Stephanie looked toward me and laughed.
“Derek met Taylor here. Now they work together,” she said.
“Don't remind me,” I said.
“Screw you,” Taylor snapped.
Bridget laughed, and I looked over at her.
“What?” she asked with a smile.
“We're getting together this weekend at a park not far from here,” Stephanie said. “The kids all play together. The parents sit around and talk, or they get right in and play too. You should join us.”
“Oh no,” Bridget said. “My boy is just a baby. He won't be playing for a bit yet.”
“That's fine,” Stephanie said. “There are babies in the group. They need fresh air too.”
“I don't know,” Bridget said. “I'll think about it.”
I knew Stephanie could feel Bridget checking out on the whole thing.
“My husband was killed by a drunk driver,” she said. “He left me with a newborn girl and boy that was three. This group saved me. I can't say that enough. I was depressed, angry, and lonely when I first came here. I'd had some pretty scary thoughts. When I first came, I didn't speak. It took over a month for me to say anything, and when I did, I let it all out. It felt amazing. Sure, I'd had family and friends, but I hadn't talked to them. I kept it all to myself. I didn't want to make them any more sad than they already were, or I didn't want them to see what I had turned into. In this group, I could say anything I wanted and they were still there. Nobody judged me. Nobody told me I was feeling something I shouldn't have been. They'd all been through what I had, and they knew how I felt. Nobody else could do that for me. I took the group over and have done my best to make it better and stronger. You could honestly call anyone here at any hour, and they'd be there for you. Don't give up on us yet.”
“I wasn't,” Bridget began, but Stephanie cut her off.
“Don't give me that shit,” she said. “You've got the same look in your eyes Derek had the first time he was here. You have no intention of coming back. Just because you weren't married, doesn't mean you don't belong here. If you lost the man you loved, even if he wasn't the father of your child, then you belong here.”
“He was the father,” Bridget said. “He just didn't know it. I didn't even know until after he'd died.”
“Think about coming this weekend. You'll get some fresh air if nothing else. Give us a chance. It helps just to get out a bit.”
“I'll think about it,” Bridget said.
“I'll tell you what,” I said with a smile. “If you come this weekend, I'll let you ask me two questions. I'll even let you ask the second one early.”
“I'd take that if I were you,” Stephanie said with a laugh.
“Fine,” Bridget said. “But I want my answers tonight.”
“Deal,” I said. “You can have your two answers tonight.”
I could feel Taylor watching us, but I didn't care. I knew he was going to give me shit at work, and I'd put him in his place right away. I was helping a friend. Gabe was a good man. He'd been there for me. I was helping his woman. End of story.
The meeting was over, and I walked Bridget out to her car.
“You okay?” I asked, as I opened her door for her.
“I guess,” she answered.
“It'll get easier,” I said. “It won't go away, but it will get easier.”
“Jenny is your daughter,” she said.
“Is that one of your two questions?” I asked.
“Seriously?”
“I'll see you at work tomorrow,” I heard Taylor yell from over my shoulder. “It was nice to see you, Bridget. I'll see you this weekend.”
Bridget didn't say a word. She just looked down at the ground.
“How old is she?” Bridget asked. “Jenny.”
“She's four,” I answered, knowing if I didn't, she'd be gone. “Get in your car and follow me.”
“What?” she asked.
“Get in your car and follow me,” I answered. “There's a coffee shop a few blocks down.”
“I don't think so,” she replied with a shake of her head. “I should get back.”
“You want your answers, follow me,” I said, as I motioned for her to get in her car.
“Bossy,” she said, as I closed her door, turned, and walked over to my truck.
When I pulled out of the lot, I made sure she was behind me. I pulled into a spot and have to say, I was a bit shocked when she actually pulled in next to me. I thought for sure she was going to keep driving just to fuck with me. Then she got out of her car, and I couldn't help but laugh.
“Three questions,” she said with her hands on her hips. “I get three questions now.”
“I already answered one back there,” I said. “You can have two more.”
She turned around with a huff, walked to the door, swung it open, walked to the booth in the very back corner, and sat down. When I walked up and stood at the end of the booth, her arms were crossed over her chest, and she was ready to give me shit. I could feel it. It was coming. I knew in that moment that there was so much more to the woman in front of me. I just wasn't sure I wanted to find out exactly who she was.
“Are you getting a coffee?” I asked.
She narrowed her eyes at me.
“You're the one that demanded I follow you here,” she said. “You get to buy my coffee.”
When a small smirk crossed her face, I turned and walked back to the front.
“Fucking Gabe,” I whispered. “Your woman is a pain in the ass.”
When I walked back to the booth with the two coffees, Bridget looked so damn proud of herself. It was a damn good thing she wasn't my woman. I never would have put up with that shit. My woman would never sass me the way she did.
“Are you going to hand me my coffee?” she asked. “Or are you just going to stand there, big man?”
I heard the growl escape my chest, as I reached forward and set her coffee down in front of her.
“Your coffee, princess,” I said sarcastically, as I took my own seat. “You buy the coffee next week.”
