be active duty anymore, but stopping crazy people from kidnapping and murder is still our thing.”
“Well…we appreciate it.”
Footsteps on the stairs made Bracken turn his gaze to find Bex rushing down. She looked flustered. She looked gorgeous. She was breathing heavily as she approached. “Sorry. Couldn’t find my left shoe.” She was holding it in her hand, and she bent over to put it on, bouncing on one foot.
Her hair was down, falling around her face in long waves. She was wearing a pale pink dress and the sandal she was hopping around to put on matched.
Bracken grabbed her arm before she fell on her ass, and the moment she finished and lifted her gaze, he knew she was beyond flustered. Breathing heavily from rushing, she shook her hair back and bit into her lower lip.
He stepped closer, reached for her cheek, tugged her lip from between her teeth, and stroked the offended lip with his thumb. “Relax,” he whispered.
She drew in a deep breath and blew it out. “Didn’t want to be late.”
“You’re fine. There’s no rush.” Did she think he would be mad?
She let her gaze slide down his body and back up. “Am I dressed okay? I didn’t know where we were going.”
“Am I dressed okay?” he teased in response.
She finally smiled. “You look great.”
“So do you. I thought we might go to the Water Gardens. Is that okay?”
Another gorgeous smile. “Yes. I haven’t been there for years.”
“Will you be comfortable in those shoes?”
“Yes.” She glanced down again. “Am I overdressed?”
He couldn’t resist stroking her cheek. “Not at all. I think you look fantastic.”
He was wearing faded jeans, a white polo, and his usual Vans. Casual. But he loved that she’d gotten dressed up for him. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until she relaxed, but Shayla was still standing two feet away, so he didn’t want to embarrass Bex.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yep.” She grabbed a small purse from the end table.
Shayla opened the door. “You two have fun.” Her face was expressive, and Bracken suspected she was excited to see Bex going out. Apparently, she didn’t date much.
When the door shut behind them, Bracken reached for Bex’s hand and tugged her close, turning his body so that they were face to face, inches between them. He smiled. “Hi.”
She drew in a breath and returned the smile. “Hi.”
“You okay?”
She nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“You’re flustered.”
“Yeah. I get that way.”
“No need. You look amazing. I packed a picnic. We’re going to go to the Water Gardens, enjoy the weather, wander around, relax, eat, talk. Date stuff. Okay?” It seemed like she needed a bit of a pep talk. A rundown of his plans. A moment to collect herself.
“Okay.” Her breathing was evening out.
He leaned in and kissed her briefly. “Good.” And then he took her hand and led her to his SUV. After opening her door, he helped her climb in with a hand on her biceps, and then he shut the door and rounded the hood.
There was something about the woman that made his pulse pick up. Something about the way she worried about every little thing. Something about the way she was flustered and uncertain. All combined, she was endearing and cute, and it suddenly became his life’s mission to win her over. Would there come a day when she would feel more relaxed around him? He hoped so.
Chapter 4
Bex was certain this was the best date of her life, hands down. Bracken had thought of every detail, from the amazing picnic, to the blanket, to the bottle of wine. He made her feel comfortable every step of the way. Every time she got rattled, he stopped her, faced her, and reassured her there was no need.
There were times when neither of them spoke for a while, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. Anytime there was a lull, he filled it by explaining what fountain they were looking at or asking her questions. Easy ones about what kinds of things she enjoyed. They discussed everything from movies to music to museums and amusement parks.
She gradually relaxed around him and remained that way until he suggested they go back to his house where he intended to cook dinner for her. She readily agreed, but the idea of being alone with him also scared her a bit.
While Bracken went to use the bathroom, Bex packed up their blanket and tucked everything back in the canvas bag. She was just finishing when a shadow fell over her. Expecting Bracken,