“Yes. No. I’m, um, doing scientific research.”
She sees right through me.
“Patton is a good man, Winnie. He just has walls.”
“Walls made of concrete and stubbornness.”
“Built for good reasons.”
“Reasons having to do with losing his father?”
“And what that did to his mother. I think he believes relationships mean signing up for inevitable heartbreak.”
My chest tightens. “That’s awful.”
“It’s why he pushes people away. Not because he doesn’t care, but because he cares too much and maybe he’s afraid of what that might mean, what could happen.”
I think about the way he opened up about Captain Kendrick, about the rawness in his voice when he indicated his captain wanted him to have something a little sweet in his life.
“What if I’m setting myself up to be hurt again? My ex made me feel like a doormat. What if I’m just falling into the same pattern?”
Before she can answer, the library door opens and in walks Patton—the man of the hour, the talk of the town, he who hastaken up residence in my mind—hefting what looks like firefighting equipment.
Peony says, “Hi! So glad you’re here for the fire safety demo for the kids’ reading program.”
He nods and mutters an affirmative, while our eyes slowly drift together like two ships caught in a converging current while out at sea.
The corner of his mouth lifts, and my stomach releases a flare. Good thing he has a fire extinguisher.
“Hypothetically speaking,” Peony murmurs beside me, “I think your feelings might not be one-sided.”
He approaches, looking unfairly good in his uniform. Crisp lines, utility, and well-earned confidence. “Winnie.”
“Winnie?” Peony echoes.
“It’s new,” I murmur.
“So he stopped calling you Parks & Rec Princess? Interesting.”
“Did you get my text?” he asks.
“He’s texting you now?” Peony stage whispers.
I’m about ready to shush her—library rules and all.
However, Geraldine Thorndike, the head librarian, dings her infamous brass bell. “This is a public library!” she announces in what might be a British accent or theatrical affect. No one knows for sure. “Not a place for romantic dalliances!”
“We’re not—” I start.
“Save it for the fire station!” She shoos us apart with her cardigan-clad arms. “I’m watching you two!”
Patton and I lock gazes once more and stare at each other.
My breath gets trapped in my chest with his heavy, hooded eyes on me. Suddenly feeling a little lost, I give my head a shake to come back to reality.
“Did she just—?” My cheeks turn pink.
“Assume we’re having a romantic dalliance?” He looks amused.
