Page 76 of Finders Keepers

His eyes widen slightly. “For me?”

“If you want it,” I add quickly. “You don’t have to—”

“Bailey,” he cuts me off gently, already bending down so I can reach his head better. “I’d be honored.”

My hands shake slightly as I place the crown of lavender and greenery on his dark hair. It should look silly on him, a big, strong veterinarian wearing delicate flowers, but somehow it doesn’t. It looks perfect.

“How do I look?” He asks Ms. Lucy.

She fans herself faster. “Like a regular Prince Charming.”

“Good.” And before I can process what’s happening he leans in and plants a soft kiss on my cheek. The contact lasts only a second, but it sends electricity racing through my entire body. When he pulls back, I cup my cheek with my palm, feeling warmth bloom beneath my fingers.

“Well, a prince charming has to live up to his title, doesn’t he?” His amber eyes twinkle with mischief, but there’s something else there too, a question, maybe even vulnerability.

Ms. Lucy chuckles beside us. “I’ll just go check on little Sophie, shall I?” She wanders off toward the dog area, her paper plate fan working overtime.

I blink, my hand still pressed against my cheek. This kind of attention, this closeness with a man, it should trigger all my alarms. But it doesn’t. And that realization leaves me breathless in a whole new way.

“Bailey?” Gavin’s smile falters slightly. “I’m sorry if that was too forward. I just—”

“No,” I finally find my voice. “It wasn’t.”

His smile returns. The flower crown sits slightly askew on his head, and without thinking, I reach up to straighten it. My fingers brush against his hair, and they linger there a moment longer than they should. He stands perfectly still, letting me adjust it.

“There,” I whisper. “Perfect.”

We’re pulled out of our little bubble then.

“Mommy! Mr. Gavin!” Sophie’s voice carries across the booth. “Come see Duke! He gives the best kisses!”

We walk over to where Sophie sits on a blanket with Melina and Duke. The dog’s little nub of a tail wiggles furiously when he sees Gavin.

“Having fun, Sophie?” He asks.

Sophie nods. “She says Duke knows tricks.”

Melina smiles warmly. “Duke, sit.” The dog sits immediately. “Now, shake.”

He offers his paw to Sophie, who giggles as she shakes it.

“Can we take the picture now?” She asks.

“Of course!” Melina grabs the camera that’s hanging from her neck. “Dr. Mitchell, why don’t you and Bailey join in?”

“Oh, I don’t—” I start to protest, but Sophie’s pleading expression is already pulling me down to the blanket.

“Please, Mommy?”

Gavin sits beside me, his arm sliding naturally around my waist.

I tense at the touch, my body responding automatically to the feel of a man’s arm around me. The ghost of Matt’s grip flashes through my mind, how his fingers would dig into my skin when he was angry, how I’d have to hide the bruises.

But this is different. This touch is gentle, almost hesitant. His hand rests lightly against my waist, ready to pull away at the slightest sign of discomfort.

“Is this okay?” he whispers, his breath warm against my ear.

I nod, surprised at how quickly the tension melts away. My muscles unclench one at a time and I find myself leaning into him, just slightly.

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