Page 12 of Fools in Love

“There she is,” Patty barked out when they stepped through the glass doors. “Finally come to pay us a visit?”

Kate’s mother smiled and replied. “Kate’s finally feeling up to an outing.”

“That’s good. Young people bounce back so much quicker than us old farts.” Patty chuckled. “If you need anything…”

“Thanks.” Kate smiled at the woman and took the cart her mother offered her. She figured she could lean on it instead of her crutches as she walked through the store.

“Get what you need. I’m going to grab a few things.” Her mother quickly disappeared down an aisle.

Kate strolled to the beauty section and grabbed the few things she needed. A few of her favorite brands weren’t available, and she had to settle for what was there.

She was comparing two different brands of tampons when Tom came around the corner. Seeing him, she quickly dumped both boxes into the cart, instantly embarrassed for some reason. She wouldn’t have been embarrassed in the city or with any other man she’d been interested in. But now…

Then she realized he was wearing his police uniform. The black shirt and pants somehow made him look dangerous. The gun and the other tools of his trade on his hip made him look even more so.

Her heart did a little leap at how sexy and perfect he looked in the uniform. It fit him. Just as much as toe shoes and leotards fit her.

“Morning,” Tom said with a smile as his eyes moved to her leg. “How are you feeling?”

“Good,” she answered quickly. She had never been shy before. Never. For as long as she could remember, she’d been secure about everything. Her body. Her choice. Her career. Everything. Yet, for some reason, around Tom, she felt like a silly schoolgirl.

Then she noticed the bundle of flowers in his basket and felt like a fool. Of course he had someone in his life.

She’d been a fool to think otherwise. Someone as handsome and kind as him was probably married or in a serious relationship already.

“I saw your mother.” He motioned with his head down the aisle. “She mentioned you were going to hit the Brew-Ha-Ha and then lunch at Baked.”

She nodded. “I haven’t eaten at Baked yet,” she admitted.

Tom smiled. “Best pizza along the coast. They’ve opened six other locations.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? I thought it was just owned by locals?”

“Twin brothers. Corey and Carter Miller. They started to franchise a few years back and, since it’s amazing pizza, it took off.”

“You sound like a true fan.”

Tom chuckled, and the warm rich sound had her relaxing. She could still enjoy his company, even if he was already taken. Small towns were usually not great for their pickings. It had taken her going away to dance school before she’d found her first boyfriend. Now, as her eyes ran over Tom, she wondered what kind of woman had tied him down.

“I was going to head over to Baked myself for lunch,” Tom surprised her by saying. “I mean…” He cleared his throat. “Nick and I, on our break.”

Seeing him slightly flustered made her smile. “I guess we’ll see you over there,” she said, noticing her mother heading towards her.

“There you are.” Her mother stopped beside her. “We’d better head out. Did you find everything?”

“Yes. Tom was just saying that Nick and he were heading to Baked for lunch. Maybe we can hit the bookstore after?” she asked, feeling her stomach growl at the thought of food.

Her mother’s smile grew. “Sounds wonderful.” She turned to Tom. “We’ll see you over there.” Then her mother stopped. “Oh, what lovely flowers. Who is the special someone?”

Thank god for her mother, Kate thought as she waited to hear Tom’s answer.

“It’s Alice’s birthday,” he answered easily. “We all pitch in and get her flowers and a card. I drew the straw to make the run.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. It pays to work in a small town. Everyone watches out for one another,” her mother said. “We’ll see you over there.”

Tom started walking towards the front.

“You don’t find too many men like that,” her mother whispered when they were alone. “Someone would be wise to snatch him up for themselves.”