As soon as I stood from my desk, the door to my office slammed shut and laughing could be heard from the other side.
I showed up for the meeting even earlier than usual that night. When Stephanie pulled in, she walked over to chat.
“What has you here so early?” she asked.
“I'm waiting for Bridget,” I answered honestly. “She's got some stuff going on right now. I wanted to make sure I was here before her.”
“That's nice of you,” she said, even though it sounded anything but sincere.
“That's what friends do,” I said.
As soon as Bridget pulled into the lot, I walked right to her car. Her door opened, she got out, and I pulled her in for a hug the second I saw her eyes.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Don't want to talk about it,” she said, as she wrapped her arms around me and held on tight.
She didn't say one word during the entire meeting. As soon as it was over, she stood up.
“Coffee,” I said, and she nodded. “Meet you there.”
She sat down in our corner booth while I got the coffees. When I handed hers over and sat down, she smiled.
“Thank you,” she said.
“I only bought it because you've had a shit day,” I said. “Don't expect this kind of treatment all the time.”
When she burst into laughter, I couldn't help but laugh too.
“How did you like my job?” she asked.
Just like that, we were on to our regular conversation. Everything was back to normal.
When we stood and walked out to the parking lot, she wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” I asked.
“For giving a shit,” she said. “For treating me normal today.”
“I'll expect the same from you in about six months,” I said.
“Does it get any easier?” she asked. “Do people stop treating you like you'll break?”
“No,” I answered her honestly. “You just get better at giving fake smiles. Eventually, they'll leave you alone.”
She smiled up at me, and it took all I had not to lean down and take her lips with mine.
“Gabe was a good man,” I said.
She pulled out of my hold and smiled one of those fake smiles I'd just been talking about.
“I'll see you tomorrow,” she said. “Who knows, maybe I'll get more than a nod.”
“Maybe,” I said, as I watched her walk to her car and pull out of the lot. Then I got into my truck and pulled my door shut, as I quietly mumbled. “Maybe not.”
Chapter 31
Six Months Later
Bridget
Everything was back to normal at work, like it was before I went into labor. I was getting more than a simple nod. Derek was actually smiling at me. Some days he even stopped to talk. I did notice that he never left before me, unless he was gone on a case that is. I never mentioned it, and neither did he. It made me feel good knowing there was still someone in the building on the rare days I stayed beyond five o'clock. I was working more for Doug than I was Gabby. She had Sarah, her assistant, doing most of the work I'd been doing for her. Sarah was pretty cool. I'd gotten to know her more than a bit during those months and was super happy to have less work on my plate. It was bad enough I was exhausted by five o'clock on a good day. Less work meant I was a happier mom who had a bit more pep in her step at night.
Outside of work, things were going really good. I was still going to the weekly meetings, coffee after, and the monthly events. I was also adding more little touches to the house and even planning the flowers I knew I would be planting shortly. Gabe was getting so big, and his toys were starting to spread through every room. He was crawling like a champ and trying to walk a bit. Part of the reason he wasn't trying harder was my fault. I held him every chance I got once I was home as well as on the weekends. Gabby and Doug were doing their fair share of holding him too. He had three suckers that were willing to do everything for him, so there was no reason for him to really bother. I was pretty sure what he was getting was from him being on his own during the day with other kids. I knew they didn't baby him there nearly as much as the three of us did.
Things were good, and I was happy. Derek helped me more than I could have ever imagined. When something was on my mind about Gabe or anything, I didn't hesitate to speak my mind. That was what our Monday night coffee stops were about for the most part. I wasn't afraid to say something because I didn't want to hurt someone's feelings. If I was pissed about something, I spoke openly about it with him. He never judged me once. He'd give me his opinion, and we'd move on. I did the same for him. He was getting better at talking to me, and I made sure to listen with an open mind every single time. It wouldn't take much for him to close me off, and I didn't want that. He honestly felt like my best friend. I was pretty sure he didn't feel the same about me, but that didn't matter. I didn't care. He'd never know just how important getting one cup of coffee each week was for me.
Beside the kiss, neither of us had crossed any lines. Stephanie still watched him, waiting for the moment they would connect. I could see it in her eyes. She was lost when it came to him. I couldn't blame her, I'd kissed him once. There was something about him that just drew you in. I couldn't judge her on that one. I'd been a sucker for a moment there too. I had to keep my eyes wide open when it came to that guy. I couldn't let those beautiful eyes and the shivers I got when I was around him suck me in.
I was up bright and early on a Saturday morning. Our group was going for a yearly picnic. I'd barely missed the last one and was actually excited to hang out for the whole day with the group and their families. Yep, it was a family event. I knew Jean was going to be there. I hadn't seen her since that day, the one that made me look as if I'd lost my mind. I was a little nervous but excited at the same time. She was such a nice person. I was going to meet her husband and couldn't wait to see the man that had stolen her heart all those years ago. Derek's brother was even going. I'd seen Drake at work here and there, but that was it. Him and Derek were like night and day. He didn't seem broody and bossy at all. I couldn't imagine how they could be so different. I guess I didn't really understand. I'd been an only child, and I'd barely ever talked to my parents since going off to college. Even the short time I'd been home after college hadn't really changed our relationship any. We weren't close, and that was it.
