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She reaches a hand for the door handle, and I make a sound in my throat. "Wait. I'll walk you to the door."

"You don't have to."

I wink at her as I open my own door. "I want to."

I see the flash of a small grin and a flush rise into her cheeks in the light of the cab before I shut the door and make my way around the front.

I open her door and hold out a hand for her.

"Do the guys at the station know you're a gentleman?"

I chuckle and tuck her against my side as I push the door shut. "If we weren't, I'm sure Gabe would have something to say about it. He runs a tight ship."

We walk to the steps, but I tug her to a stop when she's one level above me. Her blue eyes sparkle in the light of the porch, and I smile at her as I fold her against me. "I had a good time tonight."

"I did too."

"You sound surprised," I say dryly.

Her laughter trickles out, light and amused, and I revel in the sound of it.

"I guess I…am."

"Ouch." She gently swats my shoulder, and I chuckle, taking it all in stride. "I'm glad you had fun, and I would very much like to do this again. You okay with that?"

She bites that full lower lip, and I lean forward to kiss it so she has to release it. A soft sound escapes her, but when seconds tick by without a response, I add, "One little step at a time, sweetheart. No pressure."

I feel her exhale like she's been holding her breath, and I frown, hating that she had even a moment's thought that I'd rush her into anything. "What is it? Tell me what you're thinking."

Hesitation fills her gaze before it changes to resignation.

"I'm thinking that…I'm a lot, Sully," she whispers finally. "I know I am. I'm just not sure… Are you sure about this? That you want…this?"

I gently nudge her chin up so she'll look at me. I stare into her eyes, hoping she can see all the things I can't say yet because it'll send her running. "I'm sure. Whatever this is, whatever it becomes. Yeah, baby, I'm sure."

I lower my head and kiss her goodnight, keeping this kiss light but purposeful. "Sweet dreams, sunshine. Get inside, and lock up so I know you're safe."

Chapter 17

Violet

* * *

The following morning, I mosey into the kitchen to see Jasmine eating a bowl of granola and yogurt, a bouquet of flowers in a bright blue vase on the counter in front of her.

I carried my sunflowers into my bedroom last night and left them on my nightstand, and while the ones on the counter were beautiful, I still prefer my sunflowers.

Jas looks up and grins, waving her spoon-holding hand toward the vase. "Must've been some date."

I blink in confusion. "Huh? You mean they're for me?" I ask, unable to hide my surprise.

"Well, they're not for me," Jasmine says, smiling. "Corey and I agreed to dinner and a show, and a weekend away soon. Those were on the porch by the door when I got here."

Warmth fills me at Sully's sweet gesture, despite the fact I'd left him hanging last night after his request for another date.

I pick up my pace and grab the card tucked among the blooms. There's a sharp V on it.

They are for me.