Disclaimer: Nothing is mine.
CHAPTER 1
"Five-five David, shots fired at 241 Kensington, please respond."
"Ten-Four central, 241 Kensington," Officer Faith Yokas responded, flipping on the lights. "241 Kensington? Isn't that a church?"
"Got me," her partner, Maurice "Bosco" Boscorelli replied. He was tired. And now he was annoyed. They'd just put in a double shift; seemed there was a virus going around and everyone but he and Yokas was lucky enough to get it.
Faith shook her head at Bosco. He was as bad as her kids when they didn't get their way. He'd been whining all week about the extra hours they'd had to put in.
Arriving, they found 241 Kensington was indeed a church. The EMT had already arrived and Doc and Carlos were routinely checking some of the elderly in the congregation.
The shots had obviously interrupted an early morning service. The church was too crowded for anything else.
"Officers."
They were approached by a man in his early fifties who had been sitting with those being checked by the paramedics.
"What happened, sir?" Faith took charge of the conversation before Bosco could open his mouth and offend the congregation with his insensitivity.
"I'm not sure. You see -" he began.
"You're not sure?" Bosco interrupted rudely. "Then what are we doin' talkin' to you?"
"Bosco!" Faith snapped, giving him a look that told him to mind his manners. To the man before her, she prompted, "Go ahead, Sir."
"Pastor," he corrected.
"I'm sorry?" Faith wasn't sure if he was telling her that his name was Mr. Pastor or he was the pastor.
"Pastor Thomas Howell. Anyway, we had just finished praise time and were getting ready for Miss Sophie when three young boys came running through, up the aisle and grabbed the collection box and ran out the back."
"Did you get a look at the boys?" Faith asked, making notes.
"Not really. Miss Sophie probably got a better look at them; she was pushed when they were running out."
"Shots were fired?" Faith confirmed.
The man nodded, pointing to some broken windows and other structural damage. "It seems the guns were only fired to frighten us; they were never pointed at anyone."
Faith made a few more notes. "This Miss Sophie? You said she might have gotten a better look at the boys? Can we speak to her?"
The pastor turned a headed for the stairs, explaining, "Miss Sophie went down to the children's classes right after it happened. She has a way with music which works wonders on upset children."
Bosco followed Faith and the man downstairs where he was met with the sound of children singing.
"-Sing a simple song of love, when I sing a simple song of truth, when I sing a simple song and my heart breaks in two, it's for you, it's for you -"
"If you'll wait here, I'll send Miss Sophie in; we would prefer the children not see the police were called unless necessary. Their parents are waiting upstairs to see if their assistance was needed anywhere." The pastor showed them to an empty room decorated with pictures obviously colored by the children of the church.
"Leave it to a bunch of church freaks to blow a minor disturbance out of proportion." Bosco whined, roaming about the room. "Miss Sophie is probably a deaf and blind eighty year old -"
"Bosco, be a little sensitive - their service was interrupted by a robbery and gunfire." Faith took a chair, patiently waiting for Miss Sophie.
"I just want to get out of here. Religion is for the weak," he said, looking at the pictures on the wall. "And what's with the fruit with faces here?"
"Bosco, have some respect!" Faith ordered.
"That would be Dave," a voice floated into the room, slightly Southern accented, drawing their attention. "as in Dave and the Giant Pickle. And the one next to it is Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato. Veggietales."
The officers turned to face a young woman moving into the room. "Pastor Thomas said you may have some questions for me?"
Bosco found his voice. "You're Miss Sophie?"
The young woman smiled, clearly enjoying Bosco's shock. "Sophia Wells. Everyone calls me Miss Sophie. I'd like to think it's not because of my accent."
Faith stepped forward. It was clear from the way he was staring at her, Bosco had left what little bit of intelligence that resided in his brain in the car. "Mrs. Wells -"
"Ms. and please call me Sophie." She took a step forward and pointed behind Faith at the rocking chair. "Do you mind if I sit?"
It suddenly seemed to dawn on Bosco that the lovely young woman he was gaping at was also pregnant - and very different from any woman he ever met. There was an air -a quality - no, an openness - about her that drew him. As he watched her slowly begin to lower herself, he stepped forward to offer his hand for balance and hold the rocking chair steady.
Faith watched her partner's actions and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. Bosco was many things but a gentleman? Not likely. "Sophie, did you happen to get a look at the boys? Pastor Thomas said you might have."
Sophie set the chair to rocking as she spoke. "I would say 9-10 years old, maybe younger, about my height, maybe a little taller. I didn't get a clear view of their faces; they had already pushed me by then and I was bracing myself for the fall. One of them did have a baseball hat on though - black with white letters."
Faith paused in her note taking, glancing at Bosco, who had stepped back from the young woman but still stared intently at her. "Do you know what was written on the hat?"
