“I’m willing to keep things secret for now.” I offered. I was moving fast, and I never moved fast. Being military I normally took my time. I knew this life wasn’t easy. It was part of why I didn’t date.
“I don’t know.” Both of us had mostly been pushing our food around our plates.
I put my fork down and put my hand back on her thigh. “I like you, Rita. I don’t normally do things like this. Rules are my guide post, but I’m not sure I can just walk away without knowing what we could be. Can you?”
Her shoulders dropped. She brought her hand up and rubbed against her temple. “I don’t think so.” I let out a breath.
“Then let’s see where this goes.” I picked up her other hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
She looked into my eyes. “Okay.” She agreed. “Let’s see.”
I smiled and placed her hand on my thigh this time. “Let’s finish lunch and then maybe you can help me find a present for my mom.”
“Sure.” She took her hand away and went back to eating. I did the same.
Chapter 10
Rita
“Can I ask you a question?” Stewart and I were walking through the mall looking for a gift for his mother.
“I guess.” I still wasn’t sure this was a good idea. Every few minutes I found myself looking around to check if anyone was staring in our direction. I felt like I was walking around with some sort of sign letting everyone know I was breaking the rules.
“Don’t take this the wrong way.” He started, and I instantly got worried.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s just.” He stopped, ran his hand through his hair, and then started again. “I just don’t want to come off as some jealous asshole.” Now I was really confused.
“What are you talking about?”
“The guy at the hospital.” His lips thinned. “If he isn’t your husband, or your boyfriend, and you’re not sick. Then who is he?”
I smirked. “Men and women can’t be friends?” I joked.
“Sure, but I’d rather know that from the beginning so again I don’t come off like I’m all possessive or jealous.” He shrugged.
I kept walking. This wasn’t something that I liked talking about. I actually hated thinking about this time of my life, but if anyone would understand it would probably be Stewart.
“He’s a physical therapist.” I told him.
“Physical therapist?” He wrapped his arm around my waist. “Are you hurt?”
“Not anymore.”
“What happened?”
I shook my head. “Can we talk about this somewhere less public?” I looked around.
“Of course.” He squeezed my waist. “Okay, then can I ask you one other question?”
I let out a laugh and smiled. “Sure?”
“Would you consider maybe staying here overnight?” I stopped walking and stared at him.
“I don’t think we’re ready for that.”
“We don’t have to do anything.” He put both his hands up. “That isn’t why I suggested it.”
