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Nate
I can’t believe I’m on my way to take Shawna out on a date. And I can’t believe I’m giddy like a teenager. I’m also nervous as hell like one, too.
As the GPS directs me where to drive, I reflect on how this trip to Port Townsend has been anything but normal so far. I thought it would be like every other job I’ve done: do surveillance, find the guy we’re looking for, take him into custody, and that’s basically it. This one hasn’t been that easy, nor has it been typical by any means. First of all, the hotel we’re staying at is a trip. Then Jarred Feldman’s mom passes away, so we stay in town, hoping Jarred will show up, but so far, that’s been a bust. To top it all off, I can’t get Jarred’s ex-girlfriend—and the mother of his child—out of my head. Even though she’s never done anything intentionally to entice me, I find her enticing.
Of course, I don’t blame Rob for being concerned. The fact that I have feelings for the ex-girlfriend of the man we’re looking for is actually insane. Honestly, I can’t believe I’ve developed the feelings I have for her. There’s just something about her I can’t resist, and I can’t explain it.
“Be careful,” Rob said to me before I left the hotel. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Unfortunately, I don’t really know what I’m doing. I wish I did. But there’s no way in hell I’m going to let this interfere with our job. I may be a little crazy, but I’m not stupid.
As I drive on the outskirts of town, I realize how beautiful the scenery is. The Olympic Mountains peak over the pink horizon. I was expecting the Pacific Northwest to be rainy all the time, but it hasn’t rained once since we got here. With clear, blue skies each day, the sunsets are beautiful hues of pink and orange. San Diego has gorgeous sunsets along the coast, but Port Townsend gives my city a run for its money.
I continue driving until my GPS tells me to turn right. I turn off the main road onto a gravel road, which I follow until I reach the end, where there are two homes. Shawna’s is on the right. I park in the driveway and admire the historic four-gable farmhouse with a wraparound front porch. I think back to when she told me about the house being in her family for generations, and it looks like it’s been well taken care of.
When I cut the engine, nerves wash over me. I haven’t dated anyone in so long. I hope I know what I’m doing, especially considering the circumstances.
I get out of the SUV and head up to the front door, pushing my nervousness aside. Every time I’ve been with Shawna, we’ve enjoyed each other’s company and had fun. There’s no reason for me to be nervous.
I knock on the door and wait. It doesn’t take long before it swings open.
Jesus Christ.
My smile spreads as I take in Shawna’s beauty. Instead of the casual woman in jeans and a T-shirt I’m used to seeing at the bar or the hoodie I saw earlier today at the pumpkin patch, Shawna’s wearing a white shirt under a gray cardigan, jeans, and black boots. Her long brown hair hangs down in waves, and her stunning features are accentuated by makeup.
I’m speechless.
“Hi, Nate,” she says with a smile, and I have to stop myself from pulling her into my arms and kissing her.
“Nate!” Noah calls from behind Shawna as he runs toward the door with a toy in his hand.
“Hi, buddy,” I say when he appears next to his mom. “What’s up?”
He holds his toy out for me, which I now see is a car he built with Lego. “I got this new Lego set for my birthday. Isn’t it cool?”
I admire the car he made and nod. “That is awesome. Good job!”
“Thanks,” he says proudly.
Shawna kneels and looks at her son. “Now, you be good for Grandma, okay? I’ll be home later.”
“Okay,” Noah agrees.
They hug, and then Shawna stands and turns to me. “Are you ready?”
“Whenever you are,” I reply. I wave to Noah. “Bye, buddy. See you later.”
Noah waves. “Bye!” he says, then runs to the back of the house again as Shawna walks out the door.
I drive back into town, and the conversation flows easily between us. After I compliment how beautiful her home is, she tells me more about it being passed on through the generations in her family, as well as the renovations her family has done over the years. I find everything she has to say interesting, and before we know it, we’re back on Main Street in town.
“So, where are you taking me, anyway?” Shawna asks as I pull into a parking space.
I chuckle. “Well, I don’t know exactly. I know a lot of good restaurants are within walking distance, so I was going to ask which one you’d prefer.”
A smile spreads on her lips as she undoes her seat belt. “I know just the place.”
Shawna leads us down the street and into a building where we’re greeted with a staircase. I follow her up, wondering where we’re going. I didn’t notice a restaurant sign anywhere. Once we reach the top of the stairs, though, the scent of food hits my nostrils. We walk down a hall and around the corner, where we find the entrance to Mermaids Pub & Grill.
