“We are.” She lowered her head and kissed her baby once more. “I was worried it might take me ages to conceive but we were lucky. This little guy completes us.”
Breeze had heard that before. Her sister had said the same thing when she gave birth to Tristan. Unfortunately, the new baby had instead put a strain on the fledgling relationship. Breeze had watched her sister’s marriage fall apart like a car crash in slow motion.
“Make the most of each day.” Breeze forced herself to sound upbeat as she edged toward the door.
“I will.” Polly looked up, her attention fixed on the door and something beyond it. “Could you just help me adjust my pillow, please?”
“Sure. How’s that?” Breeze asked as she plumped up the pillow and helped Polly get comfortable.
“Great.” Polly grinned as the door opened and Joey stepped inside.
“Oh, hey.” He opened his mouth as if to say more, but didn’t.
“Joey. This is an unexpected surprise,” Polly said in a slightly exaggerated way as if she was expecting him.
“I thought I’d bring some flowers and chocolates.” Joey held up a beautiful bunch of roses and a box of chocolates as if they were proof for the reason he was here.
And Polly believed Joey was over her?
“That’s sweet,” Polly said, her eyes wide as she looked at Breeze and back to Joey.
Joey swallowed hard and thrust the roses and chocolates at Breeze. “They’re for you. To say thank you for everything you did this morning for Polly.”
Polly giggled from behind Breeze, who blushed, flustered by the gesture. “Thanks. You didn’t have to. I was just doing my job.”
“I wanted to.” Joey nodded. “As long as that’s okay.”
“It’s okay.” Breeze nodded like a fool. “Thanks.”
“Okay.” Joey looked at her, his eyes were soft and dark. Her eyes locked with his and it was as if something inside her woke up. She was alert, more awake than she’d ever been in her life. The room around them was a blur as she stared at Joey.
He’s a keeper. Isn’t that what Polly had said?
Maybe she was right. But was Breeze the person to keep him? Or was he doing this to impress his ex-girlfriend?
“You know, you two make such a cute couple,” Polly said. “You should go out to dinner. My treat, to say thank you.”
Joey glanced over his shoulder at Polly, his brow creased as he arched an eyebrow in question. In return, Polly shrugged. She’d obviously thought it was a good idea, and Joey’s reaction gave Breeze hope. His expression didn’t say, you are the only one for me so why are you pawning me off on the midwife. Instead, it said, I can handle it myself.
Polly expression asked, can you?
“I was going to ask Breeze to dinner,” Joey confirmed Breeze’s assessment of the situation. When you’re around people for long enough during stressful situations, you pick up on all these little interactions. Interactions that, to most people, were invisible.
“Oh, you don’t have to,” Breeze insisted. “I was just doing my job and if everyone asked me to dinner as a thank you for delivering a baby, I’d sometimes be eating three dinners in a day.” She stopped talking and took a breath, noting Joey’s disappointment.
“I just…” Joey stalled and looked to Polly for the help he’d said he didn’t need.
“Why not go for lunch?” Polly suggested. “Your shift finishes soon, and Joey looks as if he needs some food. Or coffee. Coffee would be good.”
“Lunch?” Joey asked. How was a woman supposed to say no when he looked at her with those soft brown eyes that melted her heart? There was something about this man that she found infinitely attractive. And appealing. So appealing.
She’d seen it the moment he walked in with his arms wrapped around Polly. Only then she thought he belonged to someone else.
“Lunch?” Polly prodded as she gently put her baby on her shoulder and rubbed his back. “Make a new mom’s wish come true?”
Breeze opened her mouth to say no. She had no idea why it meant so much to Polly that she go out with Joey. But maybe she still had feelings for him and wanted to see him happy. “Yes.”
Wait. Wasn’t that supposed to be a no?
“Great.” Polly looked at her son, who was dozing off. “Now, if you will excuse us, we are going to take a nap while you two go and eat.”
Breeze looked at her watch, feeling awkward with the flowers and chocolates in her hand. “I have another ten minutes left of my shift.”
“I can wait.” Joey looked relieved. He also looked as if he would wait forever if she asked him to.
“Okay.” She headed for the door with the chocolates and flowers in her hands.
“I’ll get that for you.” He moved fast, his large hand closing around the door handle. With a smile, he opened the door and she stepped outside into the corridor. With one last lingering look, he closed the door behind Breeze, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
“Oh, those are beautiful.” Loni passed by along the corridor and stopped to smell the roses. “And they look yummy.” She pointed to the box of chocolates. “Welcome to Bear Bluff. The people here certainly are grateful when it comes to babies.”
“Yeah. They are.” Breeze was not about to tell Loni that she was going to lunch with Joey. She didn’t need people talking about the new midwife who was more interested in the men than her job.
“Listen, it’s all quiet for the moment. You only have a few minutes left on your shift so why not get yourself home? You’ve had a busy day and even if a mom came in now, you wouldn’t be rostered on for the birth.” Loni gave a brief laugh. “Not unless you can work miracles and have the baby delivered in five minutes.”
