Chapter 5 #2
As they cleaned up, they talked about the party and how well it had gone. “You had it planned perfectly,” she said. “And the bouncy house was a touch of genius.”
He laughed. “I can’t take full credit for it. Harper Bravano at the bakery told me Vernon Ingram had a bouncy house for rent if I was interested. She introduced me to Vernon, who arranged to have it set up here for today.”
“Harper is a very nice woman. She nearly lost her life when some creep tried to burn down the bakery with her in it. At that time, she was Harper Brennan. Sam Bravano, who is a local carpenter, had been dating Harper. Thankfully he managed to get her out of the burning building,” Suzanna explained as she continued to pick up trash.
“Anyway, Sam and his brothers rebuilt the bakery and then a couple of months ago Harper and Sam married.”
“Did they find out why it was set on fire?” Seth asked curiously.
“Jealousy. Apparently one of Harper’s regular customers who would come in and have coffee each morning developed an obsession with her. His name was Joe Rogers, and as he saw Harper and Sam getting closer, he developed a rage toward Harper, and so he set the fire in an effort to kill her.”
“What happened to the creep?” Seth asked as he bent over to pick up a couple of dirty plates from the floor.
“Oh, he was arrested and is now in prison serving time for attempted murder and arson.”
“That’s good. It’s always a win when a bad guy goes to jail.” Most of the dirty dishes and party paper were now in the trash, and he gestured her back to the table. “Want another cup of coffee?”
“I guess I could drink one more before I head out,” she replied. She glanced toward the window, where the sunshine had disappeared beneath a thick layer of clouds that had moved in. “It looks like our mild weather is about to change.”
“Yeah, I knew there was a front moving in late today. I’m just glad it waited until the party was over. It was so much easier to let them play outside rather than figure out how to entertain them all inside.” It didn’t take him long to serve the coffee and then join her at the table.
“I haven’t had a chance to ask you, did Dallas ever find the car that hit yours?” His blue eyes bathed her with a concern and caring that warmed her from her head to her toes.
“Unfortunately, no. He was hoping the car would show up at O’Brian’s repair shop with front-end damage, but that didn’t happen, or at least it hasn’t happened yet. Meanwhile he’s been checking with other car repair shops around the area.”
She reached up and shoved her shiny hair behind her ear. “I’ve decided it was probably a drunk driver. He or she probably sobered up and didn’t even remember hitting me. And maybe confusing dents and scratches on their car is just a way of life for them.”
“God, that’s a horrifying thought,” he replied.
“It is, isn’t it? Now I’m in the market for a new car. Mine was totaled by the insurance company. I’m just waiting for a check from them and then it’s car shopping time for me.”
“If you want company while you look at cars, just call me and I’ll go shopping with you,” he replied.
“Thanks, I just might do that because I know absolutely nothing about cars. All I know is how to put the gas in and press the button or turn a key to go.” She paused to sip her coffee, wondering what she was doing.
Why was she looking forward to spending more time with Seth?
Nothing would come of it. She didn’t want anything to come of it… or did she?
They finished their coffee and then moved back into the living room to watch Sammy and Lady’s antics. As they all shared laughter and lighthearted conversation, Suzanna realized how hungry she’d been for this kind of interaction.
It felt like connection. It felt like warmth and brightness. Finally, it felt like family. Then there were the times she’d inadvertently catch Seth’s gaze filled with the flames of desire as he gazed at her. It was a flame that lit a smoldering fire deep inside her.
We’re both rational adults, she thought. What would be the worst thing that could happen if she and Seth actually followed through on the obvious physical attraction they shared? And why was she even considering such a thing?
Her feelings toward Seth were so confusing, and with those perplexing thoughts whirling around in her head, she decided it was time for her to go home.
“I’m glad you had a happy birthday, Sammy,” she said as she got up from the sofa.
The little boy looked up at her with a winsome gaze. “Do you really got to go now?” he asked her.
“It’s past time for me to get home. It’s already dark outside,” she replied.
“What else do you say to Mrs. Michaels?” Seth asked his son.
“Thank you for the books,” Sammy said. “I can’t wait to read them.”
“You’re welcome, Sammy.” She walked to the front door, acutely aware of Seth by her side.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” he said. “Sammy, I’ll be right back in.”
Together she and Seth walked out into the chill night air. “Ooh, the weather has definitely changed,” she said. “I wish I would have thought to throw my coat into the car.”
“Does this rental have a good heater?” he asked as they reached the driver door. “I’ll be glad to loan you one of my jackets,” he added.
“Thanks, but that isn’t necessary. The car heater is quite good, and in any case, it won’t take me that long to get home.”
He smiled at her. “Thank you for your cleanup help and company today.”
“I really enjoyed the day, especially seeing Sammy finally get his dog.”
Seth laughed, as always the deep, pleasant sound wrapping around her and digging into her heart. “Yeah, I finally broke down. As you know, Sammy has been doing much better in school. His outbursts are coming less and less frequently, and I know he’s really trying hard.”
“I agree and I think your dog choice is perfect,” she replied.
“Thanks, I gave it a lot of thought before settling on that particular breed. Now get in the car before you freeze.”
“I’m going, I’m going,” she replied with a laugh. She slid in, but before she could close the door he leaned in, bringing his attractive scent with him.
“Say you’ll have dinner with me at the café on Friday night,” he said.
“I’ll have dinner at the café with you on Friday night,” she said.
“Great, then I’ll call you sometime during the week to confirm the plans. Now get home safe and sound.” He closed her car door and stepped back.
Once again confusing thoughts about Seth whirled around in her head. There was no question that she enjoyed spending time with both him and his son. Was it only loneliness that made him so appealing to her?