Page 19 of Bless My Heart

I automatically walk to the electronics because that’s where I usually go when I’m in a Wal-Mart. I walk through the movies and stroll through the video games. There’s a new FIFA game out, so I grab it.

Once I’ve looked at everything, I feel a little calmer. At least my heart has stopped racing. I’m ready to leave when I see the baby section is right across from the entertainment section. I’ve never noticed it before. Probably because kids have been the furthest thing from my mind…until now.

My body involuntarily takes me toward the baby blankets. I run my hand over a few of them, feeling how soft they are. Then I turn and see the little one-piece outfits hanging up. I hold one up that says ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ and wonder if Hazel’s going to have a boy or a girl. I wonder what Hazel wants.

I turn in a circle, looking at all the tiny clothes: the tiny baby socks, the tiny baby shoes, and even the tiny baby sunglasses. Everything is so tiny.

My body feels warm all over, and I realize I’m smiling. I’m excited. I can do this, and I can do this with Hazel. I know we don’t know each other all that well, but we had a connection the night we met that was electric. I felt a pull to her that was like nothing I had ever felt before. That couldn’t have been for nothing. Maybe this happened for a reason.

I find my phone and shoot a text to Hazel.

Wes: Hey, can I make dinner tonight?

Hazel: Oh, Lexi and Caroline wanted to come over tonight.

Wes: I can make dinner for everyone then. The more the merrier.

Hazel: Are you sure?

Wes: Of course. They’re important to you, so I should get to know them.

Hazel: Ok, thanks Wes.

Wes: What should I make? Are you craving anything yet?

Hazel: I could really go for some spaghetti.

Wes: Ha, I can do that. See you soon.

I head to the grocery section and grab everything I need for spaghetti. I’m glad she picked something easy. I like to cook, but I’m used to cooking for the guys, which is never anything fancy. I’d hate to make a bad impression by ruining dinner.

I pay for my new video game and the food before leaving and getting back in my Jeep. I feel more prepared now to see Hazel again. I feel ready.

I take the route back to Hazel’s apartment, the spot from this morning still available. I grab the bags and take the stairs two at a time until I’m knocking on her door.

“Hey, you look like you’re feeling better,” I tell her when she opens the door. She looks rested and has some color on her cheeks again. My eyes start at her head and travel all the way down her body. She’s left her hair down today. She has on a loose purple shirt and black leggings.

She heads back into her apartment, and my eyes slide to the way her hips swap when she walks. Man, I love leggings. Her ass is on full display for me, and it takes all of my restraint not to reach out and grab a handful.

She sits back down on the couch while I put the groceries away.

“What are you working on?” I ask her, nodding to the laptop on the couch next to her.

“Oh, I was just going over my lectures for next week.”

I smile. “I love watching you teach.” She looks at me, and her cheeks turn a light shade of pink.

“Really? Why?”

“Because you can tell that you love what you’re talking about. I hate when the professors have given up. It makes the class feel like actual torture.” She throws her head back in a laugh.

“Yeah, I’ve had my fair share of those professors. I try not to be boring. I know I can’t succeed all the time, and I do see the students trying their best not to nod off during some of my lectures. I’m glad you don’t think it’s boring.”

“People love your class. They talk about you all the time. I always tell them I banged you first and call dibs.” Her eyes widen, and I can’t help but laugh. “I’m kidding, Hazel. I haven’t told a soul. Not even my best friends.” She lets out a breath as I take a seat on the couch.

She hands me the remote. “You can watch whatever you want.”

I take it and find the UGA game. She’s working, and I’m watching the game. This feels very …domestic. I’m afraid to admit that I kind of like it.