Page 392 of Steamy Ever After

We meet up with Sara and two others in the front office. Sara makes the introductions while I keep my uncle steady on his feet. A man with sandy blond hair, freckles, and baby blue eyes, extends his hand in greeting.

“Welcome to Peace Springs. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.” Craig isn’t much older than me. His grip is firm and welcoming.

I’m going to enjoy working with him.

Pamela greets me next. With short brown hair cut into a bob, her smile comes easily. It settles in the gentle laugh lines crinkling her eyes.

“How about Abby and Pete ride with me,” Sara says, “and the rest of you go together?”

We split up into our respective cars and head off to Eddie’s Soda Shoppe. It’s just like I remember it with its red and white checkerboard floor. Metal stools set around the counter with bright red seats.

We find a set of tables, rearranging them to accommodate our group. And just like many summers long ago, I order a vanilla milkshake to dip my fries in.

Everyone but Uncle Pete gives me a strange look. He smiles, grabs a fry, and dips it in the chilly milkshake. It’s the best way to eat French fries, something he taught me when I turned five.

Lunch is great.

In addition to my fries, I gulp down a juicy cheeseburger and listen to all the advice they give about moving to Peace Springs. It’s a close-knit group, and while we talk about everything and anything, there’s one topic that doesn’t come up. No one speaks about what happens after my uncle is gone.

But then, they’ve had longer to deal with that news and process it.

We finish up lunch and, as we head outside, a large man blocks the doorway. My heart leaps to my throat when I realize it’s Drake. He turns sideways, letting the others pass.

Towering over Craig, Drake tips his hat as he says hello. Craig clasps Drake’s hand and they exchange a few words. They’re obviously friends.

Pamela laughs at something Drake whispers in her ear. Angie is all atwitter, laughing and blushing as she, unashamedly, grips his bicep. Sara slaps Drake on the chest, laughing at whatever it is he says. Which leaves me and Uncle Pete as the last to exit Eddie’s Soda Shoppe.

The moment Drake’s gaze turns to me, my stomach flutters, and my pulse kicks into high gear. My entire body trembles with the crazy power this man holds over me. Drake closes the distance, eyes soft with a smile on his face.

“It’s nice to see you up and about, Dr. Bateman.”

“It’s good to be seen.”

My uncle extends a hand, which Drake takes with great care. He doesn’t shake it the way he did with Craig. Drake is gentle, reverent, and exceedingly careful not to hurt my uncle.

“It’s nice to see you again, Abby.”

Words fail me. My cheeks feel nuclear hot, which means I must be blushing ten ways to Sunday.

“I hear you saved my girl.” Uncle Pete speaks when it’s obvious I’ve forgotten how to form words.

“I agree with only half of that statement.”

“How so?” My uncle’s reply comes out a challenge, but then his eyes widen. He wings up an inquisitive brow, looking between me and Drake. A smile brightens his eyes.

“All I did was get rid of some vermin. As for your niece, she’s my girl.” Drake moves around my uncle to tug me tight to his side. It’s a chaste hug but laced with the ferocity of Drake’s desire.

Not only have I lost the ability to speak, but swallowing appears to be beyond my abilities at the moment. My mouth feels incredibly dry as I work to swallow the lump in my throat and calm down some of the nervous energy swirling in my body.

“It’s a relief to know she’s in good hands.” My uncle’s comment takes me by surprise.

It does feel as if I’m being handed off.

The men talk about me as if I’m not there. Normally, that would piss me off, but I have a sense there’s more going on in the words they say.

“I should thank you for bringing her to me.”

“I suppose life just kind of works out like that.” My uncle releases the death grip he has on my arm and shambles out of the restaurant. Sara rushes over to him, proffering his arm to steady his gait.

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