“So I ain’t half bad?”

“Oh, you’re still pretty bad.” You turned over on your side to face him.

He playfully tutted. “You ain’t doin’ no better.”

You couldn’t help but giggle because it was true. “There he is. The guy from the bar last night.” You sat up and he watched you.

“Ain’t no “guy at the bar”. What do they say now? I’m just… “matchin’ your energy”.”

He watched as you wrapped your arms around yourself as the night got cooler and didn’t hesitate to peel off his bomber jacket and drape it around your shoulders.

“Thanks,” you whispered.

You both settled back down.

“Okay, you’re definitely not exactly who I thought you were but I understand you better now.”

A shy but genuine smile crossed his lips.

Snide remarks aside, the both of you deduced you shared quite a few similarities. Maybe not as quite as intense situations as the other but definitely familiar.

The more you had sat and talked at the restaurant, the more you felt butterflies in your stomach. A feeling you hadn’t felt in a long time. The conversation delved deeper when the topic fell on what your lives were like underneath the surface level stuff you both knew about each other. Never in a million years did you think Gator Tillman would understand you more than anyone you’d met. The conversation at dinner went well enough that you both wanted to keep it going without the overlapping chatter from the strangers around you so now here you both were.

But even though the night went well and the conversation flowed, there was no way you would let this go beyond tonight.

The both of you stayed on the hood of his car and talked well after the sun set and into the late night until he noticed you yawning and when he realized he had an early shift. The drive back was quiet up until he pulled up to your security gate.

You passed him your phone to electronically unlock it.

“Fuckin’ high tech bullshit,” he mumbled while rolling down his window.

“I heard that!”

“Wasn’t sayin’ it so ya wouldn’t,” he handed you back your phone after opening the gate.

“Oh yeah? What’s all this do then?” You playfully flipped up the screen to his police laptop and started tapping at the keys.

“Stop it,” he laughed while swatting your hand away and pulling into your driveway.

You switched to tapping at the buttons and turning the dials on the console. “Oh shit!” You accidentally turned the siren on and quickly flipped it off.

He started chuckling. “Fuckin’ told ya to quit it.” He put his cruiser in park in front of your house and turned to you. “I’ll walk ya to your door.”

“You don’t-“ But he was already opening his door and getting out.

When he opened the passenger door to let you out, he held out his hand to help you and this time, you took it.

You didn’t notice your hands were still interlocked as you both climbed the steps leading to your front door.

You turned to face him on the last step but glanced down at your intertwined fingers and quickly let go.

“Look Tillman- Gator. This is a truce. That’s it. Nothing more. Okay?”

He was quiet for a moment. “Okay.”

After years, the both of you were finally on the same page.

“Good. I’ll see you around. Uh, thanks for dinner.”

“Yeah,” he walked back down the steps and to his car and you opened your front door. You closed the door and propped your head against it letting out a deep sigh.

"The sheriffs son?"

You jumped out of your skin at your mom scaring you like this for the second time in 24 hours.

"You should be scared. But not of me."

"It's not-"

"Save it. I've been wondering when you're going to settle down for years now and this is who you choose?"

You just stood there, not sure what to say. Settle down? It’s only been one date. And there will only be one date.

“I play oblivious to the fact that you put yourself through that bartending job every Saturday night but this… I can’t ignore.”

Okay, so she knew about the bartending gig. You also noticed how she was eyeing you and only then did you realize you still had his jacket around your shoulders.

“I don’t care how old you are,” she continued. “I won’t allow it.”

“Mom, we’re not really dating. This isn’t going to go anywhere,” you laughed. “This was our first and last date.”

“How so? Because I assume you left your license with him in the first place.”

“Actually he took it- I-,” you sighed and closed your eyes before continuing. “Mom, just trust me on this: I am not going to end up dating Gator Tillman.”

“I hope that’s true for the both of our sakes.”

And you hoped so too.

Once you were up in the confinement’s of your room, you threw yourself onto your bed and dramatically screamed into the duvet. When you realized you could still smell his cologne, you sat up and ripped his jacket from your shoulders and threw it across the room. You threw yourself back facedown onto the bed and screamed again.

The week flew by and your next shift came.

Your mom surprised you by asking for help in the office during the days leading up to your shift which you happily agreed to. Thankfully, she avoided bringing up your date with Gator, saving you from a painful conversation but leaving you hoping she believed you two wouldn’t get into any relations.

You on the other hand didn’t let that stop you from spending the week unfortunately thinking about Gator but not texting him. His jacket was hanging from your desk chair like a looming reminder of your date.

