Page 87 of Denim & Diamonds

Brock spoke quietly. “Today’s bringing up a lot of old memories.”

I smiled sadly. “Yeah, I guess a lot of my fondest ones are from a different time in my life. To be honest, I think I stopped making special memories in my personal life the last few years. I’m not sure I can come up with any I have with my ex-husband. Maybe that’s the reason things didn’t work out—I didn’t put the time in to give us that chance, to go places and create memories.”

Brock stopped. “The best memories are usually more to do with the person you’re with, not the places you go.” He cupped my cheek. “We could be walking down any street in any state right now, and I’d still always remember the way I feel at this moment. And it has nothing to do with a bridge.”

I turned and kissed the inside of his palm. “You’re a very smart man, Brock Hawkins.”

He winked. “And a very hungry one. Think we can head back to your place now?”

“Yeah, definitely. We can stop and pick up some takeout on the way. What are you in the mood to eat? I keep a folder on my phone with my favorite restaurant menus.”

Brock smirked. “Trust me, what I’m hungry for isn’t on any menu.”

***

A streak of sunlight slipped between the blinds, rousing me from sleep. I found Brock standing next to the window in his boxer briefs. He stared out between the slats, looking lost in thought.

I pushed up to my elbows. “Hey. What are you doing out of bed so early?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“And here I thought I did such a great job wearing you out last night.”

Brock smiled. He walked around the bed and sat down next to me. Lifting my hand to his mouth, he kissed the top. “I feel like a fish out of water here, Feb.”

My heart squeezed. I pulled the sheet to cover my bare breasts and sat up. “Here in New York or here with me?”

“Definitely not here with you. This City just overwhelms me. It’s got too many damn people and too much noise.”

“It’s undeniably different than Maine.”

“How do you ever feel settled? Or relax with all the crap going on out there?”

I smiled. “I’m not sure I do. I basically run on adrenaline eighteen hours a day and then crash because I’m exhausted.”

“That doesn’t sound healthy.”

I weaved my fingers with his and squeezed. “I loved the time I spent with you in Maine. It’s beautiful up there and so peaceful. But if I’m being honest, I like the honking and sirens. I feel alive here in New York.”

“I feel alive, too. Like someone put two paddles on my chest and turned the voltage up to full blast.” Brock looked down at our joined hands and stayed quiet for a long time. “Is there anything important to you located above 82ndStreet?”

“What do you mean?”

He shook his head. “I hate that damn subway. I figured the park is about a forty-five-minute walk from here.”

“I’m not following...”

He looked me in the eyes. “I’m not sure I’m wired for the constant rush of this place, but if this is what you love and what you need, I’m willing to find a way to make it work for me on a part-time basis.”

My heart started to race. “Oh my God, Brock. Really?”

He nodded. “Neither of us wants to give up everything. So why not both give up a little and see if we can work out fitting into each other’s lives? Think you can meet me halfway, or at least a third of the way? Come up to see me some weekends?”

I whipped the sheet off and crawled over to straddle his lap. “I can definitely do that.”

“Then I guess I got myself a girlfriend, if that’s what you want?”

I nodded fast. “I want. I want.”