Copping Attitude by Ava Meyers Page B

asked softly, “Mind if I join you?”
    “Actually, I’d prefer you didn’t.  I—I’m here with someone.” 
    Noah’s brows shot up.  She was here on a date?  Then why the hell was Kate pushing him to stay?  But that was the least of his concerns.  Jenna’s words, although perfectly acceptable in form, were edged with disdain and an expectation of obedience.  It immediately rubbed all of Noah’s dominant genes the wrong way, tempting him to defy her.  Shock her.  Make her reveal what was hidden beneath all that manufactured ice.
    He also had the sudden feeling that something was very wrong.  Her behavior.  Kate’s.  It had something to do with him specifically, but maybe it was because Jenna needed him as a cop, not a man.  Why else would Kate suddenly be encouraging them to talk while at the same time Jenna sent him mixed signals?  The why of it was compelling, but for a moment it wasn’t as important as his sudden need to reassure and comfort her.   
    With nothing but that thought in mind, Noah reached out and caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. 
    Gasping, she flinched.  “Don’t touch me!” she hissed. 
    Narrowing his eyes, he dropped his hand.  “Even if I wasn’t a cop, you’re in a crowded bar, lady.  I’m not going to attack you.”
    She straightened and raised her chin, going for full-on defiance.  Her recovery was fast, but not fast enough.  Once again, Noah saw the sparks of vulnerability that she hadn’t quite been able to hide.  The progressive chinks in her armor intrigued him far more than they should have.
    “Touch me again and I won’t be able to say the same.”
    Despite himself, admiration filled him.  A grin split his face.  His dick pressed harder against the front of his pants, threatening to break the zipper.  “You really try so hard to be the ice queen, but I’m not buying it.  I never have.”
    Real alarm skittered across her features just before a tall man walked up to them.
    “Jenna, is this guy bothering you?”
    Noah studied the good-looking blond-haired man before he glanced over his shoulder.  Kate was watching them, her expression stiff.  Subtly, she shook her head at Noah.  Things were getting more and more curious.  He turned back to Jenna.  He tilted his head at the way the panic in her eyes had doubled.  It seemed it was the other guy that was bothering her, but she looked more embarrassed than fearful.
    “What do you say, querida ?  Am I bothering you?”  His tone held more than a hint of suggestion.  He’d wanted to push her friend’s buttons, but latent desire surged through him and he didn’t miss the answering flare of heat in her wide eyes.  He actually took a step toward her before her friend placed a hand on his chest. 
    Looking down at the man’s hand, Noah raised a brow, then met his stare with his own.  “I’d rethink that if I were you.” 
    Swiftly, the man’s hand dropped. 
    “Gordon, let’s just leave,” Jenna urged as she stood.
    Gordon’s eyes widened and he grinned.  “Are we going to—?”
    Gordon left the question hanging, his eyes narrowing when Jenna shook her head.  “It was nice meeting you, but no, I—I—”  She looked almost guiltily at Noah, hesitated, then bit her lip.  “I’ve changed my mind about—about what we discussed.”
    “But why?”  Gordon’s voice sounded distinctly whiny.  “It’s totally legitimate, Jenna.  It’s what I do for a living and you clearly need it.  You need me.  I think you should reconsider.”
    Although it was subtle, the guy’s tone held a hint of threat, one neither of them missed.
    Noah waited, expecting Jenna to take him to task the way she had Noah.  Instead, her eyes flickered and she swallowed hard, but that was all. 
    The man started to speak again, but Noah cut him off.  “I don’t think she’s going to change her mind.  Why don’t I walk you out?”
    Gordon shot him an annoyed glance.  “What, did she