The bar was lively and packed more than usual but you didn’t mind because the busier you were, the less your mind was occupied by “you-know-who.”

“Ya know I kinda like the Coyote Ugly thing ya got goin’ on.”

Your eyes shot up to see Gator in full uniform in front of you leaning against the bar as you were filling up some glasses with beer. He was unapologetically checking you out in your black low rise leather pants and red tank vest that had a deep notch, showing off your cleavage. Your mom let on that she knew about your job so you figured why not indulge and start dressing the part.

“Thank you… I think?” You managed to utter out before picking up the glasses to give to the men at the opposite end of the bar.

He watched as you walked back over to the tap. “It’s a compliment.”

You started wiping at any droplets on the counter. “Well considering our history and the fact that I don’t know what Coyote Ugly is, I’m not so sure about that.”

He scoffed and gave you a look. “How d’you not- it’s a chick flick.”

You sighed before looking up at him. “Tillman… what’re you doing here?”

He pouted. “Thought we called a draw?”

“Yeah- a draw. Not a free pass to come visit me at work,” you glanced down at a drink ticket.

When he didn’t say anything you looked back up at him.

“Oh my god. Don’t tell me you actually like me?”

Immediately a blush crept up on his cheeks but he didn’t say anything.

“Gator, there are tons of girls who’d wanna actually date you.” You started smiling as soon as you said it because even you didn’t believe that. “Ones that you don’t have to coerce into a date. Like- see that server over there?” You nodded in Jessie’s direction and he looked over.

“Said and I quote that you look like you’d be a good lay. I think you should go for it.”

He looked at her for a minute before turning back to you. “Nah.”

You deadpanned. “And why not? Not your type?”

“I don’t have a type.”

You ran your tongue over your teeth in frustration. “I can see that.”

“Gator- I was serious. Lorraine isn’t even happy we went on a date.”

He shrugged. “This just goes back to ya doin’ anythin’ to please your mama.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t we already clarify that you’re in the same boat?”

He ignored the question. “Scared she’s gonna cut ya out of her will if we turned into somethin’ more?”

“Are you desperate?” You genuinely asked.

He scoffed. “Ain’t desperate. Jus’ determined.”

You clicked your jaw. “Tillman… can I get you anything to drink? If not, I’m kinda busy.”

“What’re ya doin’ tomorrow night?”

You froze. “Gator…”

So much for being on the same page.

That goofy smile spread across his face. “What? We called a draw. Don’t that mean we’re friends now? Don’t friends… hang out?”

Oh he was serious.

You thought for a minute on how to get yourself out of this. “It’s a self care day for me.”

He gave you an inquisitive look. “Self care?”

Not able to look him in the eyes, you busied yourself with making the next round of drinks. “Yeah, like… a mani-pedi, my hair, lash lift, brow lamination, a wax… self care.”

He made a face of confusion before scoffing. “Whatever half of that fuckin’ means,” he mumbled. “Well self care day. I asked what you’re doin’ at night.”

“Sleeping because I’ll be exhausted from all of my many beauty appointments.” You looked up from starting the process of making a martini to find him glowering at you.

You both said each other’s names at the same time and he gestured for you to go first.

You took a deep inhale. “Gator… we can talk about this some other time. I swear to god, both you and my mother are gonna overwhelm me.”

He sighed. “Alright princess, I’ll catch ya later,” he knocked on the counter before making his way out of the maxed out bar.

“He likes you.”

You turned around to see that Jessie and the other server, Mark, had watched some of the interaction unfold. Jessie looked amused whereas Mark looked annoyed.

“Thought you weren’t into Sheriff Asshole?” Mark spoke.

You grit your teeth. “I’m not.”

“Then what the fuck was that?”

Jessie’s eyes darted between you two like she was watching a tennis match.

You weren’t one to hold your tongue. “Trust, I tried to get him to ask any other girl out. Can’t do anything if the guy says no.” And with that you turned around and went back to making the drink.

“Look, if I can’t have him, at least you guys look cute together.” Jessie said behind you and you almost dropped the shaker in your hand.

“In a Romeo and Juliet kind of way,” Mark mumbled.

Jessie furrowed her eyebrows. “But that was a tragedy?”

“Exactly. Crash and burn romance. Those two can’t stand each other. Star-crossed lov-“

You spun around. “I’m still standing here!” You exclaimed. “We’re not lov- we’re not anything! And last I checked there’s tables you two should be waiting on- not my nonexistent relationship with the deputy.” You turned back around tuning them out and praying they would drop it.