Sophie's gaze fell to the floor and her cheeks burning in embarrassment.
"Ma'am?" Faith prompted.
Sophie's gaze remained locked on the floor as she whispered the lewd expletive.
Bosco and Faith exchanged glances. She was embarrassed over that? That was nothing compared to what they heard on the street. Where was this woman from?
"Anyway, after they ran out, I came down to be with the children," she was saying.
"And were you checked out by the paramedics?" Faith asked referring to her fall.
Sophie waved away the question. "We're fine."
Bosco finally found his voice again. "But were you checked out?"
Smoothing her dress over her stomach, Sophie answered, "No, there isn't a need. I'm -"
Taking her hand, Bosco helped her to her feet. "Let's go back upstairs and Doc can check you out."
"Doc?" Sophie questioned, glancing at Faith. She was a little embarrassed at the attention the officer was giving her.
"The paramedic," Faith explained as Bosco led her by, Faith bringing up the rear.
Reaching the foyer, they discovered Doc and Carlos had taken one of the elderly women, complaining of chest pain to the hospital.
"That would be Mrs. Grayson. She's always having chest pain but I've never seen anyone healthier in my life," Sophie commented.
"Then we'll take you to the hospital," Bosco decided turning the conversation back to Sophie.
"Really, that's not necessary," Sophie protested yet again. "Officer Yokas, please tell him I'm fine."
Faith took Bosco's side. "Actually, I think you need to get checked out. Do we need to call anyone?"
They weren't going to let it go. Giving in, Sophie shook her head. "No."
"The father?"
"There's no one," Sophie stated settling the issue by picking up her bag and heading toward the door, leaving the officers to follow.
Outside, Faith watched the interaction between Sophie and Bosco with barely contained amusement. Bosco was warning Sophie to watch her step on the stairs, then as Sophie was getting in the back of the squad, Bosco warned, "Watch your head."
Sophie leaned out. "Officer, I'm pregnant, not blind."
Knowing his partner had heard the remark, Bosco refused to meet her gaze as they got in the car.
At the hospital, Bosco paced the waiting room until Faith, who'd been trying to complete some paperwork, commanded him to sit down.
"What is it with you?" She asked as he took the seat next to her.
"Nothin'," he mumbled. "Just wonderin' what's taken so long."
"You got somethin' better to do? Personally, I'd rather be waitin' for her to get checked then chasin' down some -" she broke off as Bosco suddenly stood.
"I'm fine," Sophie announced, approaching them. "Just need to stay off my feet the rest of the day."
Sophia resisted adding 'I told you so' as she lead the way from the emergency room. They're only doing their job, Sophie reminded herself. She reached for the handle on the car door but the young officer leapt to open it for her. He seemed to be a little embarrassed at his action and remained silent as she got in.
Giving her address, Sophie leaned back. She couldn't remember the last time she been pampered. Okay, riding around in the back of a police car was not exactly a day at the spa and she would have some explaining to do to her neighbors, but she supposed it was the attention she was getting from Officer Yokas and her partner, whatever his name is, that made her feel a bit special.
She almost fell asleep on the way home. Almost but not quite. Stopping in front of her building, Sophie prayed her neighbors happened to be out. She really wasn't up to being questioned about why she was riding around in a police car. The young officer, what's-his-name, opened her door and waited for her to get out.
Oh, now he wasn't going to help! Sophie thought. Getting in cars was no problem gravity took care of that; it was the getting out that she had trouble with.
"Bosco," Faith had come around the car and stood facing her partner. "you could help her out."
He maintained his position behind the open car door. "Yokas, the last time I tried to help, I got my head bit off."
The guy was an idiot. Faith shook her head and held out her hand to help Sophie. "Sophie, you'll have to excuse my partner."
Sophie managed to get out of the car with a tiny bit of grace. "It's fine. I wasn't exactly polite earlier but I do appreciate all you've done for me."
Faith glanced at Bosco, who had the sense to look a bit ashamed of himself. "Your welcome, Sophie. Let us know if you remember anything more."
Sophie fished in her bag for her keys. Turning to Bosco, who was leaning against the car, arms folded over his chest, ankles crossed, looking as bored as he possibly could, she studied him silently.
Bosco tried to ignore her; tried to show she didn't intrigue him in the least. Tried to ignore those eyes, not quite a brown or a green but a mix of the two, in which he wanted to drown himself. And it was working for all of the ten seconds he could stand for her to study him with those eyes, head tilted to the side. "What?"
She smiled, her eyes twinkling, and stepped forward, holding out her hand. "I'm Sophie Wells."
Bosco glanced at her hand and then back at her face. What was she doing? Did he not introduce himself earlier? He couldn't remember. He took her hand. "Bosco."
An eyebrow arched over her left eye. "Bosco?"
