I had a good excuse for running the red light: it was late at night, I didn't see any cars around, and I was driving too fast to slow down in time.

The cop who blazed his lights didn't seem to agree. He pulled me over and strutted towards me, with a hand on his gun.

Jayne was in the passenger seat. She peered in the rearview mirror and adjusted her bangs. I fished my wallet out and turned to her. "Don't worry, I've been pulled over before and usually get off with a warning."

She gave me a knowing smile that I didn't quite comprehend. But before I could ask her about it, the cop arrived at my window.

"Good evening sir. May I see your driver's license and registration?"

I handed him my documents. "I'm sorry about that officer."

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"

"Yes sir. I ran that red light. I didn't mean to, I just didn't see it in time."

He leaned down and shined a flashlight at me. I was momentarily blinded. Then he shined it at Jayne.

"Hi!" she chirped. The cop paused.

"It's my fault he ran the red light," she continued. One hand twirled a strand of hair while the other rested at the hem of her skirt. "It's getting late and I was just so tired."

"That's no excuse to run a red light, Ms." he commanded.

"Jayne."

The cop paused again. "Excuse me?"

"My name is Jayne." She beamed him a smile.

One corner of the cop's mouth lifted ever so slightly; the rest of his expression remained stone cold. "Okay Jayne. That's still no excuse."

"Oh, I know. I'm so so very sorry, officer. I just flew in from New York and I'm so tired. It's my first time in San Francisco and I wanted to be fresh for sightseeing tomorrow."

"Your first time?" The cop's voice raised an octave and softened a bit. "Well, welcome to San Francisco."

"Thanks! I'm so excited! It's too dark to really see anything right now, but I can't wait to start seeing the city!" She bounced in her seat.

"You've come during the right time of the year. The weather is just perfect right now."

"Yea! It looks great! Everyone's been so kind and friendly so far too! It's not at all like New York."

"I've been to New York once. There's definitely a different mentality here." By now, I was just a spectator. I leaned back to marvel at Jayne's work.

"It's so amazing! I just can't wait!" She smiled. "And again, I'm so sorry that we ran that red light. We really didn't see it, officer…" She squinted her eyes to read his badge.

"Officer Thompson," he replied.

"Officer Thompson." She licked her lips and gave him her puppy-dog eyes. "I'm so very sorry, Officer Thompson."

"Well…" He stood back up and looked at his car. I held my breath and tried to be as invisible as possible. "…okay, I'll let you off with a warning tonight." He leaned back down. "But please be a little more careful next time. And Jayne," he looked at her for a good long second. "Enjoy your stay here in San Francisco."

"Oh, thank you so much Officer Thompson! Thank you, thank you!" She bounced in her seat again, beaming smiles all over the place.

The cop broke out a slight grin and nodded at her. I ceased to exist as he locked eyes with Jayne for another private moment. Then he turned around and walked away.

I continued holding my breath as I watched him disappear in my rearview window. Jayne watched him with me. I started up my car and she waved at Officer Thompson.

As we drove away, I turned to Jayne. "Damn girl, you are GOOD."

She smiled. "I should be an actress."

"Damn straight you should!" I high-fived her, stepped on the gas, and sped home.

. . .

Have you ever used flirting to your advantage?