Emotion clogs my throat at how perfectly and concisely he summed it up.
“You would make a bucket list?”
“Maybe not as official or sparkly as that one, but sure. There are lots of things I want to do but haven’t yet.”
“Like what?” I ask before I can stop myself. Vaughn walks around like he’s doing exactly what he wants, when he wants to do it, at all times. I can’t picture him doing a single thing on my list. Except…maybe skinny-dipping. My face is officially on fire as I push the visual away.
“I don’t know.” He looks uncomfortable now that I’veput him on the spot. “I’ve never been to a major league baseball game.”
A small laugh slips from my lips. One side of his mouth quirks up while I try to contain my outburst.
“My dad hates baseball, but I always thought it might be kind of fun to go in person,” he explains.
I nod, still smiling, but my laughter is under control.
“Have you ever been to a baseball game?” he asks.
“Yeah. Once a few years ago.”
A burst of wind blows through the parking lot, and I huddle into myself, shivering.
“I guess I should let you get home,” Vaughn says, sounding as reluctant as I feel.
I tuck the folder back into my bag and step toward my Bronco.
He moves with me and opens my door for me. Pausing, I stare into his dark blue eyes. Those tiny flecks of silver shine in the moonlight.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” He watches me as I get into my vehicle and start it before he backs away to his Range Rover.
My heart races the whole way home.
Chapter Fifteen
Lacey
I’m putting meatloaf in the oven when my cell phone rings. Only one person ever calls me, so I don’t bother looking at the screen before I answer.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, peanut.”
“Are you on your way home?” I ask as I close the oven. “Dinner will be ready in forty-five minutes.”
The slight hesitation before he answers tells me he’s not going to make it before he does.
“I’m sorry. I’m going to be at the office another hour or two.” He just got a new project, and the client is local, which means he’s been working there instead of from home.
“Okay.” I tamp down my disappointment. This is the third night in a row he’s worked late, and I was hoping we could have dinner together tonight.
“Save me a plate for later?”
“Of course.”
In the background it sounds like he’s rustling papers around on his desk. “Call if you need anything.”
“I will.” Even though I never need anything. I’ve been independent, not really needing his help but still wanting it, for a long time.
