Page 28 of Time for Change

“I should go,” I tell her, even though I’d love to go inside.

“Okay. Thanks again,” she replies with a blush.

“You’re welcome. I’ll call you.”

The most beautiful smile spreads across her mouth. “Good.”

I step back, knowing I need to walk away, but not wanting to leave her standing in an open doorway. “Lock up,” I insist.

She nods before slowly closing the door. Just before our connection is severed, she waves her fingers and murmurs, “Bye.”

“Night, Stevie.”

The door is closed, and I have to stop myself from pumping my arms in the air in silent celebration. Now isn’t the time, especially since I’m certain she’s watching me through the peephole. As casually as I can, I turn and head for the stairs and walk down to the ground level, unable to hide the smile on my face as I go.

I’m no expert, but that was a great first date.

Better yet, I’m anxious to call her and set something up again. Obviously not this weekend, since I have my kids, but hopefully soon. Perhaps dinner at the steak house or Mexican restaurant. Hell, maybe she’ll let me cook for her at my place sometime next week. I don’t really care, just as long as she agrees to see me again.

As I’m climbing back into my truck, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I spot a text from Caden, but I choose to ignore him for now. I know what he’s after, and he’s not going to get it. Too bad for you, friend. I don’t kiss and tell. Not with her.

She’s special.

Don’t ask me how I know so soon, but I know.

I can feel it.

***

“I want a book about race cars,” Christian announces loudly as we walk through the metal cases containing pictures books for preschoolers at the book fair at Gianna’s school.

“I’m not sure they have any,” I reply, scanning the large selection of books. “You’re just going to have to look, and if they don’t have one, pick something else.”

“I don’t want anything else,” Christian grumbles with a deep sigh, crossing his arms over his chest and giving me a pointed look, mimicking the way I am when I’m not happy.

“I found eight!”

I spin around to face my daughter, who has a stack of books in her arms and a wide grin on her lips. “I thought I said three.”

“Well, I found eight.” Her big blue eyes instantly turn into wide puppy dog eyes. “You wouldn’t want to stunt my educational growth, would you?”

I have to count to three before I reply. “Of course not,” I assure her, reaching for her stack and flipping through her selection. “But I don’t think diaries and jewelry-making kits are considered educational.”

Her eyes narrow as she crosses her arms. “They’re at thebookfair. It has to be educational,” she insists.

“I’ll let you pickonenon-reading book, but only one. The other two need to have chapters and words that don’t detail how to make a friendship bracelet.”

Gianna sighs, reaching for her stack. “Fine,” she grumbles, spinning around to return to the fourth grade reading section.

“Kids.”

My eyes drop to my son, who is standing with his arms crossed and shaking his head, as if he were the parent. “All right, little man. Let’s pick out your book before I grow old and my hair turns gray.”

Christian just gazes up at me, a confused look on his face. “But…you’re already old!”

“Thanks,” I mutter, reaching into my pocket and retrieving my cell phone while my four-year-old continues to browse the books.

My date with Stevie was three nights ago, and while we’ve talked a few times throughout the weekend, I haven’t seen hersince. I had considered taking my kids to eat at Burgers and Brew before the book fair, since I know she’s training on the evening shift, but thought better of it. I’m just not ready to introduce my kids, especially since it’s been one date.

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