Page 25 of Then Came You

“Is thirty minutes okay?”

“Sure.” She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.

“Oh, and don’t worry about bringing water for Cocoa. I’ll bring enough for both.”

He was making this way too easy for her, but she supposed that was the point. Dating, or in this case, going to the dog park, shouldn’t have to be hard. She kept telling herself that as she prepared for their outing.

This isn’t a real date. We’re just two people who happen to have dogs and are diligent about walking them. So what that we’re both single and only live a mile apart? So what that we both like dogs, kids, coffee, and magazines (albeit different magazines)? So what that Sam is easy on the eyes and seems like a genuinely nice guy? None of that matters because he and I will never be more than friends.

Chapter 10

Sam stood on Gillian’s front porch and surveyed the scene. She lived off a dirt road, and her driveway wound through a patch of woods and up a slight rise to the house. The house was a neat brick ranch that looked small yet inviting. There were two large flowerpots on the front porch overflowing with colorful blooms, and a wooden sign on the front door that read: Happy Fall Y’all. The setting was typical of many homes in the rural community of Holly Township, which was known for its peaceful, country living.

However, as a cop, Sam was acutely aware of the downside of living in a remote area. A young woman living alone off a quiet country lane could easily be a target. The houses were so spread out that from her porch, he could barely see her neighbors. If she were to run into trouble, it was unlikely that anyone would see or hear her. He hated the thought of it, and when he got the chance, he planned on asking Gillian if she had a security system.

Then he remembered that this had been Owen’s home too. Certainly, he’d already seen to her safety. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

He rang the doorbell and heard Cocoa barking, which he took as a good sign. Then the door swung open, and Gillian stood there with Cocoa peeking around her legs. When Cocoa saw him, the dog started wagging his tail.

At least one of them is happy to see me.

Gillian motioned him inside. “I just have to grab my purse.”

Sam nodded and squatted down to pet Cocoa while he glanced around the living room, which was small, clean, and not overly “girly.” He noticed a brown leather recliner in one corner that looked well-loved and wondered if it had been Owen’s. To the left of the chair was a red and beige plaid loveseat with a throw blanket tossed over the back of it. A coffee table held a stack of magazines and what appeared to be a romance novel; the picture of a man and woman in a sexy pose gave it away. For some reason, seeing it there gave him hope. If she was reading romance books, maybe that meant she was ready to start dating again…

“All set,” she said, breezing back into the room. “I grabbed a jacket too, just in case.”

“Good idea. It’s a little cool today.”

Sam took Cocoa’s leash and led him outside while Gillian locked up. He was glad to see she’d also locked the deadbolt. He’d rest easier knowing that she was diligent about her safety too.

Sam had left Rocky in the back seat of the truck, with the windows down. The second Rocky saw them, he started barking, which caused Cocoa to start up again too. Gillian smiled at Rocky, and Sam wished she’d smiled at him that way. However, she’d agreed to go out with them, so he really couldn’t complain.

“How do you like living out here?” he asked as he backed out of her driveway.

“It’s nice. I enjoy the peace and quiet.”

There were dozens more questions he wanted to ask, but he was wary of bringing up anything remotely connected to Owen, especially since this was their first outing. He’d decided to think of it like that instead of a date, and he presumed that was how she thought of it too.

“So, now you know I have a sister. What about you? Any siblings?”

“I have a brother, Rob, but I don’t get to see him that much. He and his wife live in Boston.”

“Boston, huh?”

“That’s where her family is from.”

“Ah.”

“My parents live nearby, though, and so do Lauren and Savannah. Plus, I have Cocoa to keep me company.”

He glanced over at her and saw her brow was furrowed. Why was she so uncomfortable talking about herself? This is what people did on outings. She must have anticipated that, yet she was still so reserved. What had made her agree to come if she didn’t want to talk? He was racking his brain, trying to think of a neutral subject when she spoke again.

“Can I say something?”

“Please.”

“I almost said no to this.”