She sensed his haste, knew Robin’s gratitude had made him uneasy; they really did need to go. “Yes, of course.” She collected the diaper bag and her purse. “I can push the stroller.”
“Great. Let’s go.” Ignoring all the curious gazes, he kept his attention straight ahead.
That didn’t stop anyone from looking, of course.
A chair slid back, and someone clapped.
Then more chairs were pushed from tables, followed by more clapping.
Pixie fought a smile, especially when she noticed Brogan’s disconcerted expression.
So much for keeping a low profile.
The commotion swelled until it seemed everyone at the restaurant, inside and out, was on their feet applauding him.
Brogan’s jaw locked.
She leaned into his shoulder and said, “They’re only thanking you.”
Pausing, his shoulders rigid, Brogan turned to face the crowd. Once everyone had quieted down, he gave a nod and said, “Have a nice night, everyone.” Then he turned again and ushered Pixie to the lot.
She couldn’t stop grinning, especially when Andy clapped his hands and yelled, “G’night!”
CHAPTER5
As they reached the car, Brogan floundered. He owed Pixie an apology, but maybe here, in the restaurant lot, wasn’t the right time, especially since he wasn’t sure what to say. He’d asked her out, told her they’d talk, and then he’d more or less abandoned her without a thought.
He ran a hand over his face. Instincts were all well and good; he’d survived more than once because he’d listened to that internal call to act instead of think. Now, however, he had more than himself to think about. More than other trained team members. He had Shayna, and if things went right, he’d have Andy and Pixie, too.
After giving him a worried glance, she pushed the stroller to the back of his SUV. She was loaded down with everything while he let Shayna finish her bottle.
“Pixie …”
“I’m sorry.” In a rush, she turned and put a hand to his chest. “I should have asked before volunteering you to do even more. I just … I looked at Benny’s mom and I felt so bad for her, I wanted to do something, too. It was thoughtless. I’m sure you’d rather go home and—”
“It’s not a problem,” he interrupted, bemused that she would be apologizing when it should be him. “I’m glad you offered.With so many other people around, I didn’t even think about how she’d get her car. I just assumed someone would help.”
“Someone probably would have.”
After all that turmoil, he found a smile. “Someone did. You.” Because that’s the type of woman she was. While the others had stood around, unsure what to do, Pixie had stepped up.
“But you have to be …”
“What?”
“I don’t know. Upset?” She shook her head as if to discount the word as soon as she said it.
“No, I’m not upset.” His mouth twitched.
Granted, his adrenaline was still pumping, but that would subside soon. Mostly, he was ready to move on, but it made sense to make sure a single mother had what she needed first.
Pixie frowned at him. “After what you went through, I’m sure you’re ready to change into your own clothes. And you must be hungry.”
He covered her hand with his own. “The same is true for you.”
“Except I didn’t do anything.”
That made him frown. “Of course you did.”
