Page 68 of Fierce-Baker

“I think it’s because I’ve had such horrible luck with men and I’d get my hopes up and the minute I did, something wouldhappen. I got sick of saying I was seeing someone and then nothing came about from it. So I learned to not say anything unless it was several months in.”

Which was why her parents didn’t know about Shane. Or didn’t know his name or how they met.

“You go months dating someone with no one knowing?” he asked. “What if the person was a creep or serial killer? I get not telling your parents, but does Margo at least know?”

Her bottom lip came out. “That’s really sweet. I bet you’re a great big brother and son.”

“I try to be for my sister. My mother doesn’t seem to get it, but that is her life.”

She didn’t want to drag their date down by asking about his parents’ relationship when she already knew it wasn’t something he was thrilled with.

“Are you close with Brittany?”

“As close as I can be with her living six hours away. We text more than talk, but I’ll always take her calls.”

“You never really said why you moved here.”

“For the job.”

It was just said so cleanly that it left no room for her to ask more.

She had to tell herself to dial it back because the more she asked, the more he’d feel as if he could also.

“That’s it right there,” she said, pointing. “Look at how high up those ziplines are. Holy cow.”

“Having second thoughts about this?” he asked, looking at her, concerned.

“No way. I can’t wait and then I can tell my students about it in a few weeks and they can think I’m cool and not lame.”

And thirty minutes later, when she was screaming loud enough to echo off the trees, she was positive she didn’t wetherself as she sailed through the air, her hands out wide, feeling freedom that had escaped her for so long.

Baker was ahead of her, turning his head to look over. She could see his smile and hear his laughter.

“This was the best date ever!” she said, jumping into his arms after the last line. “I’m just sorry it’s over with, but I’m starving.”

“The menu is a variety of sample type snacky foods.”

“Perfect,” she said, leaning into him, her lips on his ear. “Because I don’t want to overstuff myself for the surprise I’ve got for you later.”

“Me?” he asked, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her close, his lips landing on hers. “Why am I just hearing about this now?”

“Because if I told you earlier then you might not have taken me here and instead brought me right back to my place.”

He growled in her ear, then whispered, “Keep that up and you might miss dinner.”

“Not happening,” she said. “But I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

“Tell me the surprise,” he said over an hour later when they pulled into her place.

He’d been good about not asking again. And she’d been great about not teasing him even though she wanted to.

Sometimes the unspoken was more than enough.

“I’ll show you instead.”

She opened the door to his SUV and stepped out, unlocking her front door with the awareness of Baker right behind her, his overnight bag slung over his shoulder.

Her neighbors would see, and she didn’t care.