“That’s a good question. It could take a few months.”
“That’s exciting. How’s your family?”
He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes.
“What?”
“I’m just surprised you asked. You never used to seem to want to discuss our families. I always wondered if you were some mob daughter or something.”
I shook my head at him. “You got me, but now I may have to kill you.” Guilt crept in from my past behavior. I had good reasons.
“I always liked that you had a sense of humor.”
“I’m being serious.” I gave him a little wink.
He laughed at me. “My family is great, by the way. My dad retired from the post office and my mom still teaches school. My sister just had her first baby—a little girl—so I’m an uncle now.”
“Congratulations. Do they still live in the area?”
“Same neighborhood I grew up in, in Alpharetta.” He reached across the table and his finger skimmed my hand. Goosebumps erupted. “Tell me about your family. You were raised by your grandparents, if I remember correctly?”
I told everyone that. It was true, but not until I was fourteen. It was easier that way. And I got tired of the looks of pity when I told the whole truth. The one where my dad was killed and my mom left us. “You met Mason yesterday. My grandmother Clara is perfection. She spends her days volunteering and her weekends trying to get me to eat more because she thinks I’m wasting away.”
He looked me over in my tight white skirt paired with a chiffon salmon colored blouse. “You look great to me.”
“Thank you. You look good, too.”
Our food arrived and it smelled as tantalizing as it looked.
Harrison picked up his goblet filled with lemonade. “Here’s to renewing old friendships.”
I clinked my water glass against his goblet. Yeah. Deep breaths.
Chapter Four
I tapped my pen against my pad of paper as I sat at my desk staring at a vase full of beautiful pink flowers. I couldn’t get Harrison off my mind. He didn’t ask to see me again. I should be pleased. That’s what I wanted, what I needed, but it bugged me. I thought lunch went fantastic. We laughed and talked easily. I forgot about the time and was almost late for my meeting at one-thirty. At the end, he paid for my lunch and kissed my cheek. He lingered like he was soaking me in. One move of my head and I could have kissed him. Of course, I wouldn’t. I was too sensible for that. It was for the best. I needed to leave well enough alone. We caught up and he didn’t even ask me why I never contacted him. It was a good ending. Now we both had closure. Right?
Did I mention the chocolate chip cookies? I don’t know how he did it, but he had our server bring a plate of his cookies out to me when he brought us the check. It probably violated some health code, but it was the sweetest thing ever, so I didn’t mention it.
Why did I ever walk away from this man? Oh, yeah. His job. His life. He even admitted to being married to the badge. That was the way of a cop. It wasn’t bad, just not right for me. I grabbed one of his cookies and sighed before devouring it.
Grady knocked on my office door before popping his head in. “How did lunch go?”
“Great. Just great. Do you want a cookie?” I held up the paper plate filled with sinful treats.
“Did you make them?” He eyed them warily.
“Ha, ha. No.” Everyone in the family knew I was a terrible cook. “Um, Harrison did.”
Grady took a cookie with a smirk on his face. He also glanced at the flowers. “He’s coming on strong. When should I meet him?”
“Never. We aren’t seeing each other again.”
“Did you blow him off like every other guy?”
I sat up straighter and flicked some cookie crumbs off my blouse. “As a matter of fact, I was pleasant, and he laughed at my jokes. He happens to think I’m beautiful and terrific, for your information.”
He took a large bite of his cookie. “Here’s a news flash. If you ever paid attention, you would find that most men feel that way about you. Not me of course, because that’s disgusting, but I guess you’re tolerable.”
“Thanks, big brother. Shouldn’t you be arguing something in court?”
“My client decided to try mediation first.”
“That’s always a good thing.”
He shrugged. He loved nothing better than taking a case to court. That’s where he shined. “You sure you aren’t going to see this guy again?”
“Positive.”
“And how does that make you feel?”
“Now you’re my therapist?”
“You know, you may consider getting one.”
“Was there a point to your interruption?”
He grinned. “I’m just saying, you may want to work out your abandonment issues with a professional.”
“I don’t have abandonment issues.”
He lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. “Says the woman that runs anytime someone tries to get close to her.”
“You know. I think you should leave now.”
“Truth hurts, baby sister.” He walked out practically laughing to himself. But before he exited, he turned back and glanced at me. “By the way, Alison is going on a sister’s trip this weekend and Hank wants his favorite aunt to come to the zoo with us.”
“I would love to go with Hank.”
“You know you love me. I’ll pick you up at nine, tomorrow.”
He didn’t wait for my reply. He knew I would go. I was a sucker for anything Hank wanted me to do.
Did I have abandonment issues? No. I was smart is all. I prevented train wrecks before they happened. And I could see them coming a million miles away. I was going with that theory.
I checked my phone more times than I cared to admit during the rest of my day and through the night. It was a lovely parting; I should take the closure and run with it.
I went to bed without another word from Harrison.
~*~
We arrived at the zoo as the gates were opening. Hank was excited and wearing clothes that didn’t match. He took after his dad in that regard. I shook my head at my fashion challenged brother. “Don’t take any pictures of Hank. Alison will flip if she sees that you paired green shorts with a red shirt. He looks like a Christmas tree.”
