Page 12 of More Than a Hero (Baytown Heroes #12)

Pete still couldn’t quite believe that Angie had wanted to spend more time with him again, so soon. And for what? To discuss some ideas she had? He didn’t care about the reason. In truth, the details didn’t matter. What mattered was that she had thought of him.

The moment she swung the door open, her warm smile lit up her face. "Come on in," she said, stepping aside to let him pass.

His stomach tensed as he carried the pizza inside, hoping he’d chosen right. But the second she flipped open the lids, she let out a delighted squeal.

“Oh, this looks perfect! I made a salad, so we can eat whenever you’re ready.”

His lips curled into an easy grin. “Up to you, Angie.”

“Well, this smells divine. I can’t stand the thought of trying to talk while my nose is busy having a party over the pizza.”

He chuckled, shaking his head at her choice of words. “Well then, let’s make sure your nose and your taste buds get in on the fun.”

She grabbed two plates, and they loaded up with generous slices and fresh salad. As Pete settled at the kitchen table, he was struck once again by just how natural it felt to be here with her. Something about Angie’s home wrapped around him like a warm, inviting embrace.

“How was your family time?” he asked, watching as she took a seat across from him.

Her whole face brightened. Whatever she was about to say, it clearly meant something to her. “It was great. Actually, that’s when I got the idea I wanted to discuss with you.” She paused and laughed when he sent her a lifted brow.

“Uh-oh,” he teased. “I feel like I’m already lost.”

She grinned. “Okay, so my family started this thing we call Easy Breezy Lunches. It helps fill in the gaps where the ESAAA can’t always reach.

You know, some people don’t qualify for Meals on Wheels, but they still struggle to put meals together or don’t quite meet the financial threshold for assistance.

So twice a month, my family gathers at my mom’s house, and we make about a hundred bagged lunches—sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit. You know… easy breezy.”

Pete blinked. “Wow.”

“Other volunteers pitch in, so we usually end up with almost two hundred lunches. Then we have a few people who distribute them to those in need. The recipients can eat them that day or refrigerate them for later. It’s just… a small way to help.”

He leaned back in his chair, nodding. The idea impressed him, but more than that, she impressed him. It was clear this wasn’t just something she did, but something she cared deeply about.

“So while we were making lunches, my mom and Grandma Dorothy said something that got me thinking.” She took a sip of water before continuing.

“I told them about the mentoring you do with the young men. I didn’t go into personal details, just that you work with them.

I was lucky to have my parents and grandparents growing up. I always had guidance.”

“You were lucky,” he agreed. “And from the sound of it, they’re remarkable people.” His voice dropped a little as he added, “They certainly raised an amazing woman.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “I don’t know about amazing, but I learned the importance of helping others.

And then my grandmother said something that stuck with me.

She said it would be nice if everyone had someone to mentor them, even if they weren’t family.

And that’s when I remembered this program I studied in grad school called Adopt-a-Grandparent. ”

Pete’s brow furrowed. “You’re gonna have to explain that one to me.”

She set her fork down. “Well, in a way, it’s what Frank did for you. He stepped in like a grandfather figure, offering guidance. And I’m guessing you gave something back to him, too.”

Pete swallowed. He hadn’t thought about it that way, but he remembered the day Frank’s wife had told him how much her husband enjoyed spending time with him. “How would this work?”

She leaned in, her enthusiasm growing. “The idea is to pair young people who need mentorship with older adults who want to make a difference. The kids learn responsibility, compassion, and life skills, and the elders get companionship, fresh energy, and a chance to pass down wisdom.”

As she spoke, he could see the idea coming to life in her mind, the passion lighting up her eyes. It was contagious, and he found himself nodding along. Before he could say anything, she shoved her purple glasses up onto her head and pressed on.

“I’ve already identified some challenges,” she admitted. “The program I studied had the elders coming to the school for visits, and there were outings with heavy chaperoning. But we’d have to get the kids on board, get parental permission, carefully match each pair, and?—”

“I love the idea, Angie.” He interrupted, his voice full of conviction.

She hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. “I’m so glad you do, but the more I think about it, the more I realize how complicated it could be to pull off.”

“Then let’s work together,” he said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “We’ll tackle those roadblocks one by one. And if they can’t be removed, we’ll find another way to make it work.”

Her fingers curled around his for a brief, lingering moment before she gave him a soft smile. “You really think we can?”

He held her gaze, his own lips curving. “I know we can.”

They stood and moved to the sofa in unison.

Pete stretched his legs out, sinking deeper into the couch as he studied Angie.

Her passion for this idea lit her whole face, her eyes shining with the kind of enthusiasm that was impossible to fake.

He could listen to her talk for hours and never tire of it.

“How many kids are you working with now?” she asked, brushing her fingers through her hair as she tucked her legs under herself.

“Richard and I have ten that we meet at the YMCA weekly. Richard’s a middle school teacher. He was instrumental in helping pick the kids who could use us the most. But he’s also the second adult in the room, for both their protection and ours.”

She nodded, absorbing the information. “Ultimately, I’d love for a young person to be able to visit their adopted grandparent in their home.

