Free Keep Me Safe by Elaine Breson

Bob’s and that he had a really great time. He was hoping you guys were going to go out again soon.”
    I blushed and looked down, hoping I could tone down the cheesy grin I had plastered to my face, even though I had the desire to jump up and down like a girl in high school who just got a phone call from her crush. “Yeah, it was pretty nice. He was a total gentleman and it’s been a while since I was treated that way. My ex-husband wasn’t very attentive.” In a good way anyway…
    “Well, I haven’t heard him talk about someone he went out with in a very long time. Actually, I think it’s been a while since he’s dated.”
    “Did he date a lot?” I wanted to get her perspective on her ‘troublemaker’ comment without telling her that Parker and I had talked about it.
    “Um, he did for a while. He seemed to go through a whole lot of first dates and then nothing after. He just wasn’t content with any of them. I gave him a hard time, but I just like to bust his balls. Matt and I have been married since a month after we graduated high school, so I just tease Parker about being the manwhore of the family.” She poured a margarita for each of us and grabbed some spinach dip out of the fridge. “Anyone still hungry? I could use a snack. Let’s take this stuff out back.” She grabbed some paper plates, the crackers and the dip and we headed outside while I grabbed the pitcher.
    It was beautiful outside and the mosquitos didn’t seem to be bad at all. Beth lit the fire pit and we all got comfortable in front of the fire. Beth looked back over at me. “I hope I didn’t scare you off talking about Parker. I give him a hard time, but he hasn’t been a serial dater for a long time. He’s been in a really good mood this last week, and I’m willing to bet it has something to do with you. I’ve been waiting for him to find someone to settle down with, and I’d be thrilled if you guys got together.”
    I felt a flood of relief wash over me. She couldn’t have picked a better time to tell me that. “Thanks Beth. I really do like him. I haven’t been divorced that long, but I hope Parker feels the same way I do. He’s pretty incredible.”
    She raised her glass in the air. “To Sadie and Parker. May you both realize you’re awesome and deserve each other’s happiness!”
    “Hear hear!” Everyone said in unison with their glasses raised.
    “You’ve already managed to go on one date without sleeping with him, so he must be hooked!” I shook my head as she laughed and we all went back to making small talk. After a bit, I tipped back the rest of my margarita and realized most of us needed a refill.
    I stood up and grabbed the nearly empty pitcher. “You guys want more? I’ll go make some.” Everyone said yes, so I took off towards the kitchen. I got the strawberries back out of the freezer and put all of the ingredients in the blender. I turned it on and stood there staring into space before I realized the margaritas were already done. I snapped back to reality and turned the blender off when I felt someone press into my back and put their hands on either side of me on the counter.
    “Too busy thinking about me to pay attention to that?” I recognized Parker’s voice and could almost feel the smile on his face. I didn’t turn around, just poured the liquefied margarita mix into the pitcher. Feeling him pressed up against me made my heart race and my body feel like it was going to take over and jump on him right here.
    “No, I was thinking about this hot guy in the movie I just saw.” I let out a quiet giggle and I knew my face was turning red.
    “That’s too bad. You smell really good right now. I don’t really want to move.”
    I turned around so we were facing each other and he pulled his hands off the counter. “Yeah, so I’ve heard. I got your note.”
    “What note?”
    “The note you left on my car. Don’t be coy. I thought it was really sweet.”
    His expression changed immediately.