Toni
I must have been out of my freaking mind to agree to this date. I knew he liked me from the moment we met. I could see it in his eyes. There was an attraction there that he pushed aside because he was with someone else. I’d overheard the gossip at the station about how they were having trouble. I never witnessed any of it, but rumor was Amber had been in before and picked a fight right in front of his desk. I’ve stayed away from him. I didn’t want to be the reason they broke up, but now it doesn’t matter anymore. She left him, and he’s been pursuing me since. I should have known that telling Jeo we were dating was stupid. Mark had a little too much fun at the game, and now I’m stuck. I know if I just let myself fall, I’ll fall hard, but then what? What happens when I let the spark between us ignite? What happens when I find out we’re amazing together? What happens when Mark burrows so far into my heart that I can’t help but fall hopelessly in love? Then what? Will he leave the department? Will I? If we start dating, we can’t stay partners. I’ve only been here for a few months. Mark’s been in the department for years. If anyone’s asked to leave, it will be me.
It’s a Saturday, my day off, and I’ve been pacing my apartment most of the day. Mark is supposed to pick me up at six. I know we’re going to dinner, but I’m not sure where else. He said to dress casual. I texted him because I’m not sure how casual I should go. Is this a jeans type date, or shorts or something? A warm front has been blowing through Chicago, and it’s actually feeling more like summer than spring at the moment.
As I pace across my living room once again, I text him.
Toni: How casual is casual?
Mark: You know you’re much higher maintenance than I remember.
My mouth fell open as I just stood there staring at his response. This guy didn’t seem to be worried that I might get pissed off and stand him up.
Mark: Go naked if you want, but you may have to bail me out by the end of the night.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I stared at his messages. I wanted to respond, but I also wanted to make him sweat. After a few minutes, the three little dots letting me know he was writing again appeared at the bottom of the screen.
Mark: I’m sorry. I’m an asshole.
That made me laugh.
Toni: Yes, you are. Maybe you should go naked too, then we’ll match.
“Take that, Colby,” I giggled. Two could play this game.
Mark: All you had to do was ask if you want to see what’s under the uniform.??
Toni: I’ve been told it’s not that impressive.
Mark: Ouch woman!
Toni: I’m trying to get dressed. Just tell me, are jeans ok?
Mark: So you’re naked right now?
Toni: Mark!
Mark: Jeans work, panties are optional.
I shook my head at that as I marched back to my bedroom. I had no intention of messaging him back. Let him stew a little. I grabbed a pair of dark wash jeans from my closet and slipped them on. Was I wearing panties? No, but I never did. Mark didn’t need to know that though. I’d let him imagine whatever he wanted. I could play dirty too.
ooooooooo
At six o’clock on the dot, there was a knock at the door. He was punctual, I’d give him that. I leaned against the wood, shouting, “Who is it?” before giggling.
“You think you’re so funny. Let me in,” he growled.
I rolled my eyes before unlocking the door and swinging it open. I didn’t know what I expected, but what was standing in front of me was not it. Mark was standing there dressed head to toe in black. A tight black t-shirt stretched across his chest. Black cargo pants hung on his hips, and black boots covered his feet. A black baseball cap was turned around backwards and allowing only the stubble from his close-cropped hair to be seen. “Ready?” his head tipped to the side as a lopsided grin formed. My eyes slowly raked over him as I took it all in. I had to admit, he looked so hot and I knew he could see right through me. “Keep eye-fucking me like that and we won’t go anywhere.”
“Sorry,” my eyes snapped up to meet his and I could feel my cheeks heat. “Just need to grab my jacket,” I reached over to the side and grabbed the fleece jacket I’d set out. I knew once the sun went down, it would get cold. I’d chosen a tank top paired with my jeans, and I wanted something to keep my arms warm. “All set,” I smiled as I stepped outside and locked the door.
“You look nice,” Mark motioned for me to go ahead of him. When we got outside to the front of my building, I saw his motorcycle parked against the curb. “You ok with this?” he paused as he lifted the spare helmet and handed it to me. “I know women get upset with the whole helmet hair thing, but I was going for something different today. It’s so nice out.”
“Sure,” I shrugged. The truth was, I was dying to ride his bike once I found out he had one. My brother had a bike, and he used to give me rides all the time. If my dad hadn’t been so against it, I probably would have gotten one for myself years ago.
ooooooooo
It didn’t take us long to get to our destination. Mark had maneuvered us through traffic expertly, and when we pulled up to Navy Pier, I laughed. “Where are we eating?” I looked around for the closest restaurant, and Mark chuckled.
“Right over here,” he led me away from the parking area and came to stop in front of a small hotdog stand. “I know it’s not fancy, but that’s what I like about you,” he grimaced as if he was insulting me. “You’re not high maintenance.”
“Gee, thanks,” I grumbled and watched his face fall. He actually thought I was insulted. This was classic. After all those texts he was sending me, I decided to have a little fun. “I was thinking that you’d want to impress me after all that begging at the bar the other night. Glad I was worthy of this,” I flung my hand in the air.
“Shit!” he cursed under his breath. “I knew I should have planned something else. Fucking Stevenson was right.”
“Relax,” I leaned into his side and started laughing. “This is perfect.”
“You played me,” he scoffed like he couldn’t believe that I would trick him.
“We’re even now,” I giggled. “After all that shit you were talking this afternoon, I figured I owed you.”
“Sweetheart,” he leaned down next to my ear, “we ain’t anywhere close to fucking even. Keep pushing me. See what happens later,” he hissed right beside me ear.
I swallowed before looking up at him and he winked in return. I was so screwed. As much as I didn’t want to want him, I did, and he now knew it.