"Boscorelli," he amended quickly. "Maurice Boscorelli."
Once again her eyes pierced his. He felt as if she had effectively blocked out everything but the two of them in that gaze and he was the center of her world at the moment. A woman's eyes were not the first things he noticed about a woman - ever - but with this one it was mesmerizing. What was the deal with this woman?
She glanced at their hands, still touching, and he felt her thumb move softly against the back on his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Officer Maurice Bosorelli."
The intimacy that seemed to run between them was broken by the sound of a siren nearby.
He moved to open the door just as Faith rolled down the window to get his attention.
"Uh, nice to meet you, too," he stammered as he pulled the door closed behind him.
Sophie stepped back as she watched the car leave the curb. Interesting man, she thought as she let herself in the building. The baby moved then reminding her she wasn't alone. "Yes, I know," she said softly, placing a hand over the spot where the fluttering was. "I don't think I have to worry about seeing him again."
CHAPTER 2
"I just keep thinkin' about this girl. So I just thought, maybe, - if I - like, you know took her out, then I would figure out why I keep thinkin' about her," he finished, studying his partner's face for her reaction. He had hesitantly approached Faith about taking Sophie out thinking she would steer him in the right direction.
Faith stared in shock. "Bos, she's pregnant!"
He rolled his eyes. "I know that!"
"But do you know what that means? Bos, you don't play with this girl, don't you be expecting to sleep with her."
"I'm not! I just can't get her out of my head - what?" he broke off to find his partner grinning at him.
"You like her."
"What? No, I -"
"Yes, you do. She's different. You can tell that right off. You like her."
"Faith, she's pregnant. I can't like her," he stated as if that explained everything.
"So what? Fred always told me I was more beautiful when I was pregnant. Of course, I never believed him but, hey, that was me. Besides, she is pretty cute." Just to pick his nerves, she added. "So I don't blame you for liking her."
"Will you stop sayin' that! I don't like her. She's just different."
Sobering, Faith went on. She knew a good thing when she saw it. " Bos, go out with her. Just remember this girl is like crystal right now. You treat her very carefully."
Silently, Bosco nodded in acknowledgement.
Bosco quietly stood at the door, shifting his weight nervously. What ever had possessed him to come in the building? He could have caught her as she was leaving.
Not if she left by a different door, a voice taunted.
"Bosco, isn't it?" Sophie stood before him, her bag tossed over her shoulder, smiling; looking as if she encountered him in a church all the time.
"Uh, yeah."
Some children ran through earning them sharp looks from parents silently reminding that running in church is not allowed. Sophie smiled and waved as if she were included in a conspiracy with the kids before turning her attention back to Bosco.
He watched her interaction with the children and tried to find the right words before opening his big mouth. It's those eyes, he thought. They're gonna do me in.
Heavens, Sophie thought. The man even looked good in jeans and a t-shirt. What had brought him back to the church? Religion is for the weak, he'd said and even though Sophie felt differently, she wouldn't say anything to him about it. Words were more powerful than actions sometimes, she knew. She'd been surprised when she'd seen the young officer standing by the doors looking as if he would be struck by lightening if he even touched anything, refusing to meet anyone's gaze as they left. She tried again. "Can I help you?
More fidgeting. "Yes. No. That is," What was wrong with him? Was he that intimidated by this woman? "I was just wondering if you'd like to have a drink sometime?"
Sophia's surprise shown clearly. "You do realize I'm pregnant, don't you?"
Bosco resisted the urge to roll his eyes and throw up his arms in exaggeration. Why did everyone think it was necessary to point out her condition? He could see it for himself. Calmly, he replied, " Yes."
"Therefore, you would understand if I turned you down?"
Of course she wasn't drinking. He felt utterly foolish and turned to leave. Make as quick an exit as possible. It was stupid of him to think of asking her out to begin with. What had he been thinking?
"But it is time for lunch," she softly suggested. "That is, if you'd like to join me?"
He paused in his hurried retreat and turned back to face her. She was asking him to lunch? She wasn't turning him down? It was something. "Sure."
She suggested a little Italian place within walking distance of her apartment and led the way from the church.
Over plates of steaming pasta, Bosco discovered what it was to talk to a woman, not try to pick her up. He discovered that Sophie was from the Midwest, the heart of the Bible belt, as she put it; she worked as a legal assistant in one of the many law firms in the city. She had a passion for the arts, reading was at the top of the list closely followed by music. She asked about his work, which he managed to describe in one word: interesting. He talked a little of Faith and her family; barely mentioning his own and definitely avoided talking of his past history with the fairer sex. Listening to her soft accent, so different to him, he just enjoyed being in her company whether they were talking or just watching the time pass. It was, he knew, one of the few times he found himself content with life.
