"Officer," I whispered, struggling to stand and not able to find my balance. "Please, can I just go?"

He turned and walked to the back of my car, taking his hat off my trunk and putting it on. Then he came back, standing over me while he pulled his pad out of his belt and started to write. I stared at him, my mouth agape.

"Let me get those cuffs off you." He put a hand under my arm and helped me to stand. His hands were gentle as he turned me this time, unlocking the handcuffs and putting them back on his belt.

I rubbed my shoulders with my palms, breathing, "Thank you."

"I've cited you for the headlight." He tore the ticket off and handed it to me. "It's a warning. If you get it fixed and bring the receipt in to the court before that date, there won't be a fine."

I took the ticket with a trembling hand, saying it again, "Thank you."

"Have a good night, ma'am." He tipped his hat at me. I stared, incredulous, as he strode back to his car.

I was still standing there in bare feet with dirty knees and the taste of his cum in my mouth when he pulled past me, giving me a brief salute, the flashers off now. It was still dark, and for the first time since I'd stepped out of my car, I was aware of the sound of the crickets in the field behind me.

I watched his car until the lights were pinpoints in the distance, the ticket in my hand crumpled in my fist.

Katie had a baby girl, right about the time I was spread across the hood of my car. Charlotte left me a message and told me not to bother coming, so I turned around and went home. I took a shower and slipped back into bed.

And I didn't tell Charlie. I didn't tell him about the ticket or the suspended license or the cop. I don't know why. Part of me was just too ashamed-not of what had happened, but of how I had responded. Every time I remembered it, I flushed, and the crotch of my panties started getting damp.