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We got up, threw our garbage in the trash, and started walking. I stopped and looked around, again noting the busyness of the park.
“We should start bringing the dogs here, socialize them a bit.”
“It’s an excellent idea. We’ll bring one or two next time if you like.”
His deep voice rumbled out from directly behind me, startling me with his proximity. I wanted to lean back against him, close my eyes and rest for a moment or a lifetime against that big chest and have those strong arms enclose around me. I resisted the urge and started walking again.
“I’d like that,” I said lightly.
He drove us back to the shelter and he headed through the staff only door and down the long hall to the attached clinic. I wondered when I’d see him next. We didn’t text, we were not those kinds of friends, but I’d have been lying if I said I didn’t imagine otherwise.
In a perfect world, where we didn’t work together, where I was a long-term kind of girl, we’d be much more than friends. We’d have been knockin’ boots, swapping spit, and making plans to make curly-haired Viking babies.
Saturday night, Zale, Mara, and Olivia picked me up to go to Bex’s place for dinner with her and Rhys. I was looking forward to getting to know him better. I was also curious to maybe learn more about Barrett.
Bex had outdone herself. She put together a poutine bar with toppings to please every palate, reminding me of Spuds. The big surprise of the night was that Barrett was there. He looked as surprised as I was, at first, but I think he hid it better.
Barrett, like Zale, was quiet and observant. I noticed that he studied everybody, taking in all the information, then processing it in that big brain of his. He watched me, too. I felt at turns warm and on edge.
Mostly warm.
At the end of the night, he offered to drive me home and I took him up on his offer. I’d had a bit to drink, but it had mostly worn off, with the assistance of copious amounts of food. We chatted easily about work, and I asked him what he thought about my sister.
“I see what you mean about fragile. I think she feels a lot of things. She seems like a special lady.”
I glowed as if he’d given the compliment to me. He remembered where I lived and after he pulled into a parking spot, he put his truck in park and took the keys out of the ignition.
“I’ll walk you in.”
He didn’t wait for my response, and I jumped out of the truck meeting him at the front where we resumed our conversation about our families.
“I like Rhys. He’s kind.”
Barrett nodded. “He is.”
“Do you think he and Bex will be good together?”
He looked at me thoughtfully. “I don’t know. I get the feeling she’s drowning a bit.”
I nodded. “This is very new to her. She lost her husband seven years ago and she basically hibernated until she met Rhys. He must be special to catch her attention. That seems like a good sign, right?”
He smiled slightly. “I hope so. He hasn’t been interested in anyone like this since Amy. I’ve never met any of his other girlfriends.”
“Wow!” I stared at him, eyes wide.
He smiled bigger at my reaction. “Yes, wow.”
When we got to my door, butterflies slammed into my abdomen and took flight.
“Do you want to come in?” I asked softly.
“Yes.”
I opened the door, but he didn’t move. I looked at him questioningly.
“It’s not a good idea for tonight.”
I ducked my head. I felt it, too, wanted to give into it, but there were rules I had set.
