Breigh, on the other hand, looked breathtaking. She had on a black dress that Wyatt happened to love. Paired with some of my jewelry, she was the star tonight.
If I could have, I would have slipped out the back door and no one would have noticed.
Truthfully, I didn't need to use the restroom, I just didn't want to be standing there waiting for Caleb to walk in. Something about tonight felt desperate to me, and I certainly didn’t want that to be my MO.
I put another layer of lipstick on, blotting it, and then one last glance in the mirror before making my way out the door back to this date. Breigh was on my heels, nervous as all get out. I had assured her I would act like a perfect lady, but she still seemed cautious. We both knew I hadn't been myself.
Wyatt raised his arm to show us where the table was as he and Caleb stood up to greet us. Payton’s Steakhouse was the very definition of a steakhouse decorated with cattle memorabilia, large mounts of various animals, and a beautiful stone fireplace that was burning during the winter months.
Caleb leaned in to give me a kiss on my cheek, holding the chair out for me. “Good to see you again.” He looked me up and down then smiled. He seemed pleased with what he was seeing, unlike myself. Don’t get me wrong; he was a great looking man, but nothing in comparison for what my heart wanted.
“Likewise,” I said, giving him a smile. He looked handsome, wearing a pair of tan starched jeans, boots, and his straw cowboy hat. His pressed shirt was white. I could see his gun on the side of his hip, similar to Wyatt’s. He was rougher around the edges, unlike Cash. He had more of a classic look, a chiseled jaw. I could have sworn he was wearing a cologne similar to Old Spice. I knew that scent well from my father. Not exactly what I would assume a guy my age would be donning.
We ordered drinks and talked small talk about Wyatt and Caleb’s work and then mine, finishing with Breigh feeling lost to the conversation.
“I bet Breigh feels like her job never ends,” I said in her defense. I knew she had missed her work, and working with the elderly, but she wanted to put everything she had into being a mother. I could only hope to be as good as she was.
“You can say that again. All worth it though.” She took a sip of her wine.
Wyatt and Breigh leaned in to talk to each other in a hushed tone they had down to an art. I leaned into Caleb, thanking him for meeting me tonight.
“I wasn't sure you were going to come. You didn't act like you wanted to, that is… at the little girl’s party.”
“I was just distracted. And shocked. I didn't know you were going to be there.”
“I could see how that would be shocking, thinking you were just going to a little girl’s party.”
“It was.”
“You seeing anyone else?” he asked.
I swallowed hard, shocked at his forwardness. “Not really.” I felt like a cat had my tongue and I wasn't sure how I was going to respond but certainly wanted to.
I looked toward Breigh, shocked with the questions already being asked so early in the night.
“I apologize if I took you off guard. I’ve always been pretty direct. I’m not saying I want to get married, but I just didn't want to date someone who has no interest in a future…” He smiled.
He was sexy, the way he was carrying himself, the confidence he radiated, and the way he spoke what he thought. I had been blessed, or cursed, with that same gift. Too bad I wasn’t interested or even open to the possibility at this point.
“To be honest, I am sick of dating. I have a great career, and am at the point that it is tiresome. But then again, what I’m looking for seems unrealistic.”
“How so?” he asked, intrigued. I looked up to see if Breigh and Wyatt were still talking or watching our back and forth conversation. They weren't, but rather caught up within each other. I guess some people just had it.
“I have certain expectations and wants and I can’t seem to find a man who can fit the bill,” I said, taking another sip of my wine.
“Caleb, what was that the lieutenant you were talking about at the station, who was going to be transferred to your old station?” Thankfully, Wyatt broke our conversation.
Caleb’s attention is drawn toward Wyatt and I glared at Breigh. I wasn't sure what to think about my date, but I was sure that at the very least I had gotten out some of my cards tonight. That is better than a lot of dates start out. So I have that. I guess.
“You might want to tell your little brother about him and to watch his back if he requests to work at your old station. You probably wouldn't want him there though,” Caleb said nicely.
“Nah, I wouldn't care. As long as we aren't at the same station, I think we’ll be good.”
“Wait, what?” I asked, completely confused. “Why would Cash need to know about the police station?”
“He is entering the academy and then will get to pick out of a handful of police stations. Doesn't mean he will get the one he wants, but he gets to try,” Wyatt said.
“Breigh, did you know this?” I asked her frustrated.
“Yes, but I didn't think it really…”
“Concerned me? Not my business or what?”
“I just didn't bring it up,” she said,