CHAPTER 3
"What are we doin'?" Faith asked as the car slowed to a stop.
"I gotta check on somethin'." Bosco was out of the squad car before she could ask anything more. "Be right back."
Faith watched him disappear into the office building. What was he doing?
Bosco looked around the office, waiting for Sophie. Where was she? He tried to ignore the glances the receptionist kept giving him. Nosy biddy.
"Hey."
That seemed to be her personal greeting. To him, 'hey' was something he yelled to a suspect on the street. "Hi."
"Everything okay?" She put the file she was holding on the desk and moved closer to him. Mercy, the man looked good whatever he wore. Whoa, she warned herself. Don't read too much into this. Sensing his unease, she added, "I was just going for a little air. Care to join me?"
Holding open the door for her to pass, Bosco glanced back at the receptionist just in time to see her avert her gaze. Nosy biddy.
"What's going on?" Sophie asked again as they waited for the elevator.
"Nothin', I just thought I'd drop in on a break. See how you're doin'." He folded his arms across his chest.
Sophie smiled at his defensive stance; she was becoming well acquainted with his body language in the weeks they had spent time together, mostly on walks or over food. Right now, he was trying very hard not to show how nervous he was in the semi-formal atmosphere of the office. He obviously preferred to be out on the street.
The elevator doors opened and they crowded into the compartment. Sophie was aware of his presence at her back, especially after he put his hand to the small of her back when the sudden decent threw her slightly off balance. He kept it there even after she regained her balance.
Once outside, Sophie tried once again. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Bosco nodded, slightly relaxed at getting out of the office building. "Yeah. I just wanted to make sure it was still okay for me to come by after my shift. That is if you're up to it. If not, then - "
Sophie hastened to reassure him. "I wouldn't have invited you if I didn't want you to come."
"Well, I just didn't want you staying up, you know, if you need to rest." Bosco glanced over at the squad to find Faith watching them intently.
"Believe me, this baby starts fussing about eleven and doesn't let me get much sleep. It's fine for you to drop by."
"Bosco!" Faith yelled from the car. "We gotta go!"
Bosco waved in acknowledgement. "Well, I -"
"Bosco! Now! Let's go!"
Sophie jerked her head in the direction of the car. "Go on. I'll see you when you get off."
Running for the car, Bosco thought he heard her call after him, "Be careful!"
"You want to tell me what that was about?" Faith asked an hour later after the suspects they had apprehended were brought in.
"What?" Bosco knew very well 'what.'
"You and the little mother. What's goin' on there?"
"Her name is Sophie and we're just friends."
"Yeah and I'm June Cleaver. C'mon Bos, what's the deal? Are you embarrassed?"
"I'm not embarrassed. It's just what I said. She's just a friend."
Faith snorted. "You don't have women friends."
"I got you," he shot back.
"I'm your partner." Although she didn't voice it, that both knew they were friends as well as partners. "Are you going to enlighten me?"
Knowing Faith wasn't going to let the matter drop, he relented. "I'm going over to her place after my shift tonight. I wanted to make sure she was still up for it."
"And?" Faith pressed.
"What? Aw, you don't believe that I can be friends with this woman, do you?"
"Look Bos, you just surprise me, that's all. I thought you'd take her to dinner and you'd move on." Faith explained.
I thought so too, Bosco thought. Only it turns out I want to see her more, not less.
CHAPTER 4
"Did I wake you?" Bosco was quick to ask when the door opened. It was the first time he'd been inside her apartment and he was slightly nervous. He felt he was being given a special privilege to see something of hers that was so personal. They had been growing closer, more comfortable with each other over the past weeks since their first lunch and he was a little afraid of messing things up with her.
Putting her hand over her stomach, Sophie replied. "Are you kidding? We're just getting started."
He dropped his bag beside the door and followed her to the cozy living room. "Restless?"
Sophie tried not to be sarcastic. "Restless? Restless is at least letting mom get some sleep. Feel this."
She grabbed his hand, holding it to her stomach with both of hers.
Bosco grinned at the constant fluttering he felt under his hand. He had never felt a baby move during pregnancy. "Does it hurt?"
Sophie gaped at him a moment before answering. "Not really. Just startles me sometimes, especially at first. Haven't you ever felt a baby move?"
He shook his head in response. Sophie dropped his hand and stepped back, breaking the contact. "I'm sorry. I just assumed -well - the way you are with me - I just assumed you knew how to handle pregnant women."
"No, you're my first."
"Should I be flattered?" Sophie didn't expect an answer and moved to the kitchen. "Would you like something?"
Bosco followed her, taking the offered soft drink she handed him and waited for her to take some vitamins before following her back to the living room.
Making himself comfortable on the sofa, Bosco watched Sophie glance at the space next to him or the rocking chair across from him. "What?"