“No, I’ve never had that fast a labor. Not even when mom has decided to try all the old wives’ tales to get baby moving.” Breeze glanced at Polly’s room and the man who was waiting for her behind the door. “As long as you’re okay with that.”
“Yes, you go on home.” Loni waved her hand at Breeze. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.” Breeze had no intention of telling Loni or anyone else that she was not going home. Looking down at the flowers and chocolates, a small smile crept across her face. The gifts were a nice surprise. And her nephew, Tristan, would love to help her eat the chocolates.
She glanced at her watch. It would have to be a quick lunch with Joey since she was due to pick up Tristan in an hour. When Lisa left Tristan with Breeze, she’d had to scramble to find someone to look after him while she worked. Luckily, one of the nurses at the hospital had recommended a family home daycare provider who had space for Tristan. Tristan liked Angela from the moment they met. It was a huge relief to see her nephew settled. At least until he started school.
If he was going to stay in Bear Creek and switch schools. Lisa and Uri hadn’t made any long-term plans yet. But soon they would have to.
This was definitely a case of the parents acting like a couple of immature kids. While Tristan was left in limbo.
As for Breeze, she just hoped she was doing the right thing for Tristan. She might be an expert with babies but eight-year-olds were a whole different matter. They had minds of their own and their thought patterns were not in line with adults. In fact, Breeze was certain Tristan went out of his way to do the opposite of what his aunt asked and expected of him.
Still, she couldn’t blame him too much. The shock of his parents splitting up had hit him hard. Then to be dumped on his aunt must have left him feeling vulnerable and unwanted. She sure would like to get her sister and her brother-in-law in a room and give them a piece of her mind.
The piece that told them to grow up and act like adults.
She groaned. Maybe it would be better if she told Joey she couldn’t have lunch with him.
“Hi.” Joey slipped out of Polly’s room and headed down the corridor after her. “Polly is asleep.”
“That’s good. Really good.” This was where she was going to tell Jo
ey that she’d made a mistake agreeing to lunch and that she had some errands to do.
“Why don’t I take these for you? I can carry them out to your car.” He smiled and her heart fluttered in her chest.
“Thanks.” She handed them over, sure her hand trembled as their fingers touched.
“I thought we could grab some food at a local café. It has great views of the mountains.” He looked unsure as he spoke, as if he could sense she was about to tell him she had changed her mind.
“That sounds awesome. I love the mountains. It’s one of the reasons I decided to move here.” They reached the door leading to her locker. “I just need to grab my purse. My boss said I could go early.” She glanced at her watch. “Although it’s probably about the right time now.”
Breeze closed her eyes. She was babbling like an idiot.
“I’ll wait here. Unless you would rather we met outside?” He looked up and down the corridor. “Small town, people talk.”
“Oh, if you prefer.”
“I was thinking of you.” The look in his eyes said he would always be thinking of her.
“No, here’s fine.” Why did she think one thing and say another where Joey was concerned?
“Great. I’ll wait.” He stared at her for a long moment and she was mesmerized by him. She wanted to bask in his gaze.
“Hi there, Joey.” A woman walked toward them, pretty and pregnant. Was this guy a magnet for pregnant women?
“Hi, Amber. How are you?” Joey gave Breeze a small apologetic smile before he turned away and greeted the other woman.
Breeze stood rooted to the spot, a surge of jealousy coursing through her. With a shake of her head, she turned away from the man who had captured her attention and, she suspected, her heart.
She could not allow her emotions to run out of control. She needed to keep a level head and give Tristan a steady homelife.
As she changed out of her uniform and pulled on her sweater, making sure it wasn’t on inside out, Breeze made a decision. Lunch with Joey would be a one-time thing. She’d do nothing to lead him on and make him think their relationship was anything more than friendship.
Tristan was her priority and she needed to keep that at the forefront of her thoughts and not let anything change that.
Yet as she grabbed her purse and went out to meet Joey, she was afraid her heart would take over and she would agree to a date. And maybe a wedding. And all the things she’d dreamed a happy ever after would be.
But her heart would not win. Her head would rule.
Chapter Five – Joey
Joey glanced at the door behind which his mate had disappeared. He could sense her there, so he knew she hadn’t made her escape out of a back door or anything like that.
Why would she? his bear asked.
Because there’s a part of her that is unsure. She’s torn. I can sense it.
Then we’d better find out why over lunch and make certain she can’t say no to us. Ever. His bear’s frustration and anxiety grew when the door opened, and his mate joined them in the corridor.
Breeze didn’t meet his eye. She was looking everywhere but at him.
Maybe she thinks Amber is another of our ex-girlfriends, his bear suggested.
“How do you like Bear Bluff?” Joey asked, trying to make conversation. “Do you live in town?”
“I rent a house in Bear Creek,” Breeze replied. “I like it. I love the mountains, and everyone is very friendly.”
“So is this a permanent move?” He winced. Was he being too pushy? Was he prying into her life? He’d never been on a proper date before. Not one where it actually mattered if the girl liked him or not.
His bear chuckled. Tell Breeze that, it’ll impress her.
You know what I mean. I always try to get people to like me. I’m a likable guy. But it’s never actually mattered before. Wow, that made him sound like a jackass.
