Ready For Love?

Chapter 20

“Honestly no. Dad tried to protect us from all that. He just went quiet, or shoved his head more into work when one of his past colleagues was killed in the line of duty or when another one shot himself. That one was really hard as they were quite close. We knew what had happened and all just banded together as a family, making sure he had food, coffee and drinks in the station when he was home. Talked to him about everything else to keep his mind off it and gave him extra hugs.”

“So you can see the changes? When they're triggered?” I knew what Gypsy meant and shrugged.

“Yes and no. Everyone’s different, of course. He was my dad, so I knew when he was in work mode to dad mode, and even the difference in those sides of him. Being at a one-man meant he was home more than when he was at a big station. He would come and do the paperwork on the kitchen table sometimes.”

“Sounds like he was an active dad.”

“He was, or tried to be around work commitments like all parents. He’s retired now and tries to come over and help as much as he can as well.”

“Can I ask... about your late husband?” Looks like we aren’t watching the movie.

I nodded and took a swig of my drink first. “Cameron died in a car accident five years ago.” I didn’t bother saying ‘what do you want to know.’ “I haven’t dated since and only just moved my rings.” I looked at my wedding ring finger.

It still felt empty and looked strange most days.

“Are you willing to give Rip a chance?”

“I'm honestly not sure what chance to give. He keeps saying deep s**t though, and I'm not sure what to think...” They laughed at the deep s**t part as I sculled my drink to help.

OK can everyone stop with the deep and mind f*****g tonight please. It's been a big night, and I'm getting close to wanting to just rock in the corner.

The movie, that no one was actually watching right now was put on hold as they all turned to me.

Amy spoke softly first. “How would you feel if he wanted more than a fling?”

I groaned. “He said he wanted more but… We haven’t even kissed." OK, how old am I? 39 years old or 15? "He’s younger than me, I can tell and… I have kids and a life back in Australia. He wouldn’t… surely…” I looked at them all as they side-eyed each other.

“These men can be full on when they get something in their heads…” Crystal shrugged.

“Or f*****g bulldozers.” Trap laughed.

“Trap’s boyfriend basically stalked her after seeing her in a bakery.”

“Yeah, and has been trying to put a ring on it, but it’s too soon.” She shook her head and I couldn’t help but laugh at her facial expression.

With Cam, it was gradual. It was slow with the cute crushes and wanting to see each other when we could. The excitement of every time he texted or called. It's the way I expected it to be again... and in Australia.

I expected to go on a date, then another and get used to the idea of dating. Then probably break the cobwebs at about two months, then if everything was going well, they could meet my kids at about six months... gradual. Time to get my thoughts and emotions in check.

“But Reid…” I started but couldn’t finish that sentence.

“Has NEVER let anyone call him by his given name since I’ve known him. Even an old service buddy turned up and called him some other nickname until Rip told him to call him Rip. He is Rip and Rip only to everyone else.”

OK, being Australian and not knowing the real names of half of my parents' friends and other locals… that hit hard.

“We’re not trying to scare you, we just want you to know you're NOT a fling. Please give him a chance. Take your time. Of course, take your time.”

“f**k yeah! Make him grovel.”

“Yes! Take your time, but pllllleeeeaaassseeeee give him a chance.”

“Stay! We love you already.”

“Make him work for it girl!”

All I could do was laugh and try to get the 'animal in headlights' look off my face.

“I thought we were here for a movie?” Was all I could get out. Trying desperately to change the topic... but then again I could ask these girls a lot of questions and hopefully get some answers. But then again, I know they are team Reid and will absolutely tell him... but is that really going to be an issue?

Then again if I don't like the answers, it might stop me from going back to the room to bonk an extremely hot muscular guy.

I had grand ideas of struggling to walk tomorrow after popping my dried-up vja-ja to end my current drought in the best, most messy, most screaming to the heavens, kind of way. Hoping he would be amazing, but hey, I would be damn surprised if he wasn’t!

“Alright. Leave the girl alone. Turn it back on.” Wheels winked at me as she threw popcorn at Amy.

“OK. OK. Just making sure she knows the whole club…”

“Less slutty bunnies…” Collins added with a groan.

“Except whores, are hoping you give Rip a chance. He has more than shown all of us that he’s in. It isn’t your imagination. He is all in.”

He's all in... No man is suddenly all in after just meeting someone. This is not the movies! And this is me!

They pressed play, before I could respond, thankfully, and this time we did actually watch the rest of the movie. Turns out they really just wanted to add their three cents' worth. And I have to admit, I did appreciate it and how much they care about Reid and me being together.

It did almost make me question whether they chose this movie for a reason. Wasn’t exactly like me but still had the whole ‘give the boy a chance’ theme.

When it finished, we chatted as we cleaned up. Thankfully, not about Reid.

Just before we got back to the common room, Amy turned to me with a smirk. “Oh and just another heads up. You can never run from a wolf once you’re in their sights. We are all here if you need to talk.” I nearly tripped over my own feet to that.

She laughed and pulled me in for a hug and walked into the common room.

Gypsy put her arm around my shoulder and almost dragged me into the common room, making my feet work. “Take it from experience, she isn’t wrong. You’re not alone though.”

“Here, here. We’ve decided to adopt you so it isn’t just him you can’t run from.” Crystal joked as she pulled me in for a hug before saying buy to everyone else.

They all then proceeded to say similar things before heading off, while I stood there shaking my head.

It was down to Trap and Wheels when Reid walked in from a side door. His eyes locked on me as soon as he entered and headed straight for me… maybe they’re right?

I certainly had zap of electricity go up my spine from that thought... and the look in his eyes. Damn!

He assessed me as he walked, but the way he stalked towards me was actually quite predatory, ignoring everyone else around him.

And I swear he growled at one of the Bunnies who tried to get his attention. I’m not joking!

“Have fun?” He asked, while still staring straight into my eyes.

“Yep.” Was all I managed to say as I heard Trap and Wheels laugh and wish me a ‘good night’… with a lot of emphasis on the ‘good’ part.

With the alcohol definitely kicking in… this was going to be interesting.

He grabbed my hand, and we walked back to the room. And I can honestly say my stomach was full of butterflies as I repeated 'I can do this. I got this. I more than want this.' All the way to his door.