"I'm just trying to decide where to sit. I'm afraid if I sit on the sofa, I'll never get up."
"I'll be here." Taking her hand, Bosco led her to the sofa and helped her lower herself down before taking his place next to her.
"Tell me about your day." She said as he sat next to her.
So it began between them. This friendship in which he found himself. He would meet her in the park near her office for lunch. Drop in on her shortly after beginning his shift and then see her when he was done. He discovered she sang at church but refused to sing when he asked to hear her, saying he would have to attend a service with her if he wanted to hear her sing; she held two college degrees, one in English literature, was widely read and took joy in reading certain quotes of her favorite books to him. Privately, he wondered what she was doing wasting her time with him. In short, he found her fascinating. She was so different from the other women he encountered in the city. He assumed it was because of where she was from. He'd always heard things were done different the further west one got from the east coast. She never mentioned the baby's father. He had asked one time and she had had such a guarded, pained look on her face that Bosco immediately changed the subject, sensing the father was long gone. One night, he arrived to find her pouring over information on Lamaze classes.
"Oh, it's just something my doctor suggested I look into but - " she broke off wrinkling up her nose and shaking her head.
"Why not?" Bosco asked as she lowered herself next to him.
"I don't have a partner for one and I'm a little skeptical as to how well it really works."
Bosco rested his hand on top of hers, which were folded over her stomach. "What if I'm your partner?"
Sophie blinked at him, not sure if she heard correctly. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Well, I just don't want you to feel like you have to do this and -"
"Sophie," he interrupted. "I'm a cop. I pretty much do what I want."
She laughed at the remark - mainly because it was true and she knew it - at least for him. "Only if you're sure you want to do this."
"Just tell me when and where."
'You did what?"
Bosco inwardly cringed. He hated when Faith did that. It made him feel like he had disappointed his mother or something.
"I'm going to be her Lamaze partner," he repeated.
"As in attending the birth?" Faith gaped at him.
"No. I thought I'd coach while on patrol from a cell phone." Why was it so hard for her to believe he would do this for Sophie? "We went to our first class this morning."
Faith nodded and was silent for a moment. "Bos, when was your last date?"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Just answer me."
He threw up his hands. "I give. When was my last date?"
"Bosco," Faith's voice was serious. She wondered if he even saw the changes in himself since he started seeing Sophie. He was still the hot-headed cop that usually acted before thinking but he seemed to be less selfish in some ways. "You haven't had a date or talked about another woman since you met Sophie - over two months ago. Do you realize that?"
He hadn't but wasn't surprised that Faith had. He only knew that he enjoyed being with Sophie more than any woman he'd met. Before her, he didn't really believe a man could enjoy being with a woman unless he was with her - physically. Sophie was proving how wrong he'd been.
TO BE CONTINUED -
CHAPTER 1
"Five-five David, shots fired at 241 Kensington, please respond."
"Ten-Four central, 241 Kensington," Officer Faith Yokas responded, flipping on the lights. "241 Kensington? Isn't that a church?"
"Got me," her partner, Maurice "Bosco" Boscorelli replied. He was tired. And now he was annoyed. They'd just put in a double shift; seemed there was a virus going around and everyone but he and Yokas was lucky enough to get it.
Faith shook her head at Bosco. He was as bad as her kids when they didn't get their way. He'd been whining all week about the extra hours they'd had to put in.
Arriving, they found 241 Kensington was indeed a church. The EMT had already arrived and Doc and Carlos were routinely checking some of the elderly in the congregation.
The shots had obviously interrupted an early morning service. The church was too crowded for anything else.
"Officers."
They were approached by a man in his early fifties who had been sitting with those being checked by the paramedics.
"What happened, sir?" Faith took charge of the conversation before Bosco could open his mouth and offend the congregation with his insensitivity.
"I'm not sure. You see -" he began.
"You're not sure?" Bosco interrupted rudely. "Then what are we doin' talkin' to you?"
"Bosco!" Faith snapped, giving him a look that told him to mind his manners. To the man before her, she prompted, "Go ahead, Sir."
"Pastor," he corrected.
"I'm sorry?" Faith wasn't sure if he was telling her that his name was Mr. Pastor or he was the pastor.
"Pastor Thomas Howell. Anyway, we had just finished praise time and were getting ready for Miss Sophie when three young boys came running through, up the aisle and grabbed the collection box and ran out the back."
"Did you get a look at the boys?" Faith asked, making notes.
"Not really. Miss Sophie probably got a better look at them; she was pushed when they were running out."
"Shots were fired?" Faith confirmed.
The man nodded, pointing to some broken windows and other structural damage. "It seems the guns were only fired to frighten us; they were never pointed at anyone."
Faith made a few more notes. "This Miss Sophie? You said she might have gotten a better look at the boys? Can we speak to her?"
