Page 4 of Hearts Don't Lie
“Walden’s Field.”
“You attend Bowen?”
“Yes.”
“Our soccer star’s girlfriend attends the rival school. Interesting.” Officer Smiley cleared his throat. “Hardin, McKenna, we have a few problems.” He flashed a look at Kozak, who nodded. “In Illinois, McKenna is underage. She’s out past curfew. Over an hour past.” His eyes flitted to the blankets, picnic basket, and candles in jelly jars and then drilled into Hardin’s. “We also need to know what the two of you have been doing out here. As I just stated, she is underage. Consent means nothing.”
Hardin stared at Smiley, then wove his fingers between Mac’s and squeezed. “We know about that, Officer. We were only messing around,” he said, lying like a rug and trying not to flinch. “No drugs or alcohol,” he added.
Smiley tilted his head and appraised Mac. “Is that true, McKenna?”
Her eyes dove for her feet. “Yes,” she croaked, then looked up. “We wouldn’t do anything to mess up Hardin’s scholarship or ruin his future.”
Officer Kozak stepped forward. “Okay, then we’re only down to one issue. Curfew. My partner and I will overlook that and take your girlfriend home.”
“Can I please? I’ll take her straight home. It’s our last night together. Please. I leave for school tomorrow.”
Kozak shook his head. “Nope. As a gift to both of you, we’re taking McKenna home and that’s the end of it. Agreed?”
“Can I at least help Hardin pick up?”
“Sure,” Smiley said. “Make it quick though, Ms. Vesley.”
Mac and Hardin packed up everything in silence, then followed the officers out to the road where the police SUV was parked next to the Jeep, its hazards flashing in the ebony night. The wind had picked up, and trees moaned as they swayed, their leaves lashing about.
Tears coated McKenna’s face as she kissed Hardin goodbye. “Hardin,” she cried into his neck. “I love you.”
“It’ll be okay, Mac,” he cooed, kissing her, then pressing his forehead against hers to gaze deeply into her eyes. He hugged her fiercely to him. “I love you. I’ll talk to you tomorrow before I leave.”
