Page 13 of More Than a Hero
She was excited about this date.Oh God, what if we end up hating each other?The more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed. She was pretty good at reading people, and everything she’d surmised about Pete made her smile.
She couldn’t imagine the kind of mental weight he carried—walking into work every day, facing dangers that could appear at any moment. She liked that he was quieter, more introspective. The last couple of men she’d gone out with had been so absorbed in themselves, she’d barely gotten a word in.
She ran a warm bath, letting the delicate scent of bath oil ease the last bit of tension from her muscles.
Tomorrow was Friday. As she leaned her head back against the tub, she mentally reviewed what she needed to get done at work. Thankfully, it wasn’t an overly busy day. That meant she’d have plenty of time to get home and prepare for her date.
By the time she crawled into bed and turned out the light, anticipation continued to move through her. She drifted off to sleep with a soft smile, excitement stirring deep in her chest.
Angie prided herself on being punctual, but as she pulled into the parking lot of Roy’s Barbecue, a pang of guilt twisted in her stomach. She glanced at the time glowing on her dashboard and winced. Two minutes late. It was hardly a crime, but still—she didn’t want Pete to think she didn’t care enough to be on time.
She threw open her car door and stepped out, the warm evening air wrapping around her as she smoothed the fabric of her ankle-length skirt. The scent of smoked meats and tangy sauce drifted through the air, teasing her appetite as she hurried toward the entrance. Her steps faltered when she saw the long line snaking out the door. Great.
Pulling out her phone, she fired off a quick text.I’m here! Just waiting in line to get in.
She had barely slipped her phone back into her purse when a voice called over the crowd. “Angie Brown!”
She blinked and glanced up. “That’s me!” Angie lifted her hand, feeling the weight of curious eyes on her. The hostess stood just inside the doorway, scanning the line, her gaze landing on Angie with an inviting smile.
“Your party is already inside and waiting. Come on through.”
Angie hesitated only a second before weaving past the waiting diners, offering a few polite smiles as she slipped through the entrance. Hopefully, no one thought she was getting special treatment—though, if she was being honest, she wasn’t about to complain.
And then she saw him. Pete stood near the hostess station, hands in his pockets, looking relaxed yet alert, like he had been watching for her. The second their eyes met, his face broke into a slow, easy smile, one that sent warmth unfurling through her.His gaze swept over her, head to toe and back again, something unreadable flickering in his expression before he stepped forward.
Without a word, he reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers in a way that felt natural even though they were still getting to know each other. The heat of his palm and the quiet assurance in the way he held on sent a pleasant hum through her senses.
“Come on,” he murmured, leaning in slightly as he guided her through the crowd. He stayed close, his presence a protective barrier against the bustle of the restaurant, keeping anyone from jostling her.
They reached a cozy corner table, away from the noise but close enough to feel the lively atmosphere. She slipped into her seat, glancing around before her gaze landed back on him.
“Oh wow,” she breathed, eyes wide with surprise. “How did you score this table?”
Pete chuckled, resting his forearms on the table as he grinned. “I might have pulled a few strings. Got here early, checked in, and—turns out—a server here is the son of a deputy I work with. I coached the kid in baseball a few years ago, so I asked if he could hook me up with a good table for my date.” He tilted his head slightly, watching her reaction. “This one just happened to be opening up.”
Angie laughed, shaking her head in admiration. “That is some serious dedication. But I have to say, I approve.”
“Good.” His smile softened. “Perfect for you.”
Before she could reply, a young man stopped at their table to take their drink orders. Pete introduced him as their server, and once their drinks were settled, they turned their attention to the menu.
Angie groaned, pressing a hand to her stomach as she skimmed the options. “I want everything.”
The server grinned. “Then you might want to go with the sampler platter—it’s got chicken, pork, and beef barbecue.”
Her eyes lit up. “Done!” She handed over her menu without hesitation.
Pete smirked and passed his over as well. “Make it two.”
As the server walked away, Pete lifted his beer, tipping it slightly toward her in a silent toast. Angie clinked her glass against his, meeting his gaze.
“To an amazing first date,” she said, smiling. “With barbecue, beer, and getting to know each other.”
Pete studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable before he took a slow sip of his beer. Setting his glass down, he murmured, “Like I said. Perfect.”
Her breath caught in her throat as she worked to steady her breathing. So far, he was right… this was perfect.
7
