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They squeezed into the backseat to double-check the straps keeping the baby safe. Pressing up against each other increased the already intense feeling they had as desire percolated between them.
“It looks right. Thank you so much. I don’t even know how to react.” She sputtered a little, a combination of embarrassment and gratitude, and that desire.
“You don’t have to react any way. This is what I want. I wish I had met you a long time ago.”
His meaning was clear to her, and she felt the same way, but didn’t voice it. It was too soon to have regrets about the choices she’d made leading up to this, not able to imagine life without baby Flynn.
The park was only five minutes away from her apartment. “You know I live over by the lake,” he said, pointing south. “We’re pretty close.”
“It’s convenient,” she replied, hating small talk but understanding it was a place to start after his intimate revelation. “I’m glad we’re close.”
He reached over the center console for her hand. It felt right, holding hands. They were on a date. It was more than just getting to know each other. They were attracted to each other. She decided then and there that she wasn’t going to fight it. Waiting to heat things up was okay, but honesty about feelings, expressing fears, she wasn’t going to hold back.
Like he had read her mind, he glanced over at her. “I really like you.”
“And I really like you.”
“I feel like I’m really lucky right now,” he said, smiling. “Like a narrowly missed out.”
“Why’s that? If it was something I said about being careful…”
“No, Rick Jackson. He’s right there, like a homing pigeon. He’s got a sixth sense about brewing romances.”
“He approached me, but you know that already.”
“Yes. I’m glad I made my move when I did.”
“He doesn’t appeal to me, so no worries, okay?”
“No competition?”
“Zero competition. I only speak to him on matters of firehouse business.”
“I’m ashamed to say that’s a relief.”
“Do you have trust issues?” she asked, wondering if she was looking at a red flag.
“No, not at all, not where you’re concerned, but where Rick is concerned, yes. I bet he’s on the phone to my ex right now.” Fortunately, he laughed.
“Are you okay with that?”
“No, but only because I don’t want to see her at firehouse events. Ha! Does that make any sense?”
“Yes! I don’t want to see her, either,” Bridget said, shivering.
They arrived at the park, which was pretty crowded for an early summer day. Southern California was known for its cloudy skies in June, hence the nickname June Gloom. But Bridget didn’t care. Being outside was wonderful, and the baby reacted right away, winking from the light after being inside all the time.
“Let’s get a little hat on,” she said, digging through her bags while Tony held the baby.
“We have a little surprise for Flynn.” He opened up the back of his truck and pulled out a brand-new, fancy stroller.
“No way! I always wanted a jogging stroller, even though I don’t jog.”
“We need a stroller if we’re coming to the park.”
“Wow, I never thought I’d have anything like this for Flynn. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say a word. Let’s get everything you need loaded up, including this little guy.”
