Page 64 of To the Chase

I shook my head. “No. I think—no, IknowI would have if he’d asked. But he didn’t. He was really”—I paused, searching for the word—“gentlemanly? He kept checking in with me and making sure I was okay every step of the way.”

“Nowthat’shot,” Shira said.

“Consent King.” I brought my straw to my mouth, taking a sip. “I think I really like him.”

Clara reached across the table to squeeze my hand. “That’s pretty obvious, babe, and I love that for you. You haven’t liked anyone since I’ve known you.”

I shrugged. “I’ve been on a couple bad dates, but you’re right. No one has caught my interest the way he has. I’m trying not to get too excited, though.”

“Because of last time?” Shira asked.

“That—of course that, but I also don’t know if I’m capable of being in a real relationship.” I put my cup down and sighed. “See? I’m already getting way ahead of myself. One good night, and I’m considering settling down with the man. Thank Nikola Jokic, he can’t hear me now.”

Clara sputtered. “Nikola Jokic? Since when are you a basketball fan?”

My eyes flared. “I work in a bar. The games are always on. Besides, have you seen the Denver Nuggets lineup? How can Inotbe a basketball fan?”

Shira patted Jonah as he stirred. “I see the appeal, but I’m more into rugby myself.”

Considering Roman had played pro rugby and now co-owned part of Denver’s team, it made sense. He’d taken us to a game, and while I was abigfan of the little shorts that showed off the players’ massive thighs, I could take or leave the sport.

Not that I’d ever admit that to Shira. Or Ben. Heaven help me, if I ever told Ben, I’d never hear the end of it.

Clara sliced the air with both hands. “We’re getting off topic. Let’s return to Tore and Bea.”

“Yes, please.” Shira’s eyes were lit as they landed on mine. “You like him.”

“I do.” Saying that out loud hit something tender in me. Today was the first time I’d truly admitted it, even to myself. Allowing myself to like this man made me vulnerable in a way I normally tried to avoid.

I pressed my lips together to gather myself. “I’m going to see where it goes. But don’t count on me asking you to be bridesmaids anytime soon.”

Clara raised a finger. “I’ll be happily available for you whenever that happens. Just please,pleasedon’t ask me to wear ruffles. I love you, but not enough to wear ruffles.”

“What’s wrong with ruffles?” Shira asked. “Ilikeruffles.”

The three of us cracked up, and right there, in that little café, Jonah snoring on Shira’s chest and laughter warming the air around us, I promised them if I got married sometime in the distant future, they could pick out their own bridesmaid dresses.

Chapter Twenty-three

Bea

Benjaminwasneedythesecond I got home, bouncing around me like he had springs in his feet. Love and pats didn’t calm him, so I pulled up theCome on Roverapp, breathing a sigh of relief when the yard across the street was free.

The kids ran outside almost as soon as we arrived. Lacey’s hand slipped into mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.

And strangely, it kind of was.

Talon beelined for Benjamin, who nearly did a backflip, he was so excited to see his boy.

His boy.Damn. Where had that thought come from?

Probably Benjamin. He’d telepathically slipped it to me. That made the most sense. He pretty much considered the entire world his.

“Scarlet and Grandpa are painting,” Lacey said.

“Oh yeah? What are they painting?”

“They’re doing the painting game. It’s so fun. They trade canvases back and forth until the end.” Her eyes grew impossibly round. “No one knows what the pictures are gonna be ’cause they can change at any minute.”