I got Gabe ready and headed to the park. We'd rented it for the day, so it was only going to be families from our group. I was looking forward to a relaxing day with the kids. Jenny had been talking about how excited she was the last time we were at a picnic. Derek had mentioned that she had the date circled on the calendar and was counting down each day. She was the sweetest little girl, and I honestly couldn't wait to see her. TJ was pretty great too. He seemed to hang around Jenny every chance he got. Even when she shooed him away, that boy would go right back for more. I wanted so badly to joke about it, but I knew it would send Derek into a tizzy. The man was going to be in a heap of trouble when his baby girl grew up.
The second I opened my car door, Jenny came running for me. I could hear Derek yelling from behind her for her to slow down. She knocked me back onto my seat when she wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me tight.
“I've been waiting for you and Gabe,” she squealed. “This pool is the best. Guess what.”
“What?” I asked, as I hugged her back.
“There's a slide,” she said. “A water slide. Will you go on it with me?”
Derek had finally caught up with her just as she was asking me.
“Let her get out of the car, Jenny,” he said, as he scooped her up into his arms.
“I was asking her about the slide,” she said.
“Are you sure your daddy doesn't want to do the slide with you?” I asked.
Derek shot me a look, and I couldn't help but smile.
“He said no,” Jenny said, with her lips all pouty.
“Really?” I asked. “Why is that?”
“I don't like water slides,” Derek said, looking down at me like a big baby.
“Seriously,” I said, as I looked up with a huge smile on my face, doing my best not to laugh at the bad ass afraid of a water slide.
“Yes,” he said, as he put Jenny back down onto her feet.
I opened the trunk, and he grabbed the stroller out and set it up. That was our normal routine. Neither of us even thought twice about it anymore.
“SEAL,” I said. “You were a SEAL.”
Jenny giggled, and I looked over at her.
“What was that about?” I asked, as I opened Gabe's door and got him out of his seat to strap him into his stroller.
“You said daddy was a SEAL,” she said with another little laugh.
“She does that every time,” Derek said, as he scooped her back up into his arms and tickled her. “She's just being silly. She knows her daddy can kick some butt.”
“But he can't go on a slide,” I said, and instantly heard him growl from behind me.
“You better watch yourself,” he said, as he leaned in close. “I won't hesitate to pick your ass up and throw you into that pool, clothes and all.”
“You sure about that, tough guy?” I joked. “Maybe I'll just hide by the slide.”
He narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head.
“Keep it up, Woman.”
He grabbed Gabe's bag, shut the door, and walked away with Jenny still in his arms. I could hear her giggling the whole way as I pushed the stroller behind them.
Jean was on her feet before we even got to her. She looked down at Gabe and covered her mouth with her hand.
“He's so big,” she said.
“I know it,” I said.
She stepped next to the stroller and wrapped her arms around me.
“How are you?” she asked.
“Still embarrassed,” I said, with a nervous smile.
“Don't be,” she said. “It was nice to see someone be real for a moment. I like that about you.”
She introduced me to her husband, and I was shocked when he pulled me in for a hug.
“I've heard so much about you,” he said, with a smile.
“I can only imagine,” I said, knowing my cheeks were turning pink.
He let out a small laugh and looked down at Jenny who had gotten down from Derek's arms and ran over to her grandpa.
“I'm trying to get Bridget to slide with me,” she told him. “She always does the fun stuff.”
“Unlike her dad,” I said, with a smile.
“That's it,” I heard Derek say in a rough tone.
My bag that he'd been carrying hit the ground. The next thing I knew, two big arms wrapped around me, and I was being carried toward the pool.
“Put me down right now, big man,” I screamed, as I kicked and moved around.
“That's not going to help you,” he said. “I was a SEAL. I can handle your ass.”
“Derek,” I yelped out. “I'm not kidding.”
He had my arms pinned down at my sides so I couldn't reach around and grab for him. He wasn't kidding. The man knew what he was doing.
The second I hit the water, I looked up at him with what I could only imagine was the dirtiest look ever to cross my face.
“That wasn't nice,” I yelled up toward him.
Then I heard laughing coming from a few feet away from him.
“I can't believe you did that,” Taylor said, bent over with his hands on his knees as he laughed.
“You okay?” Drake asked, trying to sound concerned.
“Really?” I asked with sarcasm in my tone. “You ask that as you laugh too.”
His concern was gone, and he was laughing again.
“You guys suck,” I yelled out, as I moved toward the ladder and got out.
“Are you okay, Bridget?” Jenny asked, as she met me at the ladder.
“I'm fine,” I said. “There just being mean boys.”
Jenny shook her head.
“I know what you mean,” she said in the most serious tone. “TJ does mean things to me sometimes. Do you know what grandma says?”
“What?” I asked, as I finally got out of the pool and began ringing the water out of my clothes.
