Page 12 of We Can Forever

“Really? You haven’t been on a date in years?”

I find that hard to believe. A woman this beautiful must have men constantly throwing themselves at her. Did she leave a relationship recently? Is that why she hasn’t been dating?

“I’m going to need an explanation for that.” I scoot my chair farther into the table, only because it gets me a couple inches closer to her.

She shrugs. “Life just kind of gets in the way. I’m sure you know about that.”

I snort. “Boy, do I ever.”

She selects a fried jalapeño, and I have to work not to stare while she eats it. “What kind of contracting jobs did you have before?”

“We were in Seattle, and it was all kinds. Mostly businesses. Shops. Government buildings.”

“That sounds like a lot of responsibility.”

“Not as much as being fire chief here. The expectations are…different.”

“Oh yeah?” She cocks her head, her voice dropping. “Tell me more.”

I know she’s not trying to sound sultry, but the low vibrations of her voice send a shiver through me. I can’t help but imagine how soft her skin must be, what she smells like up close, my face buried in her hair…

My phone buzzes in my pocket, making me jump. “I’m sorry. I should check this.”

“Of course.”

I pull out the phone to see that it’s the station. I have to work to suppress a sigh. “I’ll call them back in a minute.”

But then I get a text from one of the volunteers. Car wreck on the bridge. Could use you.

Stuffing the phone back into my pocket, I give Hannah an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry. The crew needs me.”

I’m both relieved and sad over the disappointment that flashes across her face. I hate to bail on her, but it’s also nice that she wants me here.

“It’s understandable.” She offers up a warm smile. “Duty calls.”

I gesture for Emmy Jane to bring the check, and as I hand her some cash, I turn back to Hannah. “I would love a rain check. Can I get your number?”

The second before she answers feels like a hundred years. I can’t breathe. Can’t think.

Finally, she smiles. “Of course.”

“I have a pen.” Emmy Jane, who I didn’t know was still here—but of course she is; isn’t everyone in this town always around?—drops the pen on the table.

After writing her number on a napkin, Hannah stands to see me off. It’s that part of the evening when I have no clue what to do, and when she moves in for a quick hug, I peck her on the cheek.

I was right. Her skin is incredibly soft. Like satin. And she smells like fresh rain and a field of lavender, which, starting now, are my two new favorite scents.

Pulling myself together, I step back. “Thank you. I’m sorry again. I’ll call you.”

She nods. “I’d like that. Now go do your thing.”

Even though I want to stay right by her side, I will myself to walk out of the restaurant and to my truck, parked just down the street. With each step, my heart becomes a little lighter.

Since I’ve moved back to Pine Island, life has been good, but it’s also felt like it’s missing something. Hell, the last eleven years have felt that way. I love being a dad, but I’ve always longed for something additional… Something I never fully let myself crave.

Tonight, the tide is changing. I feel it in the air.

Good things are on their way.

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