“Ho, ho, ho.” Grady grinned and held his flat stomach.
“Maybe you’re color blind.”
“I like to think of myself as adventurous.”
I rolled my eyes and took my nephew’s hand. “What do you want to see first?”
He looked up at me with his wide hazel eyes that resembled mine. “Tigers!”
I ruffled his blonde hair. “Your wish is my command. Let’s go.”
We skipped off to the Asian Forest, leaving my brother in the dust.
“I want a kitty.” Hank carefully watched the tiger in his enclosure.
I smiled down at my chubby-cheeked little man. “How about one that doesn’t weigh three hundred pounds?” Or that wouldn’t eat you for dinner.
“I want a tiger. Roarrrr!!”
Grady joined us.
“Your offspring wants a tiger, by the way.”
Grady took Hank up into his arms and placed him on his shoulders. “Not today, buddy. Ask your mommy when she gets home.”
“She’s going to love you for that.” I nudged my brother.
He laughed. “Where next, buddy?”
We let Hank guide our every move. It was a beautiful, sun-filled day. June was off to a good start—not too humid yet. When we arrived at my least favorite exhibit, the Scaly Slimy Spectacular, we were inundated with kids all wearing a Kidz Police Camp t-shirt and several police officers. Even though they weren’t wearing their uniforms, you knew who they were. The badge gave you an aura of honor that was more than just a uniform.
I smiled at the group of what I was pretty sure were ten-year-old boys and girls, all bursting with energy. It was fun to watch their chaperones trying to keep them
together. It made me thankful for only one little guy, who kept my brother and me on our toes. I never knew a little kid could be so fast or disappear in an instant. I learned that at a department store once when he hid from me in a clothing rack. I had never been so frightened in my life for those few seconds.
Grady and I each took one of Hank’s hands so we didn’t lose him in the crowd. I loved the feel of his little hand in mine. We saw alligators, iguanas, pythons, all creepy scaly things that gave me the shivers, but Hank loved them, so it was worth the discomfort. His sweet face was beaming with joy and awe. Grady reflected his son’s enthusiasm. I loved watching Grady be a daddy.
We were swinging Hank between us after looking at the giant tortoise, the one thing that interested me in this exhibit, when someone caught my eye. Harrison was one of the chaperones. I raised my free hand to wave to him. Harrison gave me a cold glance and turned away.
Maybe he didn’t recognize me? No. I saw the recognition. I thought about going back and asking him why the cold shoulder, but then I thought of our history. For as kind as he was the day before, I was sure in the forefront of his mind was how I had treated him five years ago. I deserved the cold shoulder, but it hurt more than I thought it would.
I caught Grady’s attention. “Do you mind if I meet you outside?” I needed a moment alone. I felt like crying. And it smelled weird in the reptile house.
Grady narrowed his eyes. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “I’ll wait for you both on the benches outside.”
“Auntie K, I wanted to show you the big black snake.”
“Maybe later.” I kissed the top of his head before walking off. Why was this affecting me so much? I found an empty bench and took a seat. I felt like curling up into a ball and shedding a few tears. Instead, I pulled out my phone, trying to focus on anything else but these foreign emotions coursing through me. Harrison was the last man I had cried over. The only man. The thought that he hated me killed me. I began scrolling through my work emails, but it was no use. Harrison invaded my thoughts.
I felt someone sit next to me, but I paid no attention. I couldn’t get my emotions in check. No tears had dropped, but my eyes were stinging.
“You could have told me.”
My head popped up. “Harrison?”
His tense, lined face was not warm, nor inviting. Not a look I had ever seen on him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were married and had a son?”
I spat out a laugh. “What are you talking about?”
His eyebrows came together. “I saw you with them. Your son looks exactly like you.”
A grin erupted on my face. “Harrison.” I turned toward Hank, who was running toward me.
“Auntie K, Auntie K!” He flew into my arms.
I picked him up and placed him on my lap before giving him a squeeze.
Harrison’s face was now a nice shade of red.
“Hank, I would like you to meet a friend of mine.” I smiled up at an embarrassed Harrison. “This is Harrison. Harrison, this is my nephew, Hank.”
Hank stuck out his little hand like I had taught him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” He was so adorable, especially when he sounded so grown up.
Harrison took his hand and smiled at him. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Grady joined us and looked between Harrison and me with interest.
“Harrison, this is my brother, Grady.”
Harrison stood up, still a nice shade of red, and shook my brother’s hand. “It’s nice to meet some of Kallie’s family.”
My brother smiled, mischievously. “She likes to keep us hidden. I think she’s afraid we might embarrass her.” Says the man wearing argyle socks with tennis shoes and shorts. If Alison could have seen him, she would have been dying.
I stood up with Hank in my arms. “Might?”
Both men laughed. Then there was a moment of awkward silence. Grady saved us. “What brings you to the zoo?”
