Page 7 of More Than a Hero (Baytown Heroes #12)

“That was a mighty fine-looking man you were talking to,” Carina said, her voice carrying a teasing lilt.

Angie laughed, shaking her head. She should have known she wouldn’t be able to rejoin the group at their Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging van without someone already stirring up gossip.

“Yes, I have to admit, he is definitely fine-looking,” she agreed, unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

“When are you going out?”

Angie turned, narrowing her eyes playfully at Rosetta. “How do you know we’re going out?”

Rosetta snorted. “It’s not like you to shy away from a question.”

Rolling her eyes, Angie twisted in her seat, glancing at the six pairs of eyes watching her expectantly. Each face was split into a wide, knowing grin.

With a sigh, she relented. “We’re going out tomorrow night.”

Carina, driving the van, grinned. “And before you ask—yes, he’s employed. He’s a detective.”

“Oh, how nice!” George said with a pleased nod.

“We actually just met recently,” Angie explained, tucking her purse against her lap. “He’s kind of quiet, and I wasn’t sure he was interested in asking me out. To be honest…” She exhaled a small laugh. “I asked him out first. But he never called me back, so I figured nothing would happen.”

Hannah, sitting closest to her, leaned in, fiddling with her hearing aid. “You know… some men are very confident with themselves and don’t have to talk a lot to make their point. They have nothing to prove to anyone, so they are more introspective.”

Angie's shoulders relaxed as she stared at Hannah. “You’re right.” She smiled, then leaned over and kissed Hannah’s cheek.

Hannah chuckled. “And you just happened to run into him this evening?”

“Yes! It was a complete surprise. He seemed to be there with some young people.”

“Oh, a nice man with a good job, and he works with young people?” Marty nodded approvingly. “I like him already.”

Angie chuckled, shaking her head as they pulled up to the Careway Senior Apartment building.

Once an old motor lodge, it had been repurposed into cozy one-story apartments for seniors.

The building wrapped around a patchy garden in a U-shape, its center full of benches and bird feeders.

Once purchased by the company running Careway Assisted Living and specializing in senior housing, it had undergone a much-needed refresh.

The open-concept design made it easier for residents with walkers or wheelchairs, and there were even grants available to help those who needed assistance with rent.

It wasn’t directly associated with ESAAA, but given the residents, Angie was well-acquainted with just about everyone who lived there.

Tonight’s group had all agreed to participate in a chair yoga class for seniors at the YMCA, on the condition that they had some assistance getting there.

It was only one night a week, and Angie had been thrilled to help.

She wasn’t always able to be the one who accompanied them, but when she did, she had to admit that easy yoga felt great on her joints.

After helping them to their apartments, she and Carina returned the ESAAA van, parking it in the parking lot. Walking to their cars, they waved goodbye before parting ways.

By the time Angie arrived home, she felt a pleasant weariness settle into her limbs, but before heading inside, she detoured to her grandparents’ door. The second she knocked, the door swung open. “Hey, Grandma. Grandpa. Just wanted to let you know I was home.”

Dorothy beamed, stepping aside to let her in. “How was yoga?” She settled back onto the sofa while Stan muted the TV program they’d been watching.

“It was good,” Angie said, stepping into the cozy living room. “I had six who went, and I know you would like it.” She shot her grandfather a grin. “Marty and George were there, so we definitely need more men.”

Stan chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, you might talk me into it. But if not, you’ve got your grandmother convinced.”

Dorothy stood, moving toward the kitchen. “Do you want something to eat? I saved you a piece of my chocolate pecan pie.”

Angie’s smile widened. “Mom sent over some lasagna, and that would be perfect.”

With a pleased nod, her grandmother retrieved the pie plate, the wedge of chocolatey, nutty goodness wrapped neatly in plastic. Handing it over, she gave Angie a searching look.

“Are you doing okay, sweetie?”

Angie softened, balancing the plate in her hands. “I’m fine, Grandma. Really.” Leaning in, she whispered, “I have a date tomorrow night.”

Dorothy’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, do tell.”

Laughing, Angie backed toward the door. “It’s with a detective in the county. We’ve met a few times professionally, and he asked me to dinner.” She crinkled her nose. “Well… in all honesty, I asked him first. But whatever—we’re finally connecting.”

Her grandmother smirked. “Well, if I don’t see you tomorrow, have a good time. And come over Saturday and tell me everything.”

“You know I will.”

Blowing a kiss to both of them, she headed to her townhouse.

Once inside, she grabbed a fork and sat at the kitchen counter, sighing in delight as she took the first bite of pie.

Perfection. Greedily gobbling the rest of the slice, she groaned in delight.

After rinsing the dish, she made her way upstairs, slipping into her nightly routine, but her mind refused to settle.

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.