The pastor turned a headed for the stairs, explaining, "Miss Sophie went down to the children's classes right after it happened. She has a way with music which works wonders on upset children."
Bosco followed Faith and the man downstairs where he was met with the sound of children singing.
"-Sing a simple song of love, when I sing a simple song of truth, when I sing a simple song and my heart breaks in two, it's for you, it's for you -"
"If you'll wait here, I'll send Miss Sophie in; we would prefer the children not see the police were called unless necessary. Their parents are waiting upstairs to see if their assistance was needed anywhere." The pastor showed them to an empty room decorated with pictures obviously colored by the children of the church.
"Leave it to a bunch of church freaks to blow a minor disturbance out of proportion." Bosco whined, roaming about the room. "Miss Sophie is probably a deaf and blind eighty year old -"
"Bosco, be a little sensitive - their service was interrupted by a robbery and gunfire." Faith took a chair, patiently waiting for Miss Sophie.
"I just want to get out of here. Religion is for the weak," he said, looking at the pictures on the wall. "And what's with the fruit with faces here?"
"Bosco, have some respect!" Faith ordered.
"That would be Dave," a voice floated into the room, slightly Southern accented, drawing their attention. "as in Dave and the Giant Pickle. And the one next to it is Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato. Veggietales."
The officers turned to face a young woman moving into the room. "Pastor Thomas said you may have some questions for me?"
Bosco found his voice. "You're Miss Sophie?"
The young woman smiled, clearly enjoying Bosco's shock. "Sophia Wells. Everyone calls me Miss Sophie. I'd like to think it's not because of my accent."
Faith stepped forward. It was clear from the way he was staring at her, Bosco had left what little bit of intelligence that resided in his brain in the car. "Mrs. Wells -"
"Ms. and please call me Sophie." She took a step forward and pointed behind Faith at the rocking chair. "Do you mind if I sit?"
It suddenly seemed to dawn on Bosco that the lovely young woman he was gaping at was also pregnant - and very different from any woman he ever met. There was an air -a quality - no, an openness - about her that drew him. As he watched her slowly begin to lower herself, he stepped forward to offer his hand for balance and hold the rocking chair steady.
Faith watched her partner's actions and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. Bosco was many things but a gentleman? Not likely. "Sophie, did you happen to get a look at the boys? Pastor Thomas said you might have."
Sophie set the chair to rocking as she spoke. "I would say 9-10 years old, maybe younger, about my height, maybe a little taller. I didn't get a clear view of their faces; they had already pushed me by then and I was bracing myself for the fall. One of them did have a baseball hat on though - black with white letters."
Faith paused in her note taking, glancing at Bosco, who had stepped back from the young woman but still stared intently at her. "Do you know what was written on the hat?"
Sophie's gaze fell to the floor and her cheeks burning in embarrassment.
"Ma'am?" Faith prompted.
Sophie's gaze remained locked on the floor as she whispered the lewd expletive.
Bosco and Faith exchanged glances. She was embarrassed over that? That was nothing compared to what they heard on the street. Where was this woman from?
"Anyway, after they ran out, I came down to be with the children," she was saying.
"And were you checked out by the paramedics?" Faith asked referring to her fall.
Sophie waved away the question. "We're fine."
Bosco finally found his voice again. "But were you checked out?"
Smoothing her dress over her stomach, Sophie answered, "No, there isn't a need. I'm -"
Taking her hand, Bosco helped her to her feet. "Let's go back upstairs and Doc can check you out."
"Doc?" Sophie questioned, glancing at Faith. She was a little embarrassed at the attention the officer was giving her.
"The paramedic," Faith explained as Bosco led her by, Faith bringing up the rear.
Reaching the foyer, they discovered Doc and Carlos had taken one of the elderly women, complaining of chest pain to the hospital.
"That would be Mrs. Grayson. She's always having chest pain but I've never seen anyone healthier in my life," Sophie commented.
"Then we'll take you to the hospital," Bosco decided turning the conversation back to Sophie.
"Really, that's not necessary," Sophie protested yet again. "Officer Yokas, please tell him I'm fine."
Faith took Bosco's side. "Actually, I think you need to get checked out. Do we need to call anyone?"
They weren't going to let it go. Giving in, Sophie shook her head. "No."
"The father?"
"There's no one," Sophie stated settling the issue by picking up her bag and heading toward the door, leaving the officers to follow.
Outside, Faith watched the interaction between Sophie and Bosco with barely contained amusement. Bosco was warning Sophie to watch her step on the stairs, then as Sophie was getting in the back of the squad, Bosco warned, "Watch your head."
Sophie leaned out. "Officer, I'm pregnant, not blind."
Knowing his partner had heard the remark, Bosco refused to meet her gaze as they got in the car.
