Page 13 of Blind Date with a #FIREFIGHTER
“Onbehalfof my son, would you consider doing pizza with us and then perhaps finish reading him his books? We can pick you up and take you home. We’d both like to thank you for your help.”
“I’d love to.”
“Good. We’ll be back at six.”
When we get back downstairs he squats beside his son leaning his forearms on his thighs. Oh my, those thighs. Those biceps. I thought his shoulders were the best part. I glance aside and meet Shelly’s knowing gaze. Too damn many romance books.
Standing, he takes his son’s hand. “I have your number. I’ll call or text. Thank you for your time, Ms. Renault.”
“Just Thea. I look forward to hearing from you.”
CHAPTER 7
Alex
At home I get Aaron to lay down for a quick nap. He’ll be a tyrant tomorrow if I don’t since we’re going to be out late for dinner.
Once he’s out I call Brad. “What have you got for me?”
“Marie found out that Cersei’s sugar daddy dumped her because he caught her cheating. She’s telling her old gang she realized how much she loves you and is going to get you back.”
“When hell freezes over. How’s the babysitter?”
“Her mom took her to emergency, but the doctors couldn’t tell why she was sick and there were no cookies left at your house to check. They kept her for twenty-four hours and she seems fine now.
“She’s just a kid. Cersei told her she was your wife and that you’d been separated due to a misunderstanding and she desperately needed to see her son just for a couple minutes to tell him how much she loved him. She told the kid it would be okay because she was there to supervise. Of course, Cersei used the fake tears she’s so good at.
“The sitter figured that would be okay since Cersei was so factual about her supervising. When Aaron locked himself in thebedroom, Cersei started plating the cookies and making herself at home. The kid didn’t know how to get rid of her. After eating a cookie, she started getting sick.”
“The arrest for violating the restraining order?” Silence then his sigh, answer my question before he says anything. I knew but was hoping since there was a child involved.
“It was a thousand dollar fine. She paid it and walked. Second offense is worse.”
“Yeah, providing the victim lives.”
“I found out something interesting you might want to know. You got a minute to stay on the line?”
Aaron willingly took a shower and insisted we wear button down shirts that matched and jeans. I haven’t seen him this excited in a long time. I call Thea when we get to the daycare, and she says she’ll be out in five minutes. It’s my turn to be shocked when she walks out the door in four.
Aaron insists on standing next to me and helping me help her into the truck.
She’s just a little short for the high step into my truck. “Thea, turn around.” She does. Once she’s looking at me, I put my hands on her waist and lift her to the seat.
“Oh my god, Alex you can’t lift me!”
I grin. “I just did, Miss Renault. And you’re just a little bitty thing.”
After helping my son into his seat in the back, I get behind the wheel. “Bill’s, right? Best pizza in town.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“It really is Miss Thea. I love it. So does Dad. But no olives.” Aaron pipes in.
Once we’re seated and have ordered, Aaron dives into a story about his latest monster truck. Thea listens attentively then gets him talking about what else he likes besides trucks, firetrucks, and superheroes.
“I really like dogs, but I don’t have one. And bunnies like Ears but I’ve never seen a real bunny. Dad and I go to the park and play on the swings, but he’s too big to do the slide. I really like the kid’s museum. My favoritest thing is the bookstore. Dad always reads to me. Like you did. Are we going to finish the books tonight like you promised?”
“Did you bring them, son?” He looks at me, then back at Thea shaking his head, his expression pre-tears. “I forgot them.”
