Page 47 of Guarding Over You
“Makes me want to have a few words with that ex of yours,” he slipped out before he told himself not to go there.
“Don’t. It’d only make things messier. I don’t need that right now.”
“Heard loud and clear, but that won’t change how I feel.” She nodded. “Is that going to be a problem?”
“Not if you can keep it locked up.”
He couldn’t promise that but wouldn’t say it either. “So, Saturday?”
“I’ll let you know the time. If you can’t make it, I’ll understand. I’m sorry I can’t be more available.”
“Don’t be sorry. Some things are worth the wait. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Doesn’t seem I am either.” Her smile was back in place, but she dropped her eyes to look at the watch on her wrist. “I need to get in there.”
He’d love nothing more than to lean in and put a kiss on her cheek. Or better, her lips, but any kind of contact other than their hands touching would be a bonus.
They weren’t anywhere near there yet, even if both of them were feeling it.
Going slow was going to be the name of the game. Earning her trust right along with her daughter’s would come first.
“You know where I am if you need anything.”
Her eyes glowed some, his comment hitting its mark, even with the blush to her cheeks.
They turned to walk toward the building, him veering to his SUV, waving to some people going in, but most that he worked with were in before he walked out.
Before he got in, the ambulance came barreling into the parking lot. He stopped and stared, waiting to see what was going on.
The back doors opened and the gurney was pulled down, an EMT on top giving chest compressions and shouting out stats.
He started to take a step forward and stopped himself.
It was someone else’s job now. Not his to manage. Not his to save.
Not his to carry the weight if the outcome wasn’t good.
He got in his car and drove away to his empty home to spend the day sleeping before he got up alone, fueled himself for another shift and waited for Arden’s text so he could plan his next move.
Something to finally look forward to, and not something to drag him down.
15
PROMISES MEANT NOTHING
Her first date in years.
Arden was nervous, excited, and bordering on delusional to think she was ready for this.
If it were any other man than Blaze Ridgeway, she’d most likely have backed out.
But he was giving her space when she might have wanted him to crowd her more.
He was showing patience when her own was wearing thin.
And he was making her daughter smile, which was a sure way to get her to soften.
“Mom, when is Dad coming?”
