Page 6 of Missing

When Doug’s fingers brushed mine, I felt it to my toes.

I haven’t felt anything like that since Phil.

It caught me off guard. Before I could think too much about it, my thoughts turned to Phil and how much I missed him. I stared out the window, my mind racing between thoughts of Phil and my reaction to Doug’s touch, as we drove back to the office.

Of course, he noticed, but I couldn’t tell him I was thinking about Phil. I couldn’t tell him what his touch had done to me. And I definitely couldn’t tell him how much I wanted to finda man who’d be a good husband to me and a loving father to Chase.

I wasn’t ready to open that can of worms with anyone, let alone Doug.Hell, I needed an extra glass of wine to admit it to Mary and Meg.

When we got back to the office, Doug told me to wait then came around and opened my door before grabbing the box off my lap. He balanced it carefully on one arm and helped me out with the other.

Such a gentleman.I wonder how old he is. I made a mental note to ask Meg. Doug looked to be in his mid-to-late-thirties but had the demeanor of someone a few years older.

My hand felt small in his as he helped down.

I tried to open the door for him, since he was carrying the box, but he beat me to it. “Ladies first.”

“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.” Chase ran across the reception area as soon as he saw us. “Look what Auntie Meg and Uncle Jack got me.” He held up a couple of plastic toys that looked like different types of sharks.

“That was nice of them. What are they?”

“Water dinosaurs.” He said as he lifted them higher, so I could see them better, before running to Doug who was handing out coffees. “Did you bring me a cookie?”

“Chase, manners.” I gently corrected him.

“Did you bring me a cookie, please?” He emphasized the end of the word please.

Stifled laughter filled the room. I had to tell Chase to say please and thank you often enough he assumed that’s what I meant any time I corrected him about his manners.

Knowing one of the cookies was for Chase, Doug made eye contact with me over Chase’s head, silently asking permission. I nodded.

He opened the bag as he kneeled. “Okay, we have acorn chip, peanut butter and dirt, and frosted tree-bark cookies. Which kind would you like?”

My eyes rounded and my jaw fell slack as I watched—I’d never heard Doug crack a joke or act silly.Not that I spend much time with him. But from what I’d heard, Doug was the strong, silent type. I glanced at Meg; her raised eyebrows confirmed my suspicion; this was unusual behavior for him.

Chase’s face fell as Doug listed the cookies he could choose from. I was worried he’d start crying, but should have known better. Doug opened the bag and said, “Oops, I must have grabbed the wrong bag because this one smells like chocolate chip cookies.” He grabbed one and handed it to my now smiling son.

He’s going to make a great dad someday. Then he turned his smile on me.And probably a great husband.

Chase said, “Thank you Mr. Doug,” a half second before shoving the cookie in his mouth and taking a too big-for-his-mouth bite.

“You’re welcome. Can you bring this bag to your Auntie Meg, it’s a special treat for her.”

“Ooooh, what did Mary give me?” Meg’s eyes lit up. She loved her baked goods as much as I did and was lucky she could eat them without feeling like she was gaining ten pounds with every bite.

After a few more minutes, I asked Chase to gather up his things and say his goodbyes. He didn’t want to leave, but SSI had work to do and we’d distracted them long enough.

Chapter 6

Doug

The day after helping Beth with the coffee run, I left for an assignment in Houston. It was a security gig for a twenty-one-year-old model but felt more like a babysitting job. She was spoiled, entitled, and she spent more time drinking than working. After three long ass days, I couldn’t wait to say goodbye.

On my way back to Weatherford, I stopped to have a beer and celebrate because, despite her best efforts to start trouble, nothing had gone wrong.

During the long drive back, I thought about how close I’d come to asking Beth if she wanted to go out for a coffee but hadn’t because I thought it sounded lame. Then I’d thought about asking her if she wanted to meet for drinks instead but that sounded too much like I was hitting on her.Which I was. Or would’ve been if I hadn’t over-thought myself into inaction.

Now I regret chickening out.

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