You heard one set of footsteps leave and another approach you.

“Don’t listen to him.”

It was Jessie.

“I maybe haven’t been here too long but I’ve been here long enough to know Mark has a crush on you so he’s just jealous. But when it comes to Gator… he can’t be that bad. Don’t deprive yourself of something that could be good.”

She walked away and you thought long and heard about what she said for the rest of your shift and on the drive home.

When you got home that night and looked at his jacket on your desk chair, a question popped up in your head: what the fuck were you getting yourself into?

It must’ve also slipped your mom’s mind that the DMV was closed on Sundays so when the driver, Arnold, knocked on your door to take you to get a new license (something you vaguely remember saying no to), you turned him away. Shortly after he left, Lorraine knocked on the door and came in without waiting for you to say anything.

“Oh, you’re awake.”

She was dressed like she was going to the office in a cream short sleeved dress and holding a plate of food.

You were sitting at your bay window catching the natural sunlight, reading some new psychological thriller you’d picked up at Barnes & Noble. “It’s 1:30. Why wouldn’t I be awake?”

“Yes, well you haven’t been down to get breakfast so…” she trailed off.

“Wasn’t really hungry.” You eyed the plate.

“Doubt that.” She came to you and handed you the food.

“Thank you.” You took it and gave a small smile.

She tutted. “Oh cheer up. We’ll get you a new license tomorrow.”

You’d been brewing this up all morning.

“No need- they found it. An officer will be over later to drop it off.”

She pouted. “I wish you would’ve said something. I could have had Arnold pick it up from the station.”

You shook your head. “It’s fine, really.”

“Hmm, alright. Well,” she stood up. “I’ll be at the office tonight. You know if you want to go anywhere, Arnold will take you.”

“Yeah I know, thanks mom.”

When she left your room, you picked up your phone and dialed Gators number.

“Hello?”

“Tillman, what time do I need to meet you and where?” You bit into the buttered toast that was on the plate.

“Well hello to you too.”

You rolled your eyes. “I’m not calling for formalities,” you said with a mouthful.

You heard him sigh on the line.

“Jesus, fine. Be ready by six and I’ll let ya know where in a few.”

“Why can’t you tell me now?”

“‘Cause I don’t wanna. Also it’s rude to talk with your mouth full.”

“You are such a child,” and you hung up.

Hours had passed from the time you had called Gator and he never texted you to let you know where to meet him. Even if he flaked or stood you up, it wouldn’t take any points off of your ego because it would still make him a mega piece of shit. But on the other hand there was the stupid piece of plastic that was your license that he was withholding.

You spent that time getting ready anyway. You had just finished your hair and the process of picking out an outfit and now you were doing your makeup.

“Uh, miss?”

You were pressing powder into your face when the sound of the housekeepers voice echoed through your room from the intercom.

You walked over to the intercom and pressed the talk button. “Yes?” You spoke into it.

“There’s a Gator Tillman here to see you.”

Your eyes widened.

That fucker.

“Um- uh okay. I’ll be down in a second.”

You quickly finished up your makeup and got dressed before exiting your room.

The sound of your heels hitting the floor echoed as you marched to the elevator at the end of the hall. Inside, you tried to calm your nerves on the ride down to the bottom floor.

The doors slid open and you walked out of the elevator and straight to Gator who was standing in the middle of the foyer looking around at the vast space.

“You have an elevator in your house?”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh please. Spare me. You live on and own a whole functioning family ranch. We have two different kinds of luxury goin’ on Tillman.”

He shrugged but made a face in agreement and watched you walk all the way to him, heels clacking on the marble floor.

“Uh, these are for you,” he held out a bouquet of flowers to you and you reluctantly took them. “Ya look real… pretty.”

You wrinkled your nose. Usually you would be happy to receive flowers but they were from him. “Thanks but I specifically remember telling you that I would meet you wherever it is we’re going.”

“Ain’t proper to have ya meet me there,” he insisted.

While you were upset because now your mother would for sure know just who you were about to go out with, you brushed it off. That would be a battle you would deal with later. “Fine.”

You called over your housekeeper who was watching the interaction. “Could you please put these in the vase in my bedroom? Thank you.” You handed her the bouquet and she scurried off to do what you asked.

“Alright farm boy, lead the way.”

He walked in the direction of the front door and opened it, sticking his hand out for you to step out first.

You stepped out into the summer heat, walked down the front steps and in the direction of his cruiser.

“Don’t ya gotta lock the door?” He jogged behind you to catch up.

You kept walking. “No. There’s a security guard so it’s fine.”

