Free Off The Clock: First Responders, Book 1 by Donna Alward

hallway, but the oak-stained cupboards matched the rich hardwood flooring in the family room. A big-screen television and leather sofa and chair gave a masculine look, but the room was softened by a gorgeous gas fireplace and carved wood mantle. French doors opened off the dining area between the two rooms, leading to a large back deck and the grassy expanse of lawn beyond.
    This was a home crying out for a family. For laughter and arguments around the table, for cozy movie nights with hot buttered popcorn and snowy afternoons with fresh-baked cookies. This was a house that felt like all the things she’d thought her own life would be—and in the middle of it stood Gabe, the man she wanted so much it hurt and the one person still capable of breaking her heart.
    Gabe put the bag on a chair and smiled. “Looks like the champ is awake.” Nathan had his fist in his mouth and his bright eyes were big as buttons.
    “This time of night he’s always fractious,” Carly replied. If anything could cool her jets it was the constant interference that Nathan would provide. “He seems to get fussy and feed constantly until I’m ready to scream. And then just at the moment I’m going stir crazy, he decides he’s had enough and goes to sleep. He’s only waking once in the night now,” she continued, adjusting Nathan’s weight on her arm.
    “I thought you looked more rested,” Gabe said, going to the butcher block and taking out a loaf of crusty bread. He began slicing it and putting the pieces in a basket he’d lined with a napkin.
    “No more spit stains and wild hair?” Carly replied, embarrassed.
    “Maybe.” His eyes seemed to glow at her. “There’s a twinkle in your eye that was missing before.”
    A twinkle put there from being with him. It was true she’d paid more attention than usual to her appearance tonight. Her jeans were a little more snug than she liked and she’d worried about the neckline of her blouse since her cleavage had deepened. But she’d put on makeup and a dot of perfume just the same.
    Nathan started to fuss and after a moment or two of Carly trying to tempt him with a rattle, she gave up. “I’m sorry,” she said, unhappy things were starting off on the wrong foot. “I’d hoped we’d be able to eat before he got tuned up.”
    “No worries. Everything will keep. I planned it that way.”
    “You did?”
    “Baked penne and chicken. I can hold it for a while. Let me show you the spare room. You’ll have some privacy there and I’ll finish up the salad.”
    Carly marveled at the novelty of a man cooking for her as well as his easy understanding at having to wait. She followed him upstairs to a wonderful spare room decorated in sage green and tan. It was totally calming as early evening sun warmed the room with muted light. With any luck Nathan would forget his normal hour of fussiness and she could feed him and then enjoy her meal.
    “This is perfect,” she said quietly, moving into the room and then turning to see Gabe standing in the doorway. He nearly filled the space with his tall, strong frame and she wet her lips without thinking.
    “Just let me know if you need anything,” he answered, and turned to leave.
    You , she wanted to say, but couldn’t. Or wouldn’t. Things were different tonight. It couldn’t be just her. A lot of the strain between them was gone, but replaced by a different sort of tension. Had he meant for it to happen this way?
    She laid Nathan on the bed and changed his diaper, then made herself comfortable in a soft recliner. Downstairs the quiet clamor of dishes made a homey sort of noise. Tears stung the back of her nose. This was how it was supposed to be. This is what she’d thought she’d have with Jason. She’d been so sure that he’d come around once he realized she was carrying their child. She’d been certain he’d believe her when she said she hadn’t gotten pregnant on purpose. She’d been taking her birth control pills all along.
    But