Deadly Attraction

He watched me with his vivid light blue eyes, his mouth pulled into a wide grin.

"This isn't a date" I repeated, clutching my cup of steaming coffee with both hands. Bradley's smile only widened at my apparent discomfort. 

"What would your boyfriend say if he saw you here with another man?" he asked me slyly.

"My fiancee" I cleared up for the millionth time.

"Whatever" Bradley said, reaching up to tousle his pale brown, almost blonde hair. "What would he say?".

"Nothing, since this is simply business".

Sitting across from me in the red vinyl booth, Bradley only grinned over his own coffee.

"What does he do, your fiancee?".

I dumped some sugar into my cup and shrugged.

"Mike's a police detective".

"No s**t" Bradley said, clearly fascinated. "What type of crimes?".

"Homicides, mostly".

"So you're a probation officer and he's a homicide detective, you two were sure meant to be".

"I guess".

He leaned closer, ignoring his drink, his gaze set avidly onto me.

"Where did you two meet? Police academy or something?".

I shook my head, my long curly hair bouncing softly.

"I used to work at the precinct a few years ago and we were partners. I suppose that's where it all began".

"And then what?".

"I gave up on police work and took a probation job instead. The hours as a detective were too ridiculous. I was up at all hours of the night and day working tedious cases. It was too much for me in the end" I told him, stirring my coffee. I took a quick sip while he continued to stare at me.

"Mike loved the job too much to quit. He was born for a challenge and he doesn't stop or sleep until it's solved" I added quietly.

"That must be tough on you" Bradley mentioned.

"Sometimes, yes".

We fell silent for a moment and drank our coffee's.

"Why did you put up with me then?" he finally demanded.

"What do you mean? It's my job to put up with jerks like you".

Bradley let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

"I know I was a real prick for the first few meetings" he stated, his eyes bright. "I've pissed off quite a few probation officers in my time, but you actually put me in my place. I was quite shocked".

"It had to be done, piece of cake" I lied and I couldn't help but grin back at him. "As long as you don't turn into a prick again, everything should be A-okay for you".

"You really think so?".

"Yes" I said, truthful this time. "I think the judge will go steady on you".

"Thank God, two years in the slammer is long enough for me" he joked easily. He settled back against the booth and gave me a slow wink.

"Thanks for coming out with me, even if it's just for coffee. I appreciate it".

"Anytime Bradley".

"You know, it's the first time since I got out of jail that I'm doing something fun, apart from work I mean" he told me. "I was bored outta my mind until I set my eyes on you, you know".

"How come?".

It was his turn to shrug.

"I'm not sure. I've been with plenty of women before, but you were something different and it's like I was instantly attracted to you" he confessed slowly. "That's probably why I was such a jerk in the first place, I didn't know why I had these strange feelings for you and I wasn't really sure how to act around you either".

"Well, I'm nothing special" I assured him with a raise of my eyebrows. "Just your typical run-of-the-mill probation officer".

"I don't think so" Bradley argued. "I've known my share of them and you're nothing like that at all".

"Is that so?".

"Yup".

He grinned again and finished his coffee in one easy gulp.

"Prove it" I demanded.

"Come on a date with me and I will" he shot back. 

"You know I can't Bradley" I reminded him stubbornly.

"Because of your boyfriend?".

"My fiancee".

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Look, how about a movie, something simple. I haven't been out in ages, come on".

"Just a movie?" I asked suspiciously. 

"And maybe supper, but that's it" he added with another, rather wicked grin.

"I don't know, I'm pretty busy with work these days".

"Well, what time do you usually finish?" Bradley demanded.

"Six ish".

"Great. I finish at the car shop at seven, so I can pick you up a little after that. How does that sound?".

"You'll pick me up?".

"Yeah, I have a pretty sweet ride, you'll see" he told me. "What do you say?".

"I say alright" I finally replied. "But as long as you promise not to make any moves on me".

Bradley shook his head.

"I won't make a promise I'm not sure to keep" he stated, raising his hands defensively. 

"Bradley!".

"I'm just being truthful".

"Fine" I said, letting out a breath of air. "Just try and behave then".

"I'll try extra hard" he promised, a twinkle in his blue eyes.

"Good".

I drained the last of my coffee and then set the cup down on the table.

"I have to head home, I have to be up early tomorrow" I told him, standing up from the booth and pulling on my jacket.

He stood up also and stood beside me, only a foot taller. He fished for his wallet and dumped a few bills by our empty coffee cups. He smelled of stale cigarettes and gasoline and a hint of aftershave. He smelled like a man.

"I'll be by your place around seven-thirty at the latest" he confirmed, reaching for his own jacket that was folded on the booth.

"Okay, thanks for the coffee Bradley" I told him, letting him shake my hand gently. "It was nice to go out for a change".

"My pleasure" he replied smiling handsomely, his eyes gazing into mine.

I gave him a last smile, before turning on my heels and exiting the coffee shop.