Page 26 of In the Arms of a Hero

Andy was there, along with a full force of members of the Virginia Marine Police, including Jose Martinez, Joseph Newman, Bryce Townsend, and Jared Dobson.

The show of support overwhelmed Aaron. As the party was winding down, he wandered to the bar, spying a beautiful woman sitting alone. Feeling both encouraged by the alcoholand his earlier thoughts of Belinda and her new boyfriend, he settled onto the barstool next to her.

She swung her head around and looked at him, her gaze moving over him and her smile widening. “I’ve seen you around this evening. It seems like you’re one of the honored guests of the party.”

“I just got a promotion, so my friends were helping me celebrate.”

“I couldn’t help but hear some of the toasts. You’re now a detective?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m a detective in North Heron County.”

“Please don’t call me ma’am.” She laughed. “That makes me sound so old.” She turned more to face him fully and offered her hand. “I’m Cilla. Cilla Henderson.”

“I’m Aaron Bergstrom. It’s nice to meet you.” Her shake was gentle, and her smile was welcoming. “Cilla? That’s an interesting name.”

“Oh, there’s a history behind that name,” she said, tilting her head to the side. “I’d love to have dinner with you sometime if you’re unattached. I’ll be sure to tell you the story about my name.”

“Do you live around here?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I live in Norfolk, but a friend of mine told me about the Eastern Shore, and I’ve been coming here on weekends just to relax.”

“It’s a great place to relax. It’s not exactly on the map if you're looking for nightlife. But if you want to unwind, there’s no better place, in my opinion.”

She leaned closer and whispered, “If you ever want to show me a good place for dinner, I’d say yes.”

She was forward, but that didn’t put him off. Instead, it was as though a beautiful woman had simply dropped into his lap.They continued flirting, and by the time he left, he had her number and a dinner date for the following evening.

A Month Later (June)

Aaron escorted Cilla into the Sunset Restaurant in Baytown, the scent of the briny bay mingling with the aromas of fine cuisine. For the past month, Cilla came every weekend, seeing him each time. While they had a good time together, he’d already realized that the something special he’d shared with Belinda wasn’t found in his relationship with Cilla. She had been pushing to stay at his place, but he’d managed to keep her at arm’s length. They had dinner and good conversations, but not sex. He still had thoughts of Belinda on his mind and wasn’t yet ready to make that deep of a commitment to Cilla.

Not wanting to act precipitously, they’d continued to date. She had made it plain that she saw a future with him. He just couldn’t say the same about her, no matter how much he tried to pretend that feelings might eventually develop.

As they settled into their booth, he smiled at the breathtaking sunset view over the sparkling water. The bay had always managed to calm his soul, and he could understand why Andy chose his police career out on the water.

Aaron loved this restaurant and wished he’d brought Belinda here when they had gone out to eat. Inwardly wincing, he knew he needed to stop comparing everything to her. Turning to refocus on Cilla, his gaze snagged on the woman who truly filled his mind. She was walking toward him as if summoned by the depths of his longing.

Belinda wore a light purple flowing dress that skimmed her ankles and made her eyes appear more violet than blue. His mouth was suddenly dry, as every nerve tingled with anticipation.

“Hello, Aaron,” she greeted, her melodic voice softly wrapping around him as it always had. “I thought that was you.”

His gaze flickered around, searching for signs of her companion. Instead, his gaze landed on another table where Bess sat, her glare pinned on him, burning with intensity. His mouth was now filled with cotton.

Clearing his throat, he smiled. “Hello, Belinda. It’s nice to see you.”

“I heard you made detective. That’s wonderful. I wanted to offer my congratulations.”

“Thank you?—”

Cilla scooted closer to him in the circular booth, her hand landing possessively on his arm. “Hello,” she interrupted. Her gaze on Belinda was filled with jealous venom.

“Hello,” Belinda replied warmly.

“Well, it was nice of you to stop by to congratulatemyboyfriend, but we’re about to have dinner.”

Aaron blinked, his jaw clenched with indignation at Cilla’s rude pronouncement. His chest swelled with anger. “Cilla—” he began, but Belinda offered a graceful exit.

“Of course. I’m so sorry to have interrupted you. Have a nice evening.” Belinda cast another soft smile his way, but he observed a flash of pain in her eyes.

---