“She said it means they like you,” Jenny said. “Maybe daddy did it because he likes you.”
“Grandma told you that?” Derek asked, as he looked down at Jenny with shock written all over his face.
“She did,” Jenny said. “Come on, Bridget. We brought some towels.”
Jenny took my hand and started pulling me toward their family's area. She stopped for a moment and looked back at Derek.
“That really wasn't nice,” she said, as if she was scolding him. “You need to say you're sorry.”
As we walked closer, I could see a huge smile on Jean's face and shook my head at her. TJ came running toward us.
“Come on, Jenny,” he said. “Let's go swim. What's taking you so long.”
Jenny looked up at me and shook her head.
“Boys,” she said, as she walked off toward TJ, yelling at him. “Hold your horses.”
Taylor, Drake, and Derek walked over as I was trying my best to dry off.
“I would expect something like that out of your brother and Taylor,” I said, as I looked at Drake. “I didn't expect it from you. I thought you were the nice one.”
His eyes widened and he looked as if it actually bothered him.
“I am the nice one,” he said.
I stood there, pretending to think about it.
“I guess you are,” I said. “I'm just not sure by how much.”
“Hey,” Derek said, as he turned and looked at me.
“You're not the one trying to dry your clothes,” I said.
I sat down on a blanket I put out next to Jean and got Gabe out of his stroller. He had some toys and was playing away when Jenny came running over. She sat down next to me for a bit and played with him. He smiled so wide when she was there. She even had him laughing huge belly laughs. I was talking to Jean about work and what she'd been up to.
“Come on, Daddy,” Jenny said, as she stood back up. “Come swim with me.”
“Hold your horses,” Derek said, as he stood up and grabbed his shirt by the back of his neck to pull it off.
The moment my eyes landed on his back and the ink at the top of it, my mouth quit moving. When he turned around, I swear my eyes must have popped out of my head. I'd seen him in t-shirts that tightened around his arms and clung to him and in suits that looked absolutely amazing, but nothing prepared me for the real thing. The man's abs were seriously the sexiest things I'd ever seen in my life. I couldn't even begin to imagine what they'd feel like under my fingers. When I heard Jean snicker from next to me, I quickly turned my attention back to her.
“Sorry,” I said, before going right back into what I'd been saying.
I watched Jenny and Derek walk toward the pool. He dipped his toe into the water and quickly pulled it back out. Jean shook her head, and I laughed.
“He's being a huge sissy,” I said.
“He's never been a huge fan of swimming. I have no idea why,” she said. “I can't imagine what he did when he had to get into the water as a SEAL.”
“He never told you?” I asked.
“He never talked much about it,” she answered. “When he was home, he didn't mention it, and we all tried not to ask. I'm not sure Jennifer really wanted to know. She was always worried enough as it was.”
“So he's closed off with everyone,” I said.
“Most of the time,” she said. “Every time I mention him being happy, he always says he's happy with his life the way it is. I know she'd never want him to be alone forever. I'm not sure if he's afraid of getting close and losing someone again or if he thinks he's going against her by moving on.”
“Probably both,” I said without thinking.
“She's been gone almost five year
s,” she said. “One week from today actually. I miss her every single day. I feel weird saying things to him. Most of the time he just shuts down and finds a way out of the conversation. I just want him to have a family and be happy. We love him like our own, and sometimes I'd like to smack some sense into him.”
“I'd like to smack him sometimes too,” I said with a laugh.
We both looked up to see him still standing by the water with Jenny at his side. The poor thing was getting really impatient. She was so adorable standing there, with her arms crossed over her chest, waiting for him to finally get his ass in the water. The second the smile crossed my face, I knew Jean had seen it.
“Do it,” she said. “He deserves it.”
I stood up and slowly walked toward them. Jenny never turned around, so I knew I was safe. I knew I'd have to push hard to move his big body though. When I leaned forward and my hands moved toward his back, it felt like everything was moving in slow motion. The second my hands made contact with his skin and pushed, I felt arms wrap around me out of nowhere. His body moved forward, but so did mine. I screamed out and tried to push out of his hold, but it didn't work. Then I felt the thud of his body in the water and the splash of water surrounded us both.
“I can't believe you just did that,” I yelled out at him, as I pushed against him to get free from his freakishly strong hold.
He turned his body so we were face to face, but he didn't let go.
“Daddy,” Jenny called out to him. “You pulled Bridget in again.”
“No, baby girl,” Derek said. “Bridget pushed me in. I just brought her with me.”
I rolled my eyes and let out a huff.
“Did you really think I was going to let you get away with that?” he asked, as he reached up to wipe the water from his hair.
He only had one arm around me, so I knew it was my only chance. When my hands came up and I pushed against his chest, I quickly pulled them back. He let out a laugh, and I shot him the dirtiest look.
“You are such an,” I started, but didn't even get the a out on the word I was going for when his hand came down and covered my mouth.
“Children,” he said. “Do you really want to be known at the mom with a potty mouth?”
Derek (Hunter PI & Security #1) Page 24