Page 6 of More Than a Hero
Pete blinked, surprised to see Jeremy was off his call and looking at him.
“Sorry. Mind was miles away, I guess.”
Jeremy laughed. “I’d say you were. Let’s hit up Stuart’s.” Jeremy stood, stretching his arms behind his head. “I’m dying for a burger and fries.”
“I was there last night. They had a sign up for cherry and apple fried pies,” Pete said, pushing back his chair. “I’ve been craving one ever since.”
“What’d you go in for?”
Pete chuckled. “Queenie’s pills.”
Jeremy let out a booming laugh. “Damn, I forgot about your new pet.”
“She’s just the latest one.” Pete shrugged as they made their way to their DTF vehicle. “Her owners passed away, and she ended up at the shelter. Older, sick—practically unadoptable.”
Jeremy gave him a sidelong glance, all traces of humor gone. “You know, man, I really admire that about you. Most people wouldn’t take that on.”
Pete shrugged again, not needing to explain. Jeremy already knew. A few years back, over beers and a crackling fire at Pete’s place, he’d opened up about his past—at least as much as he ever did. His partner understood him probably better than anyone.
The drive to Stuart’s was quick, and soon, they were perched on the swivel stools at the diner’s counter.
“I haven’t seen you two in a while,” Charlene called out from behind the grill. “Burgers and fries?”
“You know it, darlin’,” Jeremy replied with a grin. “And Pete here tells me you’ve got fried pies.”
Charlene chuckled, flipping a burger before turning to them. “Marcy’s been experimenting with those, and we can’t keep ’em stocked. Apple and cherry. Pick your favorite, and it’s on the house.”
“Apple,” Jeremy said without hesitation.
“Cherry for me,” Pete added.
He twisted in his seat, absently scanning the street outside. His gaze landed on the pharmacy in the back, and just like that, Angie was in his head again. Bright and colorful, her laughter still somehow echoed in his mind.
And then, like he had conjured her out of thin air, there she was. His pulse kicked up as he spotted her walking out of the pharmacy, pushing a man in a wheelchair toward a waiting van. Without thinking, Pete shot to his feet, moving toward her.
She jumped slightly at his sudden approach, but the moment her gaze met his, a slow, radiant smile spread across her face.
“Pete! Twice in two days?” Her voice was light, teasing. “How lucky can I get?”
He huffed out a quiet laugh, watching as she expertly maneuvered the van’s wheelchair lift. She had things under control, but he still stepped in, offering his assistance. He noticed the faint hitch in her step, the way she favored one leg.
Still, she moved with practiced efficiency, ensuring her patient was secure before returning to him. “Thanks,” she said, her eyes warm.
He wanted to linger and find an excuse to keep talking to her. But she sighed, glancing down at her phone.
“I’d love to stay and chat, but I need to get Mr. Jackson home. His regular driver couldn’t come, and he was completely out of his meds.”
Pete nodded toward the pharmacy. “You sure you don’t need a hand? Jeremy can grab my lunch, and I can follow. Make sure you’re good.”
She reached out, placing her hand on his arm. His breath stilled, his skin burning where she touched him. “That’s really sweet, Pete, but I just got a text. His son is home now. He has a ramp, so we’ll be fine.”
She squeezed his arm, lingering just long enough to make his heart thump, then stepped back, giving a little wave before climbing into the driver’s seat.
He stood on the sidewalk, watching her drive away, before finally turning back inside. By the time he slid onto his stool, his plate was in front of him, and Jeremy was giving him the look.
“What?” Pete muttered.
Jeremy crossed his arms. “Please, for all that is holy, tell me you asked her out.”