“Ya move fast in those.” He was looking down at your heels.

“Had lots of practice.”

“Don’t worry; next date-“

You froze and spun around to look at him. “Let’s get something straight Tillman. I am on this date for one thing and one thing only- my license. After tonight, don’t even think you’ll ever get the pleasure of taking me anywhere else unless it’s to the precinct in the back of your cop car.” You didn’t wait for his response and started walking again.

You heard the thud of his shoes next to you as he walked ahead of you to open the passenger door for you.

“Thank you.” You climbed in.

During the car ride to the restaurant, you took the time to look at him from the corner of your eye. On this rare occasion, he didn’t have his hair slicked back instead it hung loosely around his face and you noticed it was a little longer than you expected. He was wearing a white t-shirt and a black bomber jacket. Dark jeans and combat boots were on his lower half. You hated to say it but he looked kind of good.

When you looked out the window, you were immediately confused. Yes you were downtown but he was pulling up to the front of an upscale steakhouse. There was valet but he drove around to self park since he picked you up in his cruiser.

The drive had been silent and he finally spoke.

“One of the deputies took his wife here for their anniversary-“

“Ew.”

“What? Ya been here?” He looked panicked.

“No. Just- the thought of you asking your cop buddies for dinner recs,” you laughed. “Gross.”

You hadn’t noticed but a blush crept up on his cheeks. His heart sank but he didn’t say anything and got out of the car to come around and open your door.

He reached his hand in to help you out but you slapped it away.

“I am perfectly capable and able of getting out of a car by myself, thank you.”

He retreated and just stood outside of the passenger door, patiently waiting for you to get out.

You slowly and gracefully stepped out of the car and he closed it once you were fully out.

He walked slightly ahead of you to the entrance of the restaurant and opened the door for you. You couldn’t lie, Gator being a complete and total gentleman was throwing you off.

A hostess was in the front lobby. “Good evening. Welcome to The Cut. What name is your reservation under?”

“Tillman.”

She looked at the reservation on the tablet. “Yes. Right this way.”

The restaurant was nice inside with glossy high, white ceilings and hardwood floors. All of the tables were a uniform brown. The both of you followed her towards the back of the restaurant to a secluded table. You noticed it was a little full and was surprised Gator could get a reservation in tonight so soon.

He pulled out your chair and you mumbled a “thank you”.

“Here’s the drink menu. Your waitress will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you.” Gator gave a small smile.

You stared out the window while you waited for the waitress.

“Hi and good evening.” She broke you out of your thoughts. “Thank you for dining with us. What can I get you to drink?” She set a food menu down in front of the both of you.

“Vodka martini. Please.”

“Scotch and a water please.”

Gator pulled his wallet out and flashed yours and his ID and it took everything in you to not snatch him up by his neck.

“I’ll be back with those drinks and some bread.”

You nodded and went back to staring out the window.

When she came back with the drinks and bread, you didn’t make a move to touch anything. You drummed your fingers on the table while the bread and seasoned olive oil spread sat between the two of you untouched. You were gnawing the inside of your cheek, fighting to not cuss him out.

“Can ya at least look like ya ain’t bein’ held hostage?” Gator broke the silence.

You finally looked and gaped at him. “I am being held hostage Tillman. Especially my license.”

He reached into his pocket and slid your license across the table to you. “There. Happy?”

You snatched it and rejoiced. This happened sooner than you thought it would. Now you could plan your great escape: excuse yourself to go to the restroom and ditch his ass.

“How come ya never call me by my first name?”

The question surprised you. “You don’t deserve it.”

“Is that what this whole dinner is gonna be? You bitchin’ me out?”

He watched as your fingers wrapped around the stem of your martini glass. “Use the word bitch with me again and I’ll remind you just how we met.”

He held up his hands in surrender. “Ya overreacted that night.”

You scoffed and shook your head. “Tillman, you poured-“

He leaned in. “It was an accident!”

Unbelievable.

“If it was an accident you wouldn’t have been laughing.”

Now it was his turn to shake his head. “I wasn’t- I mean I was but it was nervous laughter.”

You slit your eyes. “What?”

“I was comin’ over to introduce myself and next thing ya know some drunk fucker knocks my hand and my drink ends up on your shirt,” he explained. “And me bein’ a fuckin’ idiot, I’m thinkin’ it was the perfect way to meet finally but instead you were heated.”

The more Gator explained the further your jaw dropped.

“And then I said the stupid line ‘bout “makin’ the shirt better” ‘cause I thought it was proper flirtin’ but then boom! Ya got a heavy hand and I find out the hard way your drink of choice was fuckin’ whiskey that night.”

