Page 67 of Protect

Coincidentally, of course, every day for the last week, a gorgeous hotshot runner just happens to pass by the park at the same time as our daily play before my shift.

Rowan

You two are not a workout, a mild warm up at best.

Tell the new mama I said congrats again. The amount of photos Cal has already is astonishing. He’s a gushy proud uncle.

I stare down at Bea in my arms snoozing away as we sit on Teddy's sofa.

How am I supposed to give her back and go to work tonight?

Rowan

Soldier on, I’m sure Teddy will let you sniff her baby like a total weirdo again tomorrow.

And FYI I’m cashing in and considering tonight our first official date since you’ve yet to let me actually take you on one.

I’m not the easiest to get alone for a date.

Rowan

Tell me about it.

I smile. Truth is, I would’ve let him but I haven’t had a night where we could have been alone.

FYI, It’s not a date if I’m working at the bar.

Rowan

I can make any situation a date. Desperate times Vi. I’m out of patience.

So what? You’re just going to hang out at Shifty’s all night?

Rowan

No, I’m meeting my friends, at the bar you happen to work at, if that takes your whole shift, so be it.

You’re crazy.

Rowan

As long as we’re clear.

A few seconds later I get a photo of him at the park bench making a funny face at me. He’s sweaty again, he’s been running. I know hotshots have an insane level of fitness they have to maintain, so of course, he’s already running and getting back at it after being injured.

I zoom in on the photo. I can’t help the blush creeping up my neck. He looks good, damn good, and enticing as hell. He’s bandage free now and is healing up perfectly. He’s expected to be cleared to work in the field in just over a week. I’ve had a lot of time to think and reflect on the truth he told me versus the way I’ve seen it for the last ten years. That shit messes with your head. Especially when he keeps proving to me with every passing day how great he actually is.

Truth is, Rowan and I have barely gone an hour without texting. Our chat is never ending, filled with random conversation, shameless flirting, and various online games.

My stomach flip flops at the thought of seeing him tonight, Hollie free. It feels like so much has changed since our talk the night he came home from the hospital.

“Are you smiling like that because you’re in love with Bea or your phone?” Teddy asks in a tired voice taking a seat on the other side of the sofa. She’s in loose pajama bottoms and a big hoodie, her blonde hair is piled onto her head, she’s got that new mama glow and looks beautiful.

Baby Bea came fast, and Teddy was extremely lucky that Rowan’s sup, Xander, lives right next door and was home when her water broke unexpectedly.

“Both,” I tell her honestly as I gently run my fingers over Bea’s feather soft dusting of hair. She yawns and her perfect little mouth forms a tiny O.

“You took my advice then?” she asks, popping a French fry into her mouth then moaning with how good it tastes. I was officially declared Teddy’s lord and savior when I showed up with kids’ meals for Dalton and Penny and an order of her favorite fries.

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