At the hospital, Bosco paced the waiting room until Faith, who'd been trying to complete some paperwork, commanded him to sit down.
"What is it with you?" She asked as he took the seat next to her.
"Nothin'," he mumbled. "Just wonderin' what's taken so long."
"You got somethin' better to do? Personally, I'd rather be waitin' for her to get checked then chasin' down some -" she broke off as Bosco suddenly stood.
"I'm fine," Sophie announced, approaching them. "Just need to stay off my feet the rest of the day."
Sophia resisted adding 'I told you so' as she lead the way from the emergency room. They're only doing their job, Sophie reminded herself. She reached for the handle on the car door but the young officer leapt to open it for her. He seemed to be a little embarrassed at his action and remained silent as she got in.
Giving her address, Sophie leaned back. She couldn't remember the last time she been pampered. Okay, riding around in the back of a police car was not exactly a day at the spa and she would have some explaining to do to her neighbors, but she supposed it was the attention she was getting from Officer Yokas and her partner, whatever his name is, that made her feel a bit special.
She almost fell asleep on the way home. Almost but not quite. Stopping in front of her building, Sophie prayed her neighbors happened to be out. She really wasn't up to being questioned about why she was riding around in a police car. The young officer, what's-his-name, opened her door and waited for her to get out.
Oh, now he wasn't going to help! Sophie thought. Getting in cars was no problem gravity took care of that; it was the getting out that she had trouble with.
"Bosco," Faith had come around the car and stood facing her partner. "you could help her out."
He maintained his position behind the open car door. "Yokas, the last time I tried to help, I got my head bit off."
The guy was an idiot. Faith shook her head and held out her hand to help Sophie. "Sophie, you'll have to excuse my partner."
Sophie managed to get out of the car with a tiny bit of grace. "It's fine. I wasn't exactly polite earlier but I do appreciate all you've done for me."
Faith glanced at Bosco, who had the sense to look a bit ashamed of himself. "Your welcome, Sophie. Let us know if you remember anything more."
Sophie fished in her bag for her keys. Turning to Bosco, who was leaning against the car, arms folded over his chest, ankles crossed, looking as bored as he possibly could, she studied him silently.
Bosco tried to ignore her; tried to show she didn't intrigue him in the least. Tried to ignore those eyes, not quite a brown or a green but a mix of the two, in which he wanted to drown himself. And it was working for all of the ten seconds he could stand for her to study him with those eyes, head tilted to the side. "What?"
She smiled, her eyes twinkling, and stepped forward, holding out her hand. "I'm Sophie Wells."
Bosco glanced at her hand and then back at her face. What was she doing? Did he not introduce himself earlier? He couldn't remember. He took her hand. "Bosco."
An eyebrow arched over her left eye. "Bosco?"
"Boscorelli," he amended quickly. "Maurice Boscorelli."
Once again her eyes pierced his. He felt as if she had effectively blocked out everything but the two of them in that gaze and he was the center of her world at the moment. A woman's eyes were not the first things he noticed about a woman - ever - but with this one it was mesmerizing. What was the deal with this woman?
She glanced at their hands, still touching, and he felt her thumb move softly against the back on his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Officer Maurice Bosorelli."
The intimacy that seemed to run between them was broken by the sound of a siren nearby.
He moved to open the door just as Faith rolled down the window to get his attention.
"Uh, nice to meet you, too," he stammered as he pulled the door closed behind him.
Sophie stepped back as she watched the car leave the curb. Interesting man, she thought as she let herself in the building. The baby moved then reminding her she wasn't alone. "Yes, I know," she said softly, placing a hand over the spot where the fluttering was. "I don't think I have to worry about seeing him again."
CHAPTER 2
"I just keep thinkin' about this girl. So I just thought, maybe, - if I - like, you know took her out, then I would figure out why I keep thinkin' about her," he finished, studying his partner's face for her reaction. He had hesitantly approached Faith about taking Sophie out thinking she would steer him in the right direction.
Faith stared in shock. "Bos, she's pregnant!"
He rolled his eyes. "I know that!"
"But do you know what that means? Bos, you don't play with this girl, don't you be expecting to sleep with her."
"I'm not! I just can't get her out of my head - what?" he broke off to find his partner grinning at him.
"You like her."
"What? No, I -"
"Yes, you do. She's different. You can tell that right off. You like her."
"Faith, she's pregnant. I can't like her," he stated as if that explained everything.
"So what? Fred always told me I was more beautiful when I was pregnant. Of course, I never believed him but, hey, that was me. Besides, she is pretty cute." Just to pick his nerves, she added. "So I don't blame you for liking her."
"Will you stop sayin' that! I don't like her. She's just different."
Sobering, Faith went on. She knew a good thing when she saw it. " Bos, go out with her. Just remember this girl is like crystal right now. You treat her very carefully."