You shrunk in your seat and thought back to that night. The details were always fuzzy because of the alcohol but now you remembered it clearer than ever. He wasn’t necessarily smiling at what he did. Having come to kind of know him, he always had this goofy awkward smile when he was nervous. And he was sporting it that night.

“How come you never told me?” You asked softly.

He shrugged. “Every time I saw ya after that, you’d already had your mind made up ‘bout me.”

You hummed in agreement. You did in fact have your mind made up about him. You’d learned throughout the years he was a hotheaded insecure jackass and no one could convince you otherwise. But none of this mattered anyway. You didn’t care for Gator either way and the sooner you got this night over with, the better.

“I need to use the restroom.” You got up and quickly walked to find the toilets. Once inside you saw your reflection and thought about what you were going to do. Part of you had to have wanted this date as you had put effort into your appearance. Your hair was done, your makeup was done and you had on an expensive two piece outfit.

Nope.

This was not the time to feel bad or sorry for yourself or him. He practically brought you here against your will and you got what you wanted so there was no need to stay and sit through a painful dinner.

You shook off whatever you were feeling and walked back out. You had a clear path to the front door and could make it out without Gator seeing you. You peeked around the corner and caught a glimpse of him sitting at the table alone and your heart jumped.

He was rearranging everything on the table straighter, probably thinking you noticed things like that. The waitress came over and he swung his head around, looking all over for you. They exchanged words and she walked away and you watched as he slumped his shoulders. He probably expected you to leave him by himself as his expression turned sullen. That’s when you realized: this wasn’t a game for him; he actually wanted this. You didn’t realize it when the waiter asked about your reservation or the fact that he asked his coworkers for restaurant recommendations but right now you did.

That’s when you made your choice.

You straightened up and held your head high and marched back to the table and took your seat.

Gator looked up at you surprised but didn’t say anything. It was almost like he knew what you were going to do. He looked back down at the table and started playing with the condensation on his glass.

“So… Gator,” his eyes shot up to you at the sound of you saying his first name for the first time ever. “Why a date now?”

“Ya said my name.” His eyes were like saucers.

Ugh, damn those big hazel eyes.

You huffed. “Don’t make it a big deal or I’m gonna start calling you Tillman again.”

He cleared his throat. “Right, uh… I dunno. Guess I’m tired of fightin’ with ya.”

You deadpanned. “Seriously? That’s why? Thought it was “our thing”,” you put up air quotes. “Admit it. You love the tease and the torment-“

“I don’t actually. I hate it.”

You raised an eyebrow.

He brought his hand to the back of his neck. “I’ve been wantin’ to stop arguin’ with ya. That one argument we had when I avoided ya for a whole year… thought after that you’d wanna wave the white flag.”

You thought back to that argument. “I called you something like a “motherless pansy-ass daddy’s boy limp dick loser”. Gator… I was hoping you would never talk to me again.”

He winced at you repeating it.

That night you meant to strike a nerve so deep in him that he would never want to cross you again but a year later, he ended up coming back for more.

“Admit it Tillman,” you were face to face with Gator, staring deep into his eyes after he called you a “prissy bitch” since you declined to hook up with his friend. “That’s why you act like this. You’re a limp dick loser, hiding behind your badge… one that needs your daddy’s constant approval so you act like this big shot but you’re not. This is motherless behavior and I expect nothing less from a pansy-ass daddy’s boy like you.”

He blinked hard and snatched up his jacket before storming off.

You didn’t know back then but he was blinking back tears. His mother was a sore subject for him and you used that against him during a petty argument.

Right now, two years later, is when it dawned on you that you probably went too far.

“Gator… I’m…”

He shrugged. “It’s okay. I called ya out your name and poked the bear one too many times. I don’t blame ya for goin’ cutthroat.”

Your eyebrows were to the sky. “And you still wanna get to know me after that?”

“Well… yeah.” He was wearing that goofy smile again because he was nervous. He was even scared you would reject him in front of all of these people.

At this moment you decided, you should get to know Gator for who he really was.

“Okay so if you’re not any of those things Gator… tell me who you really are then.”

Taglist: @amy-brooklyn99

Lorraine was being extremely patient with you. While Wayne had the car dealership, you had well… nothing essentially. Sure you graduated college and got your degree but life wasn’t always simple in that aspect. She had asked you time and time again when you would start showing up at the office to work with her but it was always a “soon”. Eventually she stopped asking and let you live your frivolous life. No responsibilities, no worries, no suitor, as she liked to say. But she was always adamant that she didn’t want you working a regular job for the time being. That’s why this one night a week gig had to be the best kept secret and you had to give it to yourself, you were pulling it off.

