Page 19 of Just for Him
Chapter Nine: Haven
Vinnie was so sweet. I was both relieved and pleased he had come as quickly as he had, and grateful that he’d stuck around. The morning would have been much harder without his comforting presence.
I would have called him myself, but I had lost my phone in the chaos and they wouldn’t let me back into the diner to search for it. One of the firemen overheard my protests and offered to call for me. Of course, I hadn’t realized at the time that the handsome fireman who had led us to safety was Vinnie’sbrother.
“As wonderful as that sounds, I’d really like to go to the hospital first and see how Cal is doing.”
He nodded. “Of course. I’ll give you a ride. My car’s over here.”
I really did like having him around. I was feeling pretty raw and having a big, strong policeman by my side helped. Especially since that big, strong policeman wasVinnie. Besides, the hospital was on the other side of town, and now that I had effectively lostbothmy jobs, grabbing an Uber was an extra expense I didn’t need.
On the other hand, I didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness.
“You don’t have to do that,” I said, giving him an out. “If you have something else you have to do—”
“I don’t,” he assured me firmly.
“Then thanks. I appreciate it.”
His large hand felt good against my lower back, strong and warm, as he led the way to his car. It was a welcome reminder that I wasn’t alone and exactly what I needed.
Vinnie’s car was a dark sedan. Simple, classic, and masculine. Just like him. In a gentlemanly gesture, he opened the passenger door for me before sliding into the driver’s seat.
Visions of Cal lying so still on the floor, blood seeping from his mouth and nose, made me shudder. It had been a brave thing he did—shoving me and Wanda into the kitchen while he confronted those hooligans.
I seemed to be surrounded by brave men lately. That was new for me. Outside of the old-time movies I was addicted to, there hadn’t been a lot of stand-up guys in my life, certainly not the father who had abandoned not just one wife and child but two.
As we wound our way around the firetrucks and back toward the hospital, I suddenly asked, “So, are all the men in your family heroes or something?”
He glanced sideways at me. “Sorry?”
“Well, you’re a cop. Your brother back there—sorry, I don’t know his name—”
“Dom.”
“Dom is a fireman. Any cowboys or astronauts in the bunch?”
He chuckled, which was what I had intended. My reasons were at least only semi-selfish. He had looked so concerned from the moment he’d arrived on the scene, and I wanted to see him smile.
