Page 10 of Love Like Ours

He nodded. “Next time, you might want to grab your coat. We’re supposed to have another week of this.” He waved his hand towards the snow that was falling.

“Right.” She took a deep breath and realized that her tears were all dried up.

“Are you okay?” He took a step towards her.

“Yes, just…” She was about to tell him she missed her mother but then remembered his own painful past—how his and Parker’s parents had abandoned them, kept them apart for most of their lives, and were now in prison in Portland for nearly killing Parker and Sara. So, instead, she said, “Tired.”

She moved to give him the blanket back, but he held up his hands. “Keep it. You’ll need it to stay warm on your walk back.”

The wind had kicked up, and a chill washed over her. She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. “Thanks, I can bring it back after I’m off shift?”

He smiled quickly. “I’d like that. I’ll be here.” He motioned to the cottage.

She smiled. “See you later then.” She turned to go.

“Maybe you can bring me a chimichanga,” he called out.

She chuckled. “Chicken or beef?”

“Beef,” he answered quickly.

“Done.” She turned to go.

“With chips and guacamole?” he added.

She laughed and turned towards him again. “Anything else?”

“Maybe something for yourself? We could… eat together?” His eyebrows rose slightly while her eyes narrowed.

“Are you trying to sneak a date?” she teased.

He smiled and she realized that his smile was slightly crooked. How was it that she found that so sexy? Damn.

“Not sneak, just… seizing on an opportunity that fell into my lap.” He chuckled.

She sighed. “I get off at seven. Is that too late?”

He shook his head. “Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

By the time she made it back into work, she was freezing. The blanket had kept her shoulders and arms warm enough, but the rest of her took forever to warm up again, even when the dinner rush had her running around like a madwoman. There was sweat dripping down her back but her feet and hands remained chilled like icicles.

As she walked back towards the beach, her hands full with dinner for herself and Palmer, a warmth finally spread throughout her entire body. Maybe it was because her mind was buzzing with thoughts of spending time with the man she’d dreamed about throughout most of her teenage years.

The snow was still falling steadily as she stepped onto the front porch. There was a porch swing with big comfortable pillows, two chairs, and a fire pit with a dying fire in it.

She shook the snow from her coat and boots and knocked on the door. A dog barked seconds later, the deep sound causing her to jump slightly. When Palmer opened the door, a small black dog ran out and raced around her feet.

“That’s Loki,” Palmer said with a grin. “He’s harmless.” They both watched as the dog fell face-first into the sand. “And stupid,” he added with a laugh.

“Hi.” She smiled down at the dog when he rushed towards her. “His bark sounded much bigger than he is.”

Palmer laughed. “He hasn’t grown into it yet.”

“He’s just a puppy?” she asked as he reached out and took the bag of food from her and motioned for her to come in.

“No, he’s six. He just doesn’t know he’s not going to grow anymore.” He set the bag down on a table.

She stepped into the small home and glanced around. The place looked well lived in. Not messy, but… comfortable.