This particular Saturday night was extremely busy. One of Stark County’s officers was retiring so it felt like the whole department and their family and friends, was shoved into the small bar along with anyone brave enough to be in the building with a bunch of off duty cops.

One of the servers Jessie, came up next to you behind the bar and nudged you slightly while you filled a glass with beer. “Don’t look now but that cop is lookin’ at you. I said don’t look!”

Your eyes shot to where she was looking and made eye contact with ever changing hazel eyes before curling your lip in disgust. “No thank you.”

“What? You know him?”

You watched as he smirked at you. “Yeah and he’s the textbook definition of a modern day chud.”

Jessie on the other hand was drooling. “I don’t care what he is. He looks like a good lay.”

“He’s all yours,” you said with a chipper voice before turning away and rolling your eyes. She was new in town so she had yet to learn who was who so you couldn’t even fault her naivety.

“Maybe I will. Gotta get back to my tables before I move in on him though.” Jessie left you as you started to make a few rum and cokes for the women at the end of the bar. You brought them their drinks and walked back to your station to wipe up any spilled liquid. You threw the rag over your shoulder and picked up the soda gun.

Suddenly, the air changed as a new presence took over the seat in front of where you were making drinks.

“What is the princess of Stark County doin’ workin’ in a shitty bar like this? Mama cut you off finally?”

“Servin’ pieces of shit like you that’s what.”

Gator Tillman was the crooked deputy of Stark County and you two couldn’t stand each other. He was seemingly off duty but still wore his makeshift uniform of combat boots, a pair of camo cargos, and an ill fitting short sleeved black shirt. He ditched his badge and anything with the word “sheriff” but still had his gun in a holster on his thigh. His disgusting hair was slicked back making him look like the spitting image of his father- Stark County Sheriff, Roy Tillman.

You would never agree with Jessie out loud but sure, Gator wasn’t too hard on the eyes. He was tall, the perfect amount of muscular but still soft, prettiest eyes you’d ever seen honestly. And when his hair wasn’t slicked back, he was easier to look at. You had to admit: Gator was fine. But you would rather be burned alive before you thought of him in that way.

The rivalry started five years ago when he “accidentally” spilled a beer down your shirt. You use accidentally loosely because the asshole laughed about it while your shirt gradually became see through in the crowded club.

“Well are you gonna apologize?” You had asked.

“Was an accident,” he’d said with a smirk.

“That’s not what I asked. Apologize. You just ruined my fuckin’ shirt.”

His smile had grown wider as his eyes traveled to your chest. “Looks like I made it better.”

A swift and impulsive slap along with the rest of your drink to his face is what he got in response and ever since, whenever you two ran into each other, words and expletives were exchanged. But you, you always went for the jugular. Words twisting so deep and so below the belt that Gator would never admit how much they hurt. One time the insult you hurled at him was so bad, he’d backed off for a whole year.

A dry laugh escaped him. “Exactly- servin’. You work for me tonight. Thought they teach customer service skills when ya get a job so have some fuckin’ manners. Ain’t you supposed to have some of that anyway havin’ learned that in etiquette school an’ all?”

Gator’s eyes flickered to your hand as your grip tightened on the soda gun, thumb ghosting over the buttons. “I fuckin’ dare you,” he sneered.

A smile spread across your lips before you set the gun down. “Don’t worry farm boy. I ain’t stupid.”

“Coulda fooled me. Now make yourself useful and get me a beer.”

“Ha. Fuck you! My shifts over,” you snatched the towel off of your shoulder and tossed it on the counter.

“Hey Jack! This pig is thirsty,” you called for the other bartender while looking straight into Gators eyes. “Go fuck yourself Tillman,” you said before walking to the back for your belongings.

Gator sat at the bar seething, bottom lip tucked in between his teeth. He watched as you walked out from the back and made a beeline for the front door.

“What can I get ya?” Jack asked him.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it.” Gator said before getting up and following you out.

“Shit!” Your foot mashed the brake pedal as a deer so very quickly ran out in front of your car before running into the woods. “Fuckin’ hicktown, ugh.” You placed your hand over your chest as your heart started to beat fast. You let out a breath before putting both hands on the wheel and driving again.

Barely a minute went by before you heard the sound of a siren and saw the red and blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror. “Fuck. Me.” You pulled over to the shoulder and put your car in park.

