Page 43 of Breaking Rules

Good thing he’d tidied up before he left for work, Kevin thought as he pulled into the driveway of his small ranch house. As he stepped out of his car, Bridget pulled in behind him, her headlights illuminating the darkening evening.

Kevin hurried to open the driver’s door for her, a gentlemanly gesture that earned him a warm smile.

“What a cute house,” Bridget remarked as she stepped out.

“Thanks,” Kevin replied, leading her up the walkway. “It’s not much, but it’s home.”

Once inside, Kevin took Bridget’s coat and the basket of food then headed to the kitchen.

“I’ll help set the table,” Bridget offered, already rolling up her sleeves.

Side by side, they moved around the small kitchen, gathering plates, glasses, and utensils. As they worked, their bodies brushed against each other a few times, and he couldn’t help but steal glances at Bridget, admiring the way she moved with such grace and efficiency.

“We might need to reheat the shepherd’s pie,” Bridget suggested, peering into the basket. “It’s got ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, and a creamy mashed potato topping.”

Kevin’s stomach growled in response, and he chuckled. “Sounds perfect. I’ll pop it in the oven for a few minutes.”

Finally, everything was ready, and they took their seats at the small kitchen table.

Kevin had worried it might be awkward, just the two of them, but the conversation flowed easily.

“This is great.” Kevin lifted his fork, which was loaded with a big chunk of shepherd’s pie.

Bridget smiled, her hazel eyes sparkling in the warm light of the kitchen. “I’m glad you invited me. And thanks for the compliment on the meal. Cooking has become a real passion of mine.”

“I can tell,” Kevin said, savoring another bite. “You’re a natural in the kitchen. You’re starting a pastry chef class soon?”

“Yes! I can’t wait to learn more techniques and expand my skills. Baking is like therapy for me.” Bridget’s expression turned thoughtful. “Honestly, discovering my love for cooking saved me. After everything I went through on the streets, I needed something to hold on to, a purpose.”

“I know it couldn’t have been easy. But look at you now. You’ve come so far.”

“I owe so much to Jo,” Bridget said, her voice filled with gratitude. “She never gave up on me, even when I was at my lowest.”

“Jo’s an incredible sister,” Kevin agreed. “But don’t sell yourself short. It takes a lot of strength and courage to turn your life around like you have. You should be proud of yourself.”

Bridget ducked her head, a slight blush coloring her freckled cheeks. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She took a sip of water and then met his gaze again. “Enough about me, though. What about you? Is your memory getting any better?”

Kevin nodded, a sense of optimism bubbling up. “I think it is getting better, actually. At work, I remembered where I filed some old cases, and when we searched the woods earlier, I knew exactly where we’d found those trees from the photos on the thumb drive.”

Bridget’s eyes widened. “The ones from the serial killer’s burial ground?”

“Exactly.” Kevin hesitated for a moment, a sudden urge to confide in Bridget welling up inside him. He was tired of keeping this secret bottled up, and he knew he could trust her. “There’s something else about that thumb drive, something no one else knows.”

Bridget leaned forward with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What is it?”

Taking a deep breath, Kevin revealed his suspicions. “I think the thumb drive is related to an old narcotics case. I even found the password to open the drive in the evidence for that case.”

Bridget furrowed her brow. “Why haven’t you told Sam and Jo about this?”

Kevin sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Because I used the evidence clue without telling anyone, and I’ve had the drive for so long now. It feels like it’s too late to come clean. I need to figure out what’s on the drive myself first.”

“I get it,” Bridget said softly, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “It’s a tough situation. But you know what? I’ll help you. And I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

Kevin felt a wave of relief wash over him. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Bridget smiled, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes, a hint of vulnerability. “Actually, I have a secret, too, something I don’t want anyone to know.”

Kevin’s eyes widened, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice gentle. “Bridget, you can trust me. I won’t tell anyone.”

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