Page 18 of Safe With Me

“Go get a few appetizers. Sausage is on the second grill. And there’s cold food on the table over there, too.”

“Thanks.” She wandered over to the grill.

Jackson turned the meat and smiled over at her. He sported a Pathways sweatshirt and a chef’s hat. He was talking to Gemma Kendrick.

Steph said, “Hi, you two.”

Jackson grasped her hand. “Hi, Steph. Do you know Gemma?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “You’re going to volunteer at the clinic.”

“I am. I’m a professional psychologist so I imagine people in the waiting area might need my help.”

“And Caleb’s volunteering, too, right?”

“Yes. But he wants to work with his hands. He and his sister, Jackson’s wife, remodeled his entire house. I think he’s building shelves at the clinic.”

“Did I hear my name?” Caleb Shepherd did not look like a minister. He was pretty damn attractive with his blue eyes and blond hair. With him was a tall, gangly boy.

“This is Harlan,” Gemma said to Steph. “Harlan, you know everyone but Stephanie Giordano, a security guard who’ll work at the clinic.”

“You’re the guard?”

“I am.”

“But you’re so…small.”

“I have strong muscles and I’m trained in self-defense. I could take you down, Harlan.”

The boy laughed. “I’m sure you could.” He turned to Caleb. “I’m going to go find Freddie. Come with?”

After Harlan and Caleb left, Gemma stayed with Steph.

“You said,us, Gemma. Are you…with Caleb?”

“We got married at the beginning of October. It took a lot to get there,so I’m glad we didn’t give up on each other.” She eyed Steph. “Is there a guy in your life?”

“Not currently. There was one a while ago. That turned out to be a sad story.” Which she didn’t want to think about. Don Ackley had been a big mistake in her life, and she was glad to be rid of him.

“I’m sorry.” Gemma didn’t pry. “Want me to introduce you to some single teachers at Pathways?”

“God, no. I have my hands full right now. But thanks, anyway.” Her gaze wandered. To Pax. He turned and caught her looking at him. He smiled and started toward her.

“Putting stuff behind you can be hard,” Gemma said. “If you ever want to talk…”

“I’m happy, Gemma. Honestly.”

“Hey, you trying to poach my security guard, Mrs. Shepherd?”

“You know my last name is still Kendrick. And no, not from her work with you. It was personal.”

His brows rose. Dark brown, they were nicely arched. “Want me to leave?”

“No, stay,” Gemma said. “I’ll go find Caleb and Harlan.”

When she was gone, Pax smiled at Steph. “Then let’s get some food and sit over there.”

“It smells wonderful. Let’s do it.”

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