This was the first time in a long time that you’d been pulled over and honestly, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about since your record was clean. You drummed your fingers on the wheel as you sat and waited for the officer to come to your window. You tried to see a face as they sauntered to your car but they already had a flashlight on in the night, highlighting in front of them instead, casting a shadow over their face. They tapped on your window with the flashlight and you rolled it down.

The light shined directly in your face and you brought your hand up to shield your eyes. When the officer slightly lowered it and you finally saw their face, you couldn’t help yourself.

“Tillman, what the fuck?”

At the bar, he wasn’t wearing his vest, badge or hat but now he was sporting all three.

Gator ignored your outburst and continued to keep the stream of light in your face.

Dickhead.

“License and registration.”

Releasing a deep sigh, you reluctantly reached for your glove compartment to get your registration and then for your purse to get your license.

“Not too fast now.”

Your eye twitched as you slowly pulled out your license before turning to hand him everything.

“Hands on the wheel.” He took the items but barely glanced at them before propping up his arm on your hood and leaned in towards you before finally clicking the flashlight off. “I been followin’ behind ya for ‘bout ten minutes now and I had to pull ya over ‘fore ya crashed,” he tutted.

You gripped the steering wheel tight but bit your tongue so to not say something smart to him.

He continued. “Ya failed to put on your left blinker when ya turned. Ya swerved just now and held a brake so hard felt like ya just brake checked me. Ya know what that’s called?”

You grit your teeth. “Reckless driving officer?”

“That’s deputy to you but yeah. Got half a mind to suspend your license.”

You internally screamed because that was the last thing you needed but kept your composure. In your defense, you obviously swerved because of the deer in the road and then had no choice but to mash on the brakes but explaining that to Deputy Power Trip was just no use.

“Ya been drinkin’ tonight?”

Your teeth clenched further. “No deputy; I have not.” And he knew that.

“Think a field sobriety test would be the best in this situation.”

“You should know, deputy, that I don’t have to agree to do any field tests.”

He tilted his head and pouted. “Is that alcohol I smell on ya?”

You stared straight ahead and didn’t say anything. If he wanted to play, you could play.

“Ya know,” he leaned in, head practically almost in your car. “With probable cause, I can arrest you if I suspect you’re drivin’ under the influence…” he trailed off.

But you just sat there, biting your tongue thinking about how you were gonna get him back for this.

A smile spread across his face as he watched your jaw clench. “I’m gonna run your information. Just make sure you sit tight.”

“Bet if I offered to blow you, you wouldn’t be doin’ all this,” you mumbled to yourself but Gator heard you loud and clear.

He let out a breathy laugh and sniffed as he stood up straight. “Step out of the vehicle,” he said pulling the driver’s door open.

Your mouth fell open as you finally looked at him. “Tillman, it was a fuckin’ joke! You’ve said worse to me!”

Any humor was completely lost from his face and his eyes bore into you. “I would really hate to have to pull ya out of the car miss.”

You clicked off your seatbelt and stepped out of your car.

“Hands up and out to your sides.”

You complied and swallowed while he put your license and registration on the roof.

“Got anythin’ sharp on ya that could hurt me?”

“No.”

He hummed. “Offerin’ to bribe an officer of the law?” He brought his hands to your shoulders and slowly, almost sensually, ran his hands along your outstretched arms.

He whistled. “That’s a felony if ya didn’t know,” his hands dragged down your sides in the same manner and you stiffened.

Now you weren’t an expert but this could not be the proper way to execute a pat down.

You raised an eyebrow. “Tillman- ah!”

Gator brought his hands down hard on your hips making you cry out.

“Tillman what the f-“

He spun you around and blocked you in against your car, holding you by your forearms.

Your eyes met for a moment before he spoke. He searched yours while you looked in his hazel ones.

He opened his mouth and then closed it before opening it again. “A blowjob sounds nice- real nice from you actually but uh, I’ll settle for a date first.”

You knit your eyebrows in confusion and shook your head. “Tillman- … what?”

A blush crept up on his cheeks and a crack formed in his usual smug demeanor all while realization hit you. He looked… sincere.

A date? You and Gator despised each other. Sure the cat and mouse game of it all was fun but it never gave, well, that. At least for you… you thought. The both of you have said the absolute worst things to and about each other so a date was the last thing on your mind.

“Is that- were you following me?! Is that what this is? A ruse to get a date with me?”

“Yes- no. I mean I was behind ya but you can’t drive for shit-“

“There was a deer in the road! It ran so fast in front of me; I had to hold a hard brake!”

