Chapter 20
20
BEN
I rock back on my heels, twisting the leather band around my wrist. Rex looks up at me, tilting his head to the side as his eyebrows shift and move. “I’m okay, boy.”
He gives a short, shrill bark, then licks his lips, turning his attention back to the driveway where the kids will arrive any minute now. I do the same, but my mind won’t stop working through my options with Hope. I don’t think she’s ready for me to ask her on a date. I’m certain if I take that step too soon, I’ll ruin any chance I may have. My best course of action is to spend time with Evan and her, giving more of my focus to Evan until she grows more comfortable and relaxes a little. If I take the time to get to know her and give her time to get to know me, I think I’ll have a better chance of her agreeing to a date when the time is right. I nod to myself, happy with my plan.
Michael and Peter arrive first and, after our usual greeting, wander inside. The rest follow soon after, leaving Donnelly and Evan still to come. I should go inside since most of the kids are here, but I don’t want to miss seeing Hope. Even if it’s from a distance, I need to get my fix. She pulls into the parking lot and makes a wide circle to drop Evan right at the front door. He waves from the back seat and jumps out as soon as the car comes to a stop.
“Hi, Ben!” He slams the door and Hope winds down the front window.
“Remember, we can’t stay today, and please come out on time. I’m in charge of the cookie booth at 12:30.”
Cookies? My eyebrows shoot up in interest and my stomach growls.
“Yeah, Mom. I know.” He rolls his eyes as he heads inside, waving at her over his shoulder.
I lean on the roof of her car. “Hey.” I can’t stop myself from tracing every freckle and curl with my eyes.
“Oh, hey.” Pink makes its way up her neck, and her slender throat bobs. “I’m sorry we were late, but I had to wait for the cookies for the bake sale to finish baking.” Her eyes scan my face, then dart toward the windshield.
“Cookies, you say?” I ask lightheartedly.
“Uh, yeah.” Her eyes flick back to me. “Evan’s school is fundraising for some new gym equipment, so they’re holding a giant bake sale today. I need to get home and make a few more batches, then come back to collect Evan before heading to school for my turn to manage the cookie booth.” She looks a little overwhelmed with everything she needs to get done.
“I can bring Evan to school after the session today to save you a trip.”
“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that. I’m sure you’re busy.”
What is it with her always assuming I’m busy?
She couldn’t be more wrong. I work, exercise, and spend time with Rex, occasionally hanging out with Seb or the boys from the precinct. “You didn’t ask. I offered, and it’s no problem. I wouldn’t mind stocking up on some home-baked goods, particularly cookies, and if the money goes to a good cause”—I shrug—“all the better.”
Her expression turns to disbelief. “You eat cookies?”
I pat my trim stomach. “Of course! Who doesn’t eat cookies? They’re my favorite. I’m not a weirdo, you know.”
My playful response garners a genuine chuckle, and I feel like a king. “Good to know.”
“Anyway, I can bring Evan after we finish here.”
Does she trust me enough?
She looks out the windshield for what feels like an eternity, and I don’t like that her eyes are no longer on me. “It would certainly help, if you don’t mind.”
Yes! I clear my throat. “I don’t mind at all. As I said, I wouldn’t mind stocking up. I miss Tahlia’s mom’s baking, so it’ll be a treat.”
Her shoulders relax. “Okay, thank you so much.” Her clear eyes land on me again, and I stand a little taller. “I guess I’ll see you at school.”
I tap the top of the roof. “I guess you will.” I give her my best smile. “I look forward to it.” Hope nods, and I take a step away from the car, then call out as she pulls away. “Oh, and Hope.”
She stops. “Yeah?”
“Save me a cookie or two, yeah?”
Blotches instantly cover the entirety of her neck, her eyes widen, and she chuckles awkwardly.
I grimace when I realize how that sounded. “Sorry, that may have come out wrong.”
She waves off my concern with a flick of her wrist. “What’s your favorite cookie?”
You.
I do have a favorite, but I find I want to drag out our conversation for as long as I can. “Hmm, tough to choose just one.”
She raises her eyebrows. “Top three?”
My lips tip up. “Chocolate chip cookies come in at number three. Number two would have to be white chocolate macadamia nut, and my number one favorite cookie is the humble sugar cookie.” My mouth salivates at the thought of eating half a dozen warm sugar cookies straight out of the oven. “Crispy around the edge and thick in the center.” I make a chef’s kiss. “Perfection.” My eyes almost roll into the back of my head at the thought.
Hope chuckles warmly. “I’ll see what I can do. I need to get going or I’ll be late.” She grips the steering wheel. “I need to bake three more batches, have a shower, and put some makeup on. I don’t wanna scare away prospective customers.”
“You needn’t worry, you look beautiful as you are.” I tap the top of her roof again. “See you there.” I walk away before she can respond. The compliment flew out of my mouth before I could stop it, and I wince slightly as I walk inside while the engine of her car revs and she pulls out of the parking lot.