“I don’t know yet. Not for sure,” Breeze told him as they walked down the corridor heading out of the hospital.
“Even though you love it here?” Joey asked, trying to keep it casual.
“Oh, I have no complaints. The people have been so welcoming, and I love my job.” She stopped walking as they stood in the parking lot looking up at the mountains in the distance. “And who could not love that view?”
“But?” Joey asked.
“But…” She sighed and glanced at her watch. “I’ll tell you over lunch.” She pointed across the parking lot. “There’s my car. Shall I follow you?”
“Yeah, it’s not far.” He cast one last lingering look at his mate before he nodded and headed toward his truck. Breeze watched him as he walked away.
That’s a good sign, right? he asked his bear. She can’t keep her eyes off me.
Something like that. His bear was troubled. Something is bothering Breeze. What is making her change her mind about making Bear Creek her home?
We’ll find out over lunch and then we can figure out how to convince her to stay. There is no problem we can’t solve if it means our mate staying here.
If not, we will have to leave the mountains behind, too. His bear looked up at the towering peaks in the distance. They would follow their mate wherever she went in the world, but this was their home, the place they belonged with people they cared about.
His senses told him Breeze was walking to her car. Joey unlocked his truck and started the engine. A sudden memory of Polly, sitting right there in his passenger seat, took his breath away.
Not because of any romantic notions. His love for Polly was now completely in the friend zone. His mate was the only one who would ever hold his heart in any romantic way now. No, this thought was wrapped around the new life that had begun right before his eyes. Polly’s baby.
He wanted that for him and Breeze. It was a fierce sweeping thought. One that he’d tried to bury, but it had always been there. He wanted a child, or two. He wanted to watch them grow and teach them about the mountains and the wonders of the world.
It didn’t matter if the child was adopted, or whether they were blessed with a baby of their own.
Are you going to drive this truck or just sit staring out at the mountains? his bear asked.
Drive the truck, of course, Joey replied smoothly. We have a lunch date with our mate.
We do. His bear grinned. I never thought it would happen.
Joey put his truck in drive and crept forward, heading toward where Breeze was parked. As he drove past, he lifted his hand and waved. She gave a brief wave and a soft smile that he could not read, before she put her foot on the gas and followed him out of the hospital parking lot and onto the road that led back toward Bear Creek.
He sure wished she was seated next to him. In the enclosed space of the truck, he’d inhale her scent and feel the warmth of her body as her arm jostled against his.
A stirring of emotions deep down inside caused tension to spread throughout his body. He needed to temper his thoughts or lunch might be embarrassing.
You’re going to drool all over the table, his bear said.
That was not what I was thinking. He shuffled in his seat as his jeans tightened across his groin area.
Oh, his bear chuckled.
Glad you find this amusing, he told his bear.
What can I say? I am filled with joy. Nothing can dampen my mood today.
Joey cracked a grin. I’m with you there.
Joey rolled down the window and let in the cool mountain air. Inhaling deeply, he tamed his emotions. This was one of, if not the most important day of his life and he could not afford to blow it.
The road wound its way along the foot of the mountain. It was a road he’d driven so many times, and yet today it was as if he was seeing everything for the first time. From the green tips of the fresh new leaves on the trees to the slate-gray rocks towering above his head. Bird song was sweeter, the air clearer. He was in love. But even at this early stage in his relationship with Breeze, he was uniquely aware of how his love
for Polly faded in comparison.
He understood Polly now. He understood her actions and how she had never meant to hurt him. Fate had stepped in and there was nothing she could do but obey. Her need for Miles was stronger than anything she had ever experienced before or would again.
Joey relished the same depth of love and feeling. He celebrated it and he finally let go of the sense that he’d been cheated in love. That fate had somehow got it in for him and had toyed with his emotions.
How could he resent fate when it had brought him Breeze?
Better late than never, his bear grumbled happily.
Indeed, Joey said as he took a right turn and followed a winding road that took them higher into the mountains to a little cafe that served great food and gave a wonderful view of the part of the world Joey liked to call home.
Here, he would begin his mission to convince Breeze this was her home, too. A home where she would be happy, and they would raise a family together.
Wasn’t life perfect?
Chapter Six – Breeze
What was she doing here? Breeze parked her car next to Joey’s truck and switched off the engine. She didn’t have time in her life for this.
Whatever this was. As she looked up, Joey got out of his truck and approached her.
This was a guy with a kindness about him that she’d been instantly drawn to. This was a man with a soft smile and eyes filled with…she was going to use the L-word, even though she had no idea how she could feel loved by a man she’d only just met.
Cherished. That might be a more appropriate word. She felt cherished, as if she were special to him.
“Come on.” He beckoned to her. “You have to see the view.”
Breeze unclipped her seatbelt and took a deep steadying breath before she opened the car door and got out. The cool air hit her as if someone had splashed water over her face. After her long shift at the hospital, the scent of disinfectant and soap clung to her. But her first breath as she joined Joey looking at the view cleansed her.
“It’s amazing.” She sucked in the air, feeling renewed.
Joey: Spring (Shifter Seasons Book 6) Page 4