Page 28 of In the Arms of a Hero

Glancing down at the bay’s whitecap waves below the bridge, he felt the same turbulence in his life. In truth, Aaron had no idea if Belinda was dating the man he’d seen her with. Or if they had been dating months ago and were no longer together. Or if she was dating someone else.

Amid the turmoil of his doubts, a flicker of determination ignited within him, giving him a spark of courage that refused to be extinguished. He was tired of not reaching out for happiness, afraid he’d lose it in the end. It was time to take a chance. The only way to find out if he and Belinda had another chance was to face his fears head-on and risk everything.

14

TWO MONTHS LATER

The summer heat hadn’t slowed the coffee shop crowds since Bess had added iced coffee to the menu. The air buzzed with the chatter of patrons seeking respite from the heat as they looked forward to their cool refreshments and an ever-growing selection of pastries. Belinda still came in for the morning rush unless she had a photography appointment or wanted to go out for early morning shoots.

Aaron hadn’t been in since last winter, and she’d moved on with her life. Well, almost. She still thought about him. It seemed ridiculous to have him pop up in her mind as though on a continuous loop, but she’d learned the heart usually went its own way. She had accepted other dates, including Daniel, but they quickly realized they were better as friends only. No one else had struck her heart the way Aaron had.

She cared enough about him to want his happiness, but after having only met his new girlfriend for a moment, she couldn’t imagine that horrible woman made him happy.

Blowing out a long breath, she made sure the coffee machine was still filled with fresh beans. Turning around, she looked down at her pad as the next customer approached her. “Welcome to Bess’s Bakery. What can I get for you?”

“Coffee. Room for cream and sugar, please.”

Her head jerked up at the familiar voice and stared into the eyes of the man she’d tried to convince herself she was over. No longer in his deputy uniform, her gaze drifted over his clothing. He cut a striking figure in khaki slacks and a navy blue jacket. A blue dress shirt and navy tie completed the look, and she had to admit his detective’s clothing made him look even more handsome.

As her gaze moved back to his face, she noted his usual confidence was hidden behind an expression of vulnerability. Unable to keep her knees from wobbling, she could do little to stop the flutterings in her stomach. Uncertain why he still had this effect on her, she greeted him as warmly as she would any other customer. “Hi, Aaron. It’s nice to see you again.”

His lips curved slightly as his gaze roamed over her face. “It’s nice to see you, also, Belinda.”

Trying to keep her voice light, she joked, “I hope you haven’t been drinking the sheriff’s coffee. I remember you said it was like sludge. As much as Bess hated to lose your business, I would’ve preferred to think of you getting your morning fix at another shop rather than drinking terrible coffee.”

He chuckled and shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. “No, I didn’t take my business elsewhere. And yes, I have been drinking terrible coffee.”

“Let me get you some of Bess’s finest.” She turned her back to him, glad not to face his intently pursuing gaze, and busied herself by filling his cup, leaving room at the top for the cream and sugar he enjoyed. She performed this task dozens of times every morning, yet she was filled with the same little thrill she had gotten last fall when she first met him. With her back still turned, she closed her eyes tightly and grimaced at the path her mind had traveled.

Smiling again as she turned and set the coffee cup on the counter, she pushed his money back toward him. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

He glanced down and frowned. “You didn’t take my money?”

“No, I didn’t. Your coffee is still free since you’re on duty.”

He shook his head, then shot his gaze toward the pastry display case.

Real laughter bubbled out, rising from deep inside. “I’ll get you an éclair.”

He faced her, his smile tremulous. “Um… do you have a few minutes? If so, you can put it on a plate. If not, I’ll take it with me in a bag.”

She opened her mouth, then snapped it closed. No one else was in line, and she certainly had a few minutes to chat even though she couldn’t imagine what on earth they’d talk about. Unable to come up with an excuse to deny him, she nodded. “Sure. You can just have a seat, and I’ll bring it over.”

Just as she was getting the éclair, Bess walked out with another tray of pastries. She cast her gaze over the bakery, her eyes widening as soon as she spied Aaron sitting at a table.

Belinda shook her head quickly, and Bess pressed her lips together. Taking the plated éclair and a small fork over to the table, she set it in front of Aaron. “Here you go. Your favorite.” She stood awkwardly but wasn’t sure if he wanted her to sit with him.

He looked up and then jumped to his feet. “Please, sit with me.” He pulled out the chair next to him, and she sat down before he settled back in the seat facing her.

His expression was once again filled with uncertainty, and she waited. Obviously, something was on his mind, and she’d give him the time he needed to tell her whatever it was. She sat rigid, her spine straight, as she wondered what the news might be.

“I’ve been assigned to a new partner, and I’ll bring him in some time so that he can discover what a great shop this is.”

Belinda blinked, unable to hide her surprise. His words were so casual, as though they had been talking for the past eight months as close friends when, in truth, they’d hardly seen each other. “Oh… well, yes… that’s good.”

“Sam is from the Newport News area. He hasn’t been a detective much longer than I have, but he’s a little older than me and has more experience with inner-city police work. There’s a lot I can learn from him, and we get along well.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, but she still didn’t understand why he wanted to chat. Pressing her lips together, she admitted she was willing to spend time with him in a friendly way if that was what he needed. “I’m glad, Aaron.”

---