That way, they could see firsthand what challenges an older person faces and actually help in a meaningful way.

” The second the words left her lips, she hesitated, waving her hands in the air as if trying to erase them. “Wait, that didn’t come out right.”

Pete tilted his head, amused. “Clarify for me.”

She blew out a breath, then brightened. “Okay, did you ever watch that old ’80s movie Sixteen Candles?”

“I think that was more of a chick flick,” he said with a teasing grin.

She rolled her eyes, waving her fingers at him in mock exasperation.

“Whatever! Since you obviously didn’t watch it, let me explain.

So Molly Ringwald’s grandparents were staying over for a wedding, right?

And one set of grandparents brought a foreign exchange student with them.

At dinner, they were bragging about how amazing he was, all the ways he helped them—yard work, fixing things, whatever.

But it quickly became obvious that they were basically using him as free labor. ”

Pete smirked. “Let me guess—this is not the dynamic you’re going for?”

“Exactly!” She pointed at him. “I don’t want a situation where kids are just running errands or doing chores. But I do think a genuine bond could form. Where both people are learning and giving something valuable to each other.”

He studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “I get it now. And I love the idea.”

She scrunched her nose. “But…?”

“We’d need to establish clear guidelines before we get too far ahead of ourselves.

Then we’d have to gauge interest.” He paused, tapping his fingers against his knee before his face lit up.

“Actually, why don’t I bring it up with the kids and Richard on Thursday?

No hard details yet… just see if there’s an interest.”

Her eyes sparked with excitement. “That’s a great idea!

I’ll talk to Belle Simmons at Careway Assisted Living.

They have extended their campus to include a building next to the nursing home that has apartments for seniors.

Financial need is established to see who can live there.

We service most of them for various necessities.

I have no doubt I can find older adults who’d love to be part of something like this. ”

Pete nodded, watching her work through the idea in real-time, the wheels in her mind turning. “Have you thought about how you’ll determine who participates?”

“Yes,” she said, already ahead of him. “There are plenty of older people in the area with family nearby. While they might benefit, they wouldn’t be my first choice.

The same goes for people who are already really active in the community—church groups, volunteer programs, things like that.

The six who I take to the Y would be perfect. ”

“Makes sense.” He took another sip of his drink, considering her words. “But at the same time, a complete shut-in might not be the best match either.”

“Right,” she agreed. “Ideally, we’d find people who want a connection but don’t have a natural way to get it. Maybe some who can still get around on their own, but who could really use the extra companionship.”

She laughed then, and once again, Pete found himself staring, caught up in the sheer joy of her. Angie was beautiful, but it was more than that—it was the way he felt when she was around. Like warmth on a cold day. Like sunlight after a storm.

She leaned back against the couch, scooting a little closer. His arm was already draped along the back cushion, and she fit right up against his side like she belonged there.

“I’m glad you invited me over tonight,” he murmured.

She tilted her head, her mouth curving in that way that made his stomach tighten. “Does this mean we’re having tomorrow’s date today?”

He chuckled as he brushed a lock of hair from her face. “Absolutely not. If you still want to spend time with me tomorrow, then we’re keeping our date. And, in case you’re wondering, I definitely want more time with you.”

Her smile deepened, and her eyes glinted playfully. “Perfect.”

Before he could react, she twisted, throwing one leg over his lap and straddling him. The move was effortless, confident, and damn near lethal to his self-control. His hands immediately went to her hips, steadying her even as heat surged through him.

“Is it too forward if I say I really want to kiss you right now?” she asked, her low voice teasing.

One hand slid down to cup the curve of her ass while the other snaked up her spine, holding her close. His eyes locked onto hers, dark with intent. “With me, you can be as forward as you want, Angie.”

And then he kissed her. Their mouths met in a slow, smoldering slide of lips and tongues, the kind of kiss that started like a match strike and burned hotter with every second.

She melted into him, her fingers tangling in his hair, her body pressing against his.

Pete groaned, his grip tightening, needing her closer, needing more.

She whimpered softly into his mouth, rocking slightly in his lap, and the sound nearly undid him. Heat spiraled low in his stomach, his pulse hammering as he deepened the kiss.

A sharp gasp broke between them, and she pulled back just enough to breathe, their foreheads resting together. Their chests rose and fell in tandem, and hearts pounded against each other.

“Damn,” he muttered, his voice rough.

She let out a breathless laugh. “Yeah. Damn.”

They groaned in unison, forcing themselves to separate. The moment she slipped off his lap, Pete felt the loss like a cold draft.

She stood, smoothing her hands down her thighs, then grinned. “I should probably walk you to the door before we end up repeating that ten more times.”

He exhaled a chuckle, running a hand through his hair as he followed her. “You say that like it’d be a bad thing.”

When they reached the door, she turned, her expression softer now. “Lunch tomorrow?”

His smile was slow and sure. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

She leaned up, pressing a quick, lingering kiss to his lips before stepping back. “Good night, Pete.”

He hesitated, just for a second, then smiled. “Good night, Angie.” And with that, he stepped out into the night, already counting down the hours until he could see her again.