After getting our hot dogs and drinks, Mark led me over to a small bench by the pier. We ate and watched the gulls fly around begging for some of our crumbs. It was a nice evening, and I couldn’t help but wonder what else he had planned. “You up for some physical activity?” he grinned as he balled up his trash and turned to face me.
“What kinda physical activity?” I narrowed my eyes.
“Guess you’ll have to trust me,” he shrugged as he stood, tossed his trash in a nearby can, and then offered me his hand. He led me back to the bike and after slipping our helmets back on, we took off down the street.
The farther Mark drove out of the city, the more I began to worry. “Where are we going?” I shouted as we left the city limits and began to hit the freeway.
“It’s a surprise,” he called back.
“I don’t like surprises,” I yelled again.
“Trust me!” he revved the bike as we zoomed down the interstate. My body tensed as we rode along. I tried to watch the road signs, but I missed the name of the exit he got off on. We were far enough out that we were surrounded by woods and not much else. Mark maneuvered down several back roads before coming to a stop near a dirt parking lot.
I glanced up at the sign before climbing off the back. When I pulled my helmet off, I laughed at him. “You looking to get your ass kicked again?”
“I’d like to see you try,” he lifted his chin.
“I won’t need to try,” I shook my head as I walked past him and headed for the door that led inside. My brothers used to take me to play paintball all the time. Mark didn’t know I’d been doing this since I was like fifteen.
“Those are some big words for such a little thing,” he snickered when he caught up to me. “I’ll give you a head start in hiding out before I pull out the big guns.”
I rolled my eyes as we walked up to the counter to pay for our admission and get our gear.
“So,” he grinned at me as he began strapping on his gear, “I’ve been meaning to ask you all night. Did you follow my directions?”
I looked over at him as confusion set in I had no idea what he was talking about. I looked down at my clothes because other than dress casual, I didn’t think I’d been given any other directions. He snickered before he lowered his voice and boldly asked, “You wearing panties, Toni?” Amusement tainted his words and for a moment I was caught off guard as wetness pooled between my legs. He was turning me on, but I was determined to not let him know.
“I didn’t know that was a requirement,” I glanced up at him from where I was bent over fastening a protective guard to my leg. “I thought it was just a suggestion.”
“So is that a no?” he leaned in, crowding my space.
“I didn’t say that,” I straightened and checked to make sure I was ready.
“So it’s a yes?” he nodded.
“I didn’t say that either,” I shook my head.
“So what are you saying?” he stressed as he leaned in with a shit eating grin.
“Come catch me, and maybe I’ll show you,” I walked toward the door that led out to the course he’d rented time in. We were the only ones there since it was meal time and most people came earlier in the day.
“You better hope I don’t,” he warned as we stepped outside. He turned his back to me and started counting.
“One, two, when I get to ten I’m coming after you, three, four, you better run sweetheart, five,” he kept counting and getting louder with each number.
“Shit!” I hissed as I took off. I ran as fast as I could into the wooded area at the far corner of the course. There were some hay bales piled up and some plywood set up like an A frame. I wanted to get behind it, thinking that he’d think I’d get inside. The farther I ran, the harder it was to hear him, but when he stopped I knew. I tried to control my breathing as I hunched down in my hiding spot. The sunlight was waning and I shivered against the evening breeze.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are?” Mark called from a distance. I listened to try and decipher which direction he was from me. It was the last I heard before a branch a few feet away snapped. I jerked lower to the ground and held my breath as I waited for him to change directions.
When he moved to another area to search, I stealthily crawled to a platform that allowed me to climb up almost like a tree stand. I peeked out, and caught sight of him in the distance as he slowly crept through the obstacles. All the black clothing suddenly made sense. He was setting himself up for an advantage from the beginning. Now more determined to beat him than ever, I climbed down and headed on a path to cut him off. Maybe if I ambushed him, I could get the upper hand.
As I was running crouched down across the tall grass, I tripped over a bump in the dirt. It caused me to fall, and when I hit the ground, I let out a yelp without even thinking. I froze, waiting to see if he’d come after me, but he didn’t. That right there should have sent up a flag, but it didn’t. I got on my hands and knees this time, crawling in the direction I’d last seen him, but the jerk was too good.
“I wouldn’t go that way if I were you,” his amused voice rang out, causing me to stop mid crawl. “Any last words?” his footsteps sounded behind me before I felt the muzzle of the paintball gun nudge my back. I dropped my head in defeat as I slowly positioned my hands for the ultimate move. This was either going to be the best or worst decision I’d make today. “Not so confident now, are ya?” he teased just as I swept my foot out behind me, knocking him off balance and rolling so my back was on the ground. Before he could even catch himself, I fired two shots right at his chest.
“Never underestimate me,” I gave a quick jerk of my head as I grinned up at him before pushing up to a sitting position.
“Fuck!” he howled as he stumbled back. He looked down at his chest and his mouth dropped open as he examined where he’d been hit. “I can’t believe you did that.”
“I’m not some fragile girl. I can handle my shit,” I pushed off the ground and stood up, “and the answer is no.”
“No what?” he chased after me as I rushed to the check in station to turn in my gear.
“To the question you asked me,” when he still looked confused, I stopped, grabbed his arm to halt him, and then rose up on my tiptoes by his ear. “I’m not wearing any panties,” I whispered before releasing him and continuing on my way.
“Damn,” I heard him hiss as he stood there watching me.
This was fun. Why was I fighting so much? Oh yeah, because Mark Colby could be the one to send my heart into a fiery crash that I might not recover from.