Page 26 of Then Came You

“What made you say yes?” He wasn’t surprised, just curious.

“I decided I needed to try it.”

“It, meaning…”

“Going out with a guy again. It’s been a long time.”

“Thanks for telling me.”

“I’m not sure what good it will do.”

“Being open is always a good policy. If it makes you feel any better, we don’t have to label this a date. We’re just two people taking our dogs out for some exercise. How does that sound?”

Her lips tipped up in a tentative smile, and he instantly felt better. “Sounds good.”

“Now I’d like to say something.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m only asking questions because I’d like to get to know you better. But if it makes you uncomfortable…”

“No. You’re right. I’ve been kind of closed off since… Well, anyway, I need to be better about sharing things.”

“I’m a patient man, Gillian.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“You’re in charge here, okay? Whatever you want or need from me, just let me know.”

She studied him quietly for a few beats. “I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“Why me? There were plenty of women at story time who were more receptive toward you than I’ve been.”

He rubbed his hand across his chin and thought for a minute before answering. “We come across a lot of people in life, but we don’t make a connection with all of them. For some reason, I feel a connection to you. I could have ignored it, and maybe you’d rather I did, but I just couldn’t. There’s no other way to explain it. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and so far, I haven’t been disappointed.”

He locked eyes with her, and she didn’t look away that time.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. You asked me a question, and I answered. You’ll always get a straight answer from me. I don’t play games.”

“I appreciate that.”

He pulled into the parking lot of the dog park, and they were quiet while they let the dogs out and walked over to the gated entrance. It was a quiet Sunday morning, and other than an elderly man and his springer spaniel, they had the place to themselves.

As soon as they unclipped the leashes, Rocky and Cocoa took off, leaving their owners to follow at a more leisurely pace.

“I can’t believe it’s almost fall,” Gillian remarked as they kicked through some colorful leaves.

“It’s one of my favorite times of year.”

“Why is that?”

“Pumpkin spice donuts.”

She laughed. “You know you’re just reinforcing the stereotype about cops and donuts.”