Page 28 of Heart of a Hero

Mark nodded slowly, his gaze never wavering from hers. “I love that you’ve shared this with me,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

Karen pressed her lips together, holding his gaze, feeling the weight of her vulnerability but also the sense of connection that had deepened between them at that moment. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly understood.

“Would you like me to share?” he asked.

Nodding slowly, she waited, anxiously eager to learn more about him… and if he would warrant a second date.

“We’re getting the tough stuff out of the way early, aren’t we?”

She winced, scrunching her nose. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to. And you certainly aren’t under a microscope for me. I suppose when I made the comment earlier—the one I thought was in my head—I thought it wasnice that your feelings of being a dad seem aligned with mine as a mother. That already made the date feel smoother from the beginning.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Karen. I get that talking about the girls is natural, just like talking about Benji.” He smiled, then held her gaze as he continued. “Sue died five years ago, but like you, I was filled with grief as well as overwhelmed with taking care of a four-year-old. That’s why I moved back to the Shore. My parents were indispensable in helping. I could continue in law enforcement and knew he was taken care of when I was at work. I didn’t even consider dating for… God, it was probably three years. It’s only been in the past couple of years that I’ve gone out on dates, and those have been few and far between. I’ll admit a few made it to the second date, but I was able to tell quickly when it just didn’t feel right.”

She nodded, hoping her expression would encourage him to keep talking. It was evident he loved his son, and he’d loved his wife.

He dragged his tongue over his bottom lip, then said, “I guess my story is a lot like yours. One woman asked about my son, and when I mentioned that he looked more like me but had his mother’s eyes, she quickly said she was uncomfortable with me speaking of my first wife. Honest to God, Karen, that was the only word I’d said about Benji’s mom. She made it sound as though I spent the evening talking about Sue.”

“Oh my God!” Karen blurted. “I… I… oh my God!”

Mark chuckled. “That’s exactly what I thought. She didn’t get a second date.” He rubbed his chin. “Another woman, who did get a second date, seemed fine with me being a single dad, but she was really anxious to meet Benji. I didn’t want to introduce him to someone unless I knew it was a real relationship, but she kept insisting. It was actually the third date that she became really pissed that I hadn’t introduced them yet. I asked why itwas so important to her to meet my son at this time when I’d told her I wasn’t comfortable with it. Her reply? She said that he needed to get used to his new mommy.”

At that, Karen’s mouth dropped open. “I… I… shit, Mark. Your stories are making me feel bad for moaning about my experiences.”

He chuckled again. “Don’t worry about it. This isn’t awho had the worst widow/widower datescontest. I guess it just goes to show that we do understand each other.”

Their smiles continued as their gazes held, and the cab of the vehicle filled with a warmth that began to crackle with electricity. “I really hope I don’t end up as another one of your horror stories that get told.”

He reached across the console and placed his hand over hers. “I feel the same way.”

“Well, think of it this way… you’ve met my girls, and I’ve met Benji. And for what it’s worth, I expect you to talk about Sue. God knows I’ve mentioned Jeffrey.”

Nodding, he continued to smile. “How about we move on to the next part of the evening… food.”

Just then, her stomach growled. “I guess that’s your answer.”

13

Mark released Karen’s hand just long enough to quickly round the car, his movements brisk but filled with intention. He opened her door and reached for her, his hand firm as he helped her out of the car. Without letting go, he guided her toward the bright red door of the restaurant, the soft glow of the lights inside spilling onto the sidewalk. Something about holding her hand felt natural, like he had been waiting for this moment longer than he realized.

Inside, the restaurant buzzed with energy, soft lighting casting a warm glow over vibrant decorations that adorned the walls. A server greeted them and led them to a corner booth covered in red leather, offering a sense of intimacy despite the lively surroundings. Mark gently slipped her coat from her shoulders when they approached the booth, his fingers brushing against her skin for the briefest moment. She smiled, a subtle but palpable connection sparking between them.

Karen slid into the booth, placing her coat beside her, and as Mark settled in across from her, he couldn’t help but scoot a little closer. The pull between them was undeniable, magnetic. Though he stopped himself from fully closing the gap, their knees brushed under the table, sending a warm current throughhim. She must have felt it, too, because she leaned in ever so slightly, her presence a quiet but constant reminder of the chemistry building between them.

After she ordered a margarita and he ordered a beer, he was quietly thankful he knew exactly what he wanted to order. The menu lay forgotten on the table, its presence overlooked as his eyes took in every detail of her.

After her girls answered the door, he’d easily remained a gentleman with a soft kiss on her cheek and a sincere compliment about how beautiful she looked. But the way her pale blue dress had clung to her curves had left him momentarily breathless, and his polite smile barely concealed his surge of attraction. Karen was stunning, and while it was far too early to predict where this might lead, he hoped for a second date.

“You haven’t looked at the menu,” she said, a soft smile curving her lips.

“It’s a good thing I’ve been here before and know what I want because I can’t seem to take my eyes off you.”

Her eyes widened. “I hope that’s a good thing. I suddenly don’t know if my lipstick or mascara has smeared, giving me a clown appearance that has captured your attention.”

Chuckling, he shook his head. “Nothing about your appearance is clownish, I assure you. Quite the contrary. At the risk of sounding like I’m trying too hard, you really are beautiful.”

A blush danced across her neck and rose to her cheeks. “Why, Detective Robbins, if I didn’t know better, I would think you were flirting with me.”

His chuckle turned into a laugh. “If you have to wonder if I’m flirting, I guess I’m off my game.”

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