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Beth chuckled. “Smart parents.”
“They are. And they completely supported my decision to become a firefighter. You should have seen my mom when I was promoted to captain. You would have thought I’d won an Oscar or something.”
It was obvious by the look on Drew’s face that he loved his parents. “She was proud of you. As she should be.”
“Thank you.”
Drew finished off his food, wiped his mouth, and laid his napkin on the table. “Can I ask you something?”
The tone of his voice had her a little worried. “Sure.”
“Does my job bother you?”
She had to admit his question had caught her off guard. “No. Not really, anyway.”
When he gave her a questioning look, she knew she was going to have to elaborate, even though she really didn’t want to. “Yes, I’ve worried a little on occasion, but in the general sense, no. I figure you must know what you’re doing.”
He released a heavy breath. “I do. We’re always training and making sure safety procedures are followed.”
Beth smiled, hoping it came across as encouraging.
“I mean, I didn’t think you had a big issue with it, but I figured it was best to ask. I’ve had women in the past who, while they initially loved the idea of dating a firefighter, the reality of it was too much for them.”
“But we’re not dating.” The statement was said with less conviction than she knew it should.
“I know, but I’m hoping . . .”
Drew let that linger in the air as they stared at each other.
Despite all her reservations, Beth felt that pull toward him she always did. It was getting harder and harder to keep him at bay when there was a voice in her head—that was getting stronger by the minute—telling her to take a leap of faith and go for it.
As much as she wanted to do just that, the fear of another broken heart still made her question whether or not it was smart to get involved. “I like you, Drew. A lot. I really do.”
“Is it because I’m new to this . . . the lifestyle, I mean?”
“No. If anything it helps.” She gave him a weak smile. “I enjoyed today. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”
He gave her a grin that made her heart skip a beat. “How about tomorrow? I’m off for the next three days.”
Beth shook her head and laughed. “You’re incorrigible, do you know that?”
“Is that a yes?”
“I have to work tomorrow.” She was dragging her feet to see what he’d do.
“I can wait.”
Grabbing her purse and the bill the server had left on the table for her food, she slid from the booth, and stood. “It’s good practice for you.”
He picked up his ticket and followed her toward the front of the restaurant. She could tell he was dying to press her, but kept his mouth shut.
Beth made him wait until they were standing in front of her car. “I’ll meet you here at three thirty. Don’t be late.”
Before he could respond, she got behind the wheel and shut the door. Beth spared him a glance in her rearview mirror as she drove away. He looked pretty pleased with himself, and Beth wondered if she really knew what she was getting herself into. And for the first time she considered what would happen if she couldn’t get past her fear. Drew had made his interest in her clear—his desire for a relationship. What would happen if she couldn’t deliver? She’d been so afraid that he’d break her heart, but what if she broke his instead?
***
Drew was humming as he walked joyfully to his car. He had another movie date with Beth the next day. Okay, not a date, but that was a technicality. She was opening up to him, and his mind was racing with the possibilities.
