“Yeah. Give me a second.”
I save the document I was working on before taking his paperwork and add it to my tray. Then I step around the desk and into his space.
He hasn’t moved, so I hesitantly move closer to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
He tenses for a moment before hugging me back.
“I’m dirty and sweaty. You’re going to ruin that pretty shirt of yours,” he tells me.
It’s nothing special, just a top I found at Goodwill last weekend. I wasn’t going to buy myself anything, but I couldn’t help but grab it. It was only three dollars.
I pull away from him. “I don’t mind. Thank you for that.”
Turning, I walk out of the office, his footsteps following.
“No need to thank me. I like hugging you.”
I can’t admit to myself how good it feels to hear that. It’s too soon, isn’t it?
Yet, it feels right. I like Mac more than I should. I should be traumatized and unable to think of another man in that way, but Mac is slowly showing me that it doesn’t have to be the way it was with Evan. Things can be better.
When we step outside, I smile at the warmth on my cheeks. It’s taken some getting used to, but I am enjoying the weather.
“It will be cooling down soon,” Mac tells me.
“I’m used to the cold and dreary weather. The Pacific Northwest is only that.”
“That sucks,” he murmurs.
The bus pulls up then, stopping all conversation as we both make our way closer.
Emily comes bounding off the bus, excitement in her eyes. I wave to the bus driver as they take off.
Then Emily falls. I watch it in slow motion, hating that I can’t stop her.
“Mommy,” Emily cries out.
I’m not who gets to her first, though.
No, Mac has her up in his arms, fear in his eyes as he rushes her back into the building. I’m behind them as he takes her into the office.
He sits her on the chair as he grabs the first aid kit.
He growls, making me look up at him.
“What?” I ask, wiping away Emily’s tears.
“I don’t have any cartoon Band-Aids.” He grumbles, grabbing a plain one with some ointment.
“They aren’t used to those anyway. This will be fine.”
I hold my hand out, but he hesitates.
“Mac, will you hold my hand?” Emily’s bottom lip trembles as she asks.
He hands the supplies over, moving to Emily’s side as she grabs his hand.
“All right, baby girl. You squeeze as hard as you can. It will help distract you from the pain. It will be over before you know it,” he tells her.