Silently, Bosco nodded in acknowledgement.
Bosco quietly stood at the door, shifting his weight nervously. What ever had possessed him to come in the building? He could have caught her as she was leaving.
Not if she left by a different door, a voice taunted.
"Bosco, isn't it?" Sophie stood before him, her bag tossed over her shoulder, smiling; looking as if she encountered him in a church all the time.
"Uh, yeah."
Some children ran through earning them sharp looks from parents silently reminding that running in church is not allowed. Sophie smiled and waved as if she were included in a conspiracy with the kids before turning her attention back to Bosco.
He watched her interaction with the children and tried to find the right words before opening his big mouth. It's those eyes, he thought. They're gonna do me in.
Heavens, Sophie thought. The man even looked good in jeans and a t-shirt. What had brought him back to the church? Religion is for the weak, he'd said and even though Sophie felt differently, she wouldn't say anything to him about it. Words were more powerful than actions sometimes, she knew. She'd been surprised when she'd seen the young officer standing by the doors looking as if he would be struck by lightening if he even touched anything, refusing to meet anyone's gaze as they left. She tried again. "Can I help you?
More fidgeting. "Yes. No. That is," What was wrong with him? Was he that intimidated by this woman? "I was just wondering if you'd like to have a drink sometime?"
Sophia's surprise shown clearly. "You do realize I'm pregnant, don't you?"
Bosco resisted the urge to roll his eyes and throw up his arms in exaggeration. Why did everyone think it was necessary to point out her condition? He could see it for himself. Calmly, he replied, " Yes."
"Therefore, you would understand if I turned you down?"
Of course she wasn't drinking. He felt utterly foolish and turned to leave. Make as quick an exit as possible. It was stupid of him to think of asking her out to begin with. What had he been thinking?
"But it is time for lunch," she softly suggested. "That is, if you'd like to join me?"
He paused in his hurried retreat and turned back to face her. She was asking him to lunch? She wasn't turning him down? It was something. "Sure."
She suggested a little Italian place within walking distance of her apartment and led the way from the church.
Over plates of steaming pasta, Bosco discovered what it was to talk to a woman, not try to pick her up. He discovered that Sophie was from the Midwest, the heart of the Bible belt, as she put it; she worked as a legal assistant in one of the many law firms in the city. She had a passion for the arts, reading was at the top of the list closely followed by music. She asked about his work, which he managed to describe in one word: interesting. He talked a little of Faith and her family; barely mentioning his own and definitely avoided talking of his past history with the fairer sex. Listening to her soft accent, so different to him, he just enjoyed being in her company whether they were talking or just watching the time pass. It was, he knew, one of the few times he found himself content with life.
CHAPTER 3
"What are we doin'?" Faith asked as the car slowed to a stop.
"I gotta check on somethin'." Bosco was out of the squad car before she could ask anything more. "Be right back."
Faith watched him disappear into the office building. What was he doing?
Bosco looked around the office, waiting for Sophie. Where was she? He tried to ignore the glances the receptionist kept giving him. Nosy biddy.
"Hey."
That seemed to be her personal greeting. To him, 'hey' was something he yelled to a suspect on the street. "Hi."
"Everything okay?" She put the file she was holding on the desk and moved closer to him. Mercy, the man looked good whatever he wore. Whoa, she warned herself. Don't read too much into this. Sensing his unease, she added, "I was just going for a little air. Care to join me?"
Holding open the door for her to pass, Bosco glanced back at the receptionist just in time to see her avert her gaze. Nosy biddy.
"What's going on?" Sophie asked again as they waited for the elevator.
"Nothin', I just thought I'd drop in on a break. See how you're doin'." He folded his arms across his chest.
Sophie smiled at his defensive stance; she was becoming well acquainted with his body language in the weeks they had spent time together, mostly on walks or over food. Right now, he was trying very hard not to show how nervous he was in the semi-formal atmosphere of the office. He obviously preferred to be out on the street.
The elevator doors opened and they crowded into the compartment. Sophie was aware of his presence at her back, especially after he put his hand to the small of her back when the sudden decent threw her slightly off balance. He kept it there even after she regained her balance.
Once outside, Sophie tried once again. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Bosco nodded, slightly relaxed at getting out of the office building. "Yeah. I just wanted to make sure it was still okay for me to come by after my shift. That is if you're up to it. If not, then - "
Sophie hastened to reassure him. "I wouldn't have invited you if I didn't want you to come."
"Well, I just didn't want you staying up, you know, if you need to rest." Bosco glanced over at the squad to find Faith watching them intently.
"Believe me, this baby starts fussing about eleven and doesn't let me get much sleep. It's fine for you to drop by."
"Bosco!" Faith yelled from the car. "We