Page 8 of Sor

“I don’t know,” he grinned. “I’m not a golf guy. I’m more of a baseball, football guy.”

“I can see that,” she smiled. “You’re built for power.”

“Thank you. I think.”

“Oh, it was definitely a compliment. I mean, I wasn’t staring at your physique or anything. I just noticed. I mean, I didn’t notice. Oh, hell. I’m screwing this up.”

“You’re not screwing anything up, Nell,” he said, reaching for her hand. “I think you’re beautiful and talented, and I’d love to get to know you better. I’ve just been waiting to give you time to get over everything that happened.”

“I’m over it, Sor. Really, I am. I’d like to get to know you as well.” He took a big swig of the iced tea and nodded at her.

“Well, we’re working on a case right now that might have me gone for a few days. Are you okay with that?” She cocked her head, staring at him. “I guess what I’m asking is, are you okay with a man that might be gone a few days now and then and I can’t always give you all the details of where.”

“I’m okay with that when I trust the man,” she smiled. “I don’t know why, Sor, but I trust you more than any man I’ve ever met in my entire life.” He popped the last of the lemon bar in his mouth and stood.

“Well, then. I’ll be back in a few days and maybe we could do lunch or dinner?”

“I think that sounds perfect,” she said, taking a step toward him. He looked down at her, pushing those stray strands of hair behind her ears. He gently cupped her jaw and touched her sweet lips lightly, softly.

“Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

CHAPTER FIVE

A few weeks later, Nell found herself in Sor’s arms at the wedding of Alistair and Clark. She’d splurged on a gorgeous plum-colored gown that somehow made her eyes look the same color. Her long brown tendrils were twirled into soft ringlets, held together on one side by an antique hair comb with jewels encrusted on the edge.

“You look stunning,” he said, smiling down at her.

“And you are the most handsome man I’ve ever met in my life. Is it possible to get you to wear this uniform all the time?” she smirked. He laughed, shaking his head.

“For you, I just might do that. Although, I suspect that after a while I’m not going to fit into this uniform. The way they cook around here, I’m going to gain fifty pounds.”

“I doubt that,” she smiled. “I’ve seen you run. I mean, not that I’m watching you, but you run out by the cabin now and then.” He smiled at her, nodding.

“Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course. Anything.”

“I run out that way to check on you. Not check on you. To make sure you’re okay. That you’re safe out there by yourself. I’m worried about you.”

“Sor, that’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” she said, kissing him sweetly. “I’m fine. I love that you check on me, but you don’t have to do it behind my back. Come out and stop by. Have coffee with me or breakfast. Any time. Day or night.”

“Yeah? Day or night, huh?”

“Well, I mean,” she blushed, shaking her head, then looked up at him. “Yes. Day or night.”

“I’m not walking away from this, Nell. I don’t know how I know this, but I know that you’re the woman I should have been with all along. I hate that we had to go through all that shit with our exes, but it led me to you.”

“I feel the same way, Sor. Most days, I have trouble remembering my life before you were in it. Neither of us deserved what happened, but I’m so glad it did happen.”

“Me, too, baby. Me too.”

For Sor, the time spent with Nell was the best of his life. They took long walks on the property, lazy boat rides through the bayou, laughed over intimate dinners with their friends, and talked about every possible topic in the world.

“Hey, man. Everything good?” asked Garr.

“Yeah, brother. Everything is great.”

“Nell is a great girl. I hope you’re smart enough to keep her. I mean, we wouldn’t want her to be available or anything.”

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