He shrugged but he believed you. “Okay, fine. Deer in the road. I was just-“

“Still following me!”

“Tryin’ to ask ya out,” he said earnestly with a sparkle in his eyes.

You were honestly speechless but you were sure of one thing.

“I am not goin’ on a date with you Tillman.”

The twinkle was gone from his eyes in a blink and he pushed off of you and grabbed your license from the roof of your car. “Fine. Your license is suspended for seven days,” he said while walking back to his cruiser.

“I don’t have any points on my record!”

“Ya do now.”

Of course it would be nothing for his corrupt department to have 12 points magically show up on your driving record in an instant. You started stuttering and followed after him in the quiet night. “No, you don’t understand. Lorraine would die if she found out we went on a date.”

“Grown ass woman and still do what your mama tells ya?” He called over his shoulder.

Oh that’s rich coming from him.

“Says the grown ass man who still does what his daddy tells him.”

He halted, back still to you. “I’ll do ya the favor of not havin’ your car towed and I’ll follow behind ya the rest of the way home.” He started walking again.

“Wait,” you called out as his hand touched the handle of his cruiser. “I’ll go on a date with you.”

He froze and you walked up until you were a few inches away from him.

“How do I know you’re really gonna go on this date with me?”

Okay, fine. You had no plans of actually going on this date with him but you needed your license.

He saw the hesitation in your eyes. “Think I should keep this as leverage,” he twirled your license between his fingers. “You go on this date with me tomorrow night and I’ll give it back to ya. If not, see ya in seven days.”

You stared at him in disbelief. “You really want a date with me, wow. Okay. Um, just- I’m so confused. Tillman we’ve called each other everything from bastards to bitches. There’s no way you can’t get a date with any other girl in this town.”

He shrugged and wore a shy expression. “Thought that was like… our thing.”

“Our thing? Oh my- you think this is flirting?” You laughed and stepped closer to him, now centimeters away. “Tillman… I think you’re the salt of the earth. But I’ll go on this date with you; it’ll teach you to have some self respect,” you reached for your license but he pulled it out of your reach.

Now that remark he didn’t like because to him, you didn’t really know the real him. “Like I said: I’ll follow behind ya. Now get your spoiled ass in your fuckin’ car and go home. See ya tomorrow night.”

You stood in the road with clenched fists and huffed while you watched him get back into his cruiser. On the walk back to your car, something dawned on you. You reached in to your car, snatched up your phone and jogged back to his cruiser.

He already had the window rolled down when you approached.

“I was serious Tillman: Lorraine can’t know we went on a date so I’ll meet you wherever you’re trying to go.” You handed him your phone with a new contact page pulled up so he could put in his information.

He stared at the screen for a second. “I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t pick you up,” he started tapping his number into the screen. “Especially with you havin’ no license and all.” He handed you your phone back with a smug look on his face.

“First of all: you’re far from a gentleman. Second of all: that’s why we have a driver Tillman,” you jeered and turned on your heel, treading back to your car.

His face fell. “May have been a deer in the road but use your fuckin’ blinkers when you’re turnin’!” He called out after you.

You stuck up your middle finger. “Yes Deputy!”

Gator kept his word of following behind you up until he reached your security gate before backing out and leaving.

You bypassed the four car garage and parked your car outside of the fountain in the driveway that inhabited the large courtyard and got out quickly but quietly so to make a silent entrance into the house. You silently prayed no one was awake and unlocked the front door.

“And just what are you doing out so late?”

You jumped at the sound of Lorraine’s voice as you tried to close the massive front door as softly as you could. “Jesus Christ!”

You turned to look at her. She was standing in the middle of the grand foyer, still dressed in the black tweed button down dress from when she went in to the office this morning. Hours later and she still looked poised, not a single blonde hair out of place.

The expression on her face was stoic. “Well?” She pressed. “And was that a cop?”

Fuck. She must’ve seen Gator’s cruiser behind you on the security cameras that were positioned at the gate. You had to think quick.

“Yeah I- I lost my license so an officer followed me home.”

“And how did you manage to do that? Out partying again?” She frowned.

A heavy sigh fell from your lips. “No. Nothing like that.”

She gave you a lingering look but decided to drop it. “I’ll have the driver take you to the DMV tomorrow morning,” she turned to walk away.

“No! It’s okay. I can- I’ll deal with it.”

She studied you for a moment. “Hmph.” And she turned away, heels clacking on the polished floor. “You should really dress better than that; you look atrocious.”

You looked down at the outfit you had worn for your shift and exhaled.

This was not going to end well.