Page 37 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Are we really back to that?” I scowled.

Mom was smiling like a cat who got the cream when I left her.

“There’s no fooling my mom,” I said as I met Caleb in the lobby. “I swear I didn’t hint that we might be more than colleagues and friends, but she knows me too well.”

“It’s fine. She was great.”

I shoved my hands into my pockets as we walked out to the truck.

My mom’s last comment stuck with me. I’d promised myself not to date while Erin was so young. I needed to work on her happiness above my own. Yet my feelings for Caleb couldn’t be stopped. I’d tried. Where would all this lead to? As a parent, I needed firm plans. Boundaries. As much as being with Calebmade my heart soar, and it did, the lack of clear lines worried me.

We waved at the staff as we left the building, and we crossed the lawn to the parking lot.

“Did she and Dan get along?”

I began to answer when an older man was suddenly in front of us, raising his bushy white eyebrows, his finger pointing at Caleb’s facial scars. “What happened to you, boy?”

Before he could answer, I stepped between them. The cords of my neck went tight, my jaw flexing like I might bite the old man at any second.

“It’s all right,” Caleb said, putting a hand on my arm.

“It’s not,” I replied in a rough voice. I turned to the man. “Back off.”

“Are you ex-military?” the older man brayed. He didn’t even seem to really hear my objection. That’s when I noticed his two hearing aids.

“Are you?” I asked slowly.

“I’m a vet. Earned my benefits fighting in Nam.” He nodded to Caleb. “Just wanted to thank you for your service.”

Caleb smiled. “Not a veteran, but I am a firefighter. We both are. And we should thank you.”

“Firefighters, eh? Is that what you said?” He fiddled with a hearing aid.

“Yes.”

“That’s good. We all have done our part.” He shook Caleb’s hand, then mine.

I exhaled. “I wanted to punch an old man. Jesus, I jumped to conclusions.”

“I know. It was sweet of you to want to defend me. But even if he was being insulting and not simply curious, I was fine.” Caleb raised his chin. “And I’m beginning to think hiding from my scars or being ashamed does me zero good. My PTSD aboutthe fire might always be with me, but it doesn’t define me or my future.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “That’s for sure. You’re amazing.”

“Yep.” He grinned.

I threw my arms around him and gave him a long kiss.

“What was that for?”

“I’m just appreciating you some more.”

“Damn, okay. Appreciate me anytime.”

“I will.” I laughed. “I’m so glad you visited Mom with me. That you’re here with me, period.”

“Aw, stop. I’m going to get emotional.” Caleb turned and got into the truck. I slowly followed.

Adjusting my mirror, I backed out of the parking space.

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