The look on her face was priceless. That badass attitude was instantly gone. Her mouth dropped open, but nothing came out. Score one for the big man.
Chapter 17
Bridget
“What did you think?” he asked, as if he hadn't just pretty much told me there would be coffee next week.
That wasn't something I was used to. Even my ex hadn't been all demanding like Derek. When I became friends with Gabe, I think he tried to be careful not to come across in a stern way, even as my boss.
“It was okay,” I answered. “The people there seem nice. I'm not sure how they'll help really. It's not like my situation is like theirs. Mine is different.”
“Really,” he said. “How so?”
“I don't think so,” I said, as I shook my head while taking a small sip of my coffee. “I'm not the one that's supposed to be sharing.”
“Sharing and answering questions is not the same,” he said defensively, almost as if I'd just asked him to bare his soul to me. “You get two.”
I sat thinking about what I wanted to know most about him, and from the reaction he'd just had, I knew I had to start small or the man was going to freak.
“Your daughter's name is Jenny. She's four,” I said, as I thought a bit more. “I'm going to assume you were married. How long ago did your wife pass?”
If he had held onto his cup any tighter, the damn thing would have burst into a million pieces. It was definitely not something he wanted to talk about.
“Just over four years ago,” he said with so much sadness in his tone.
Just over four years ago, I thought. Jenny was four. It didn't make sense. Did she get into an accident? Did she have something wrong with her? Hearing the hurt in his voice had me wanting to somehow take his pain away. Was that how people felt when I talked?
“How is your situation different?” he asked.
“This is not one for one,”
I said. “I still have another question.”
“What is it?” he asked.
I knew if I asked about his wife and daughter, he'd turn it right back on me. That wasn't happening, so I decided to ask about something else.
“What did you do before you became an investigator?” I asked.
“That's your question?” he asked. “You're sure about that? You could have asked me anything. Is that your final decision?”
“It is,” I answered.
“I was a SEAL,” he said with a smile. “I was in for sixteen years.”
The sadness left his voice just like that, and I couldn't help but smile.
“That's a long time,” I said. “I'm guessing you liked it.”
“I loved it,” he said. “I saw some pretty crazy shit, but I helped a lot of people too. Some of it can't be erased. That part sucks, but I'm proud of the good stuff. Seeing little kids, knowing I was going to make their lives a bit easier, that was an amazing feeling. Going in to rescue someone I knew wasn't going to live another day, that shit felt good. Was it dangerous? Of course it was, but I'd do it all over again if I thought I was going to be able to bring someone home to their family.”
“Why did you leave if you loved it?” I asked.
Hearing the excitement in his tone told me it wasn't something he'd just wanted to give up.
“My wife had had enough of me being gone,” he answered. “I knew how hard it was every time I left but couldn't tell her where I was going or for how long. She'd stood by me the whole time. I knew it was time to be where she wanted to be. While I loved my job and what I did, I'm so damn glad I left.”
“You must have went in right out of high school,” I said without thinking. “Either that or you age really well.”
He let out a laugh, and I thought for sure he was going to choke on the drink he'd just taken. Seeing a smile cross his face felt pretty good.
“Right out of high school,” he answered. “I guess I felt like it was my only decision.”
“Why's that?” I asked, genuinely interested in his answer.
“You've asked way more than two questions,” he said. “You want any more answers, you better start giving me something too.”
“Like what?” I asked. “I'm sure my life isn't nearly as exciting as yours.”
“Somehow I think you're wrong,” he said. “I know you were Gabe's woman. You named the baby after him, and you live in his house.”
“His sister's house,” I corrected him quickly.
“What?” he asked, sounding confused.
“He built that house for her. Did you know that?” I asked, and he shook his head. “He did. When he moved here, she didn't come with him. He started the business, and when it began to grow, he had his house built. She'd told him about her dream home growing up, and that was exactly what he built.”
“Why would he do that?” Derek asked.
“He thought he'd be able to get her to come visit him. When she did, he thought for sure she'd see the house and stay. They were really close growing up. She stayed in Michigan until their grandparents passed. He thought for sure he'd get her here after that, but it never happened. That is her biggest regret. She says it all the time. Do you know why she never came?”
“Why?” he asked.
“Because of Doug,” I said. “Can you believe that shit? Gabe got her ass back for that.”
“He sure did,” Derek said. “I didn't know that. I knew there was something between those two though. I'd never seen anyone that could be so calm all the time freak over a woman like he did. She got to Doug worse than I ever thought was possible.”
“He got them,” I said with a laugh. “He forced them together and now look. The business is stronger than ever, and they're married. I bet he didn't see that coming so quickly.”
“Nice job,” he said.
“What?” I asked.
I couldn't figure out what he was talking about.
“Shifting the subject toward Gabby and Doug. You're good. It took me a minute, but I'm no fool,” he said with a smirk.
I shook my head and looked down, watching the liquid move around my cup.
“You and Gabe,” he said sternly.