Harrison ran his fingers through his light brown hair. I wished I could, too. No, wait. I needed to quit thinking like that. “I’m a Kidz Camp volunteer. Every year our precinct holds a camp for fifth graders to reinforce good life skills and teach them that they can trust police officers to protect them.”
“Sounds like a program Kallie would come up with.” Grady surprised me.
Harrison grinned at me. “Yeah, it does.”
I gave Grady a little thank-you nudge.
Harrison’s eyes met mine. “Do you want to meet some of the kids?”
I looked down at my little guy I was holding and then to Grady.
Grady took Hank out of my arms. “Why don’t you go. Hank and I will meet you at The Wild Planet Café for lunch.”
I began to shake my head. “I don’t want to—”
“Perfect.” Harrison took my hand. “I’ll see if I can sneak away and we’ll both meet you there.”
“Even better.” Grady smiled at me.
I was torn, and feeling a little warm with my hand in Harrison’s.
“I want Auntie K to come with us.” Words of reason from a four-year-old.
“We’ll get ice cream,” Grady bribed my nephew.
Hank’s eyes lit up. “Okay.” Little traitor.
Grady smirked at me. “See you soon.” He dashed off with my nephew.
Harrison was already pulling me toward the reptile house.
“Wait.”
Harrison halted and grinned at me.
I looked down at our clasped hands.
“Friends hold hands.” Harrison must have read my mind.
I arched my eyebrow. “I’m not buying it.”
He pressed his lips together. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
“You mean when you accused me of lying to you?”
“I never said you lied. I insinuated that you didn’t disclose the whole truth.”
“You would have made a good lawyer.” If only.
“Does that mean I’m forgiven?”
“Why would you think I wouldn’t tell you if I was married and especially if I had a child?”
He dropped my hand. I felt the loss of it.
He cocked his head and peered into my eyes. “Ever since I’ve known you, I’ve felt you’ve kept part of yourself out of my reach. And . . . I thought this might explain . . .”
I raised my eyebrows waiting for him to elaborate. Then an idea popped in my head. “You’re surprised you had to chase me. You’re used to doing the running.”
His face burned.
I folded my arms. “I’m, right, aren’t I?”
He reached out and wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to him. “I’m not saying your powers of deduction aren’t spot on, counselor . . . but you have to admit, I’m the whole package.” His grin was lethal, as was his touch.
My body awakened. I felt like a million butterflies had taken flight in my stomach. But I shook my head at his arrogance. “I don’t remember you being this egotistical.”
He laughed. “I like to think of it as being confident.”
I had to pull away. If not, I was headed down a path that would only bring us both pain.
He frowned at the distance I placed between us. “I tried not to come on too strong yesterday, but, Kallie, I’d like to spend some more time with you.” He stepped closer and took my hand. He knew I was going to run. “Tell me what you want. No . . . tell me what you need.”
I hung my head and let out a long, slow breath. “A friend.”
He tried to hide his disappointment, but it washed over his face. He took my hand up and kissed it like he used to. I looked up and met his passion-filled eyes. “I can be that . . . and more. Just say the word.”
The word.
Chapter Five
That did not go as planned. It was like fate was throwing us together at every turn, all while I was trying my best to make my case in the courtroom of life that Harrison and I did not belong together. Unfortu
nately, Harrison made some strong arguments to the contrary. You should have seen him with the kids in his group. He had all-star dad material written all over him. He talked to each child and gave each some undivided attention. He joked around with them and tried to teach them a little about each exhibit. He and the kids each gave a silly name to every animal. It was cute. He was cute. More than cute.
And his interactions with Hank? I melted. When we met for lunch, he had Hank on his lap and showed him magic tricks with a quarter. Hank ate it up. To top it off, he hit it off with my brother. They talked like old friends. The subjects ranged from sports, in particular the Atlanta Braves, to the best camping spots around. I could hear the longing in Grady’s voice. I knew he hadn’t been camping since Dad died. It sounded like he was ready to start that tradition with Hank. I was just glad he didn’t mention our father. I supposed he was waiting for me to do the honor. He was going to be waiting a long time.
At least, I thought so. Like I said, Harrison was making some compelling arguments.
Did I also mention that he thought if we were going to be friends, we should be the best friend type that hung out and talked on the phone every day? He was coming over to my house after his shift ended today at eighteen hundred hours. I had forgotten that police officers used military time. It brought back memories of Dad.
I tidied up my townhome, forgoing working on the case files I had brought home. That was what I normally did on Sundays after attending church services and having lunch with my family. Work had become my life, just like school had.
I was placing my files on my bed to look at them later when my doorbell rang. I smoothed out my blouse and caught a glimpse in the mirror that stood in my room on my way to greet Harrison. I was trying to look pretty and relaxed in shorts. And maybe I wanted to show off my legs to him. They were looking nice and tan. I took a deep breath and headed toward the entryway. He had already rung the bell again. He probably thought I had bailed. It had crossed my mind. That’s terrible, I know.
I opened the door to find him decked out in his uniform—minus his duty belt and vest—holding two paper bags, with a dashing smile on his face.
Hit and Run Love Page 4