Saxon's Savior (Protect and Serve #3) - Pandora Pine Page 0,32
old.” Dallas shrugged. “Too old to be cuddled and read to.”
Bullshit! “I don’t believe that for one minute. You’re never too old for cuddles and story time. I knew a couple from back home, neighbors of ours. They’d sit out on their little balcony and have breakfast together every morning. He read the paper out loud to her while she watched the birds or turned her face to the sun. They’d turned a solo event into a duet. I always wished I’d have a partner like that in my life.”
Dallas nodded, saying nothing.
SpongeBob ended, and we both watched as the kids and their parents packed up their picnics and headed back to the parking lot. Dallas started to unpack the basket. First came a heavy, woolen blanket, which he set to the side. Then came Tupperware containers filled with what looked like tea sandwiches. Last came a thermos and two dainty china cups. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I’d been to a high tea back in Newburyport. It was for a fundraiser and they’d served all kinds of little sandwiches, pastries, and other finger foods. It was the best lunch I’d ever eaten.
“We’ve got smoked salmon, cucumber with watercress, chicken salad, and ham.” Dallas pointed to the different containers with colorful lids. “I also brought cheese, and there’s dessert for later. What do you think?”
“I can’t believe you did all of this for me.” I shook my head over the assortment of food.
“I know how much you love tea and thought this might be a fun dinner.” Dallas blushed furiously.
“It’s perfect.” I watched in shock as Dallas opened all the containers and handed me a plate. We each picked out sandwiches and some cheese. While I grabbed napkins, Dallas poured out the tea.
“To you.” He held his cup up to me.
“Right back at you, Dallas.” I toasted him and took a sip. It was a rich, flavorful Earl Grey. The bergamot was strong, and the tea warmed me from the inside out. “So good,” I murmured before taking a bite of my salmon tea sandwich. Heaven. Absolute heaven. I shut my eyes and fixed this moment in my mind for the next time Dallas acted like a complete jerk.
“What are you thinking?” Dallas whispered.
It was on the tip of my tongue to tell him the truth, but I didn’t want to risk hurting his feelings. Dallas had really gone out on a limb here tonight, asking me out and preparing this amazing but offbeat meal. “I was just offering up a bit of gratitude.” It was the truth.
Dallas opened his mouth, looking like he was about to say something rude. He shut it as a thoughtful look came over his face. “I’m grateful for this chance to get to know you better. I’ve been a bit of a dick.” He shrugged unapologetically. “We’re all still getting over Hal’s death, and part of me didn’t want him to be replaced.”
Finally, the heart of the matter. “I’m not replacing Hal. No one ever could. I’m just a guy doing a job.” I appreciated this bit of honesty from Dallas. I’d known his and Ozzy’s attitude toward me couldn’t have all been from the rumor Toby Whitmer started.
“Yeah, well, I’m glad you’re here.” Dallas turned his attention to the screen and the opening credits of Die Hard.
I didn’t know if he meant here in Gloucester or here sharing the picnic blanket with him. The whimsical side of me chose the latter, while the more cautious side of my nature picked the former. Either way, I was having a great time with Dallas.
Fingers crossed it lasted.
15
Dallas
“How did the hot date go?” Ozzy asked the second I shut the door to his office. I was here for a meeting about the new medic schedule, but it seemed my brother had something else he wanted to discuss.
“Christ, does everyone know?” I wasn’t nearly as grumpy as I sounded.
“You made the date in front of Hen. You’re damn lucky he didn’t hire one of those skywriting planes. Dallas dating Saxon.” Ozzy raised an eyebrow, daring me to disagree with him.
“Does the whole firehouse know, or just you?” The last thing I needed was the entire house giving Saxon and me shit over one little date. I could handle the gossip, but Saxon didn’t deserve it, especially with him being so new.
“Just me. I wanted to hear how it went before I started blabbing the news.” Ozzy burst out laughing.