“Yes, sir,” I said sarcastically. “Let's just say he helped me out in college. That was when I'd met Doug and John. After school, I went back home. When Gabe started his company, he asked me to work for him. There was nothing keeping me at home, so I went.”
“You're not close to your family?” he asked, and I shook my head.
“I came here,” I said. “The rest is history.”
“I don't think so,” he said, as he shook his head.
“You and Gabe were friends. Then he became your boss. I don't know about you, but most people I know don't have their boss' baby. You're holding back.”
“Is this what you do at work?” I asked. “Are you the interrogator? Do you hold a light over someone and ask them questions until they break?”
“Very funny,” he said. “I can see that's not something you want to talk about.”
“It's complicated,” I said.
After a few moments of silence, I stood up and looked down at him.
“I should get back,” I said. “I'm not sure what Doug has done with my baby, and I'm thinking he's probably ready to hand him back to me.”
“I get it,” he said.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he answered. “I'll see you Saturday.”
“I don't know about that. Gabe is kind of young to be out like that.”
“I answered your question,” he said. “I'll see you Saturday.”
I let out a huff and turned to walk away. He called out to me, and I stopped just before walking out. When I turned to face him, he had a serious look on his face.
“Text me when you get home,” he said.
I opened my mouth to say something, but he cut me off.
“Text me,” he said roughly.
I let out a huff, swung the door open, and hurried to my car. That guy was something else. Who did he think he was bossing me around?
As soon as I walked through the front door, Gabby was right there with Gabe in her arms.
“How was it?” she asked. “Did you learn any good mom stuff?”
Doug walked up behind her. When my eyes connected with his, I knew he knew something. I just wasn't sure exactly what it was he knew.
“It's actually not exactly like that,” I answered honestly.
“Really?” Gabby asked.
“Yeah,” I said.
“Did you like it?” Doug asked. “Do you feel like it will help?”
“I'm not sure yet,” I said, as I took the baby from Gabby and kissed his cheek. “I'm meeting them at the park this weekend. They do a whole play date thing.”
“Don't you think the baby is a little young?” Gabby asked.
“It might be nice for him to breathe in some fresh air,” Doug said.
“Or me,” I whispered, as I turned away from them and walked up the stairs to my room.
I sat down on the bed with Gabe in my arms. His little eyes were drifting closed, and I couldn't help but watch as he fell asleep. He was so adorable, and I knew I was going to do everything to be the best mom and dad I could be. I placed him in the bassinet I had next to my bed and grabbed my phone. My boy was sleeping in my room for the night. I'd only been gone for two hours, and I'd already missed him. I checked my social media sites. That wasn't very exciting. Then I thought about Derek's words. “Text me when you get home.” Should I, I wondered? I didn't want him to think he could just tell me what to do. I put the phone down but picked it right back up again. I could text him. It wouldn't hurt anything. Honestly, I kind of wanted to know that he got home as well. There was nothing wrong with that. He was just trying to help. Maybe I could help him too.
Me: I'm home, Boss.
I'd had time to change into my pajamas, brush my teeth, and crawl into bed before his response came.
Derek: Good to know.
Fucker, I thought. Was he acting like I was bothering him when he was the one that told me to send the damn message?
Me: You were the one that wanted to know. Are you home?
Derek: Yes, why?
Me: Why did you want to know when I got home?
Derek: So I knew you were safe.
Me: Same reason.
Derek: You wanted to make sure I was safe?
Me: Of course I did. For all I knew, a gang of Girl Scouts could have attacked you on the way.
Derek: You are such a pain in the ass.
Me: Goodnight!
Derek: Hey!
Me: What?
Derek: Why do you feel your so different than everyone else at the meeting?
I scooted down deeper into my blankets.
Me: I didn't say I'm different. I said my situation is different.
Derek: I don't get it. You were Gabe's woman. You had his baby. He passed away. How is that so different?
Me: Because I wasn't Gabe's woman.
Derek: What?
Me: Not ready to talk about that. Goodnight, big man.
Derek: See you Saturday?
Me: I'll think about it.
Derek: I'll let you ask another question. It will be a freebie.
Me: Why?
Derek: Why what?
Me: Why do you give a shit if I go or not?
Derek: Honestly?
Me: Always.
Derek: Gabe gave me a chance when I wasn't sure what I was going to do. He was a good man, and I never repaid him. I think this group will help you like it did me.
Me: So you're doing this for Gabe?
The emotions rolling through me were something else. Part of me thought it was pretty great that he felt that way about Gabe, that he wanted to repay him for what he'd done for him. Another part of me was hurt that it had nothing to do with me. My hormones were still all over the place, and I knew that was just another messed up hormonal thought.
Derek: Goodnight, princess.
That was total bullshit. He never even answered the question. Derek had my teeth grinding. He was the damn pain in the ass.
The week went by just like the last. I kept up the house, cooked, and spent time with Gabe. He was already growing so fast. I knew I needed to soak up every second with him.
Derek (Hunter PI & Security #1) Page 12
