitress.

“It’s Black Horn,” I correct him, while Addie is doing her best to not laugh. I look at her, my eyes telegraphing a promise of retribution later. The damn woman has the nerve to pucker her lips and pretend to kiss me.

I need to smack her ass… Damn, do I want to smack her ass…

I close my eyes and try thinking about Linda. That’s the quickest way to make my dick go down and the last thing I need to do is adjust myself when I’m sitting beside Addie’s father. He might try to unman me and I’m kind of partial to my balls—and the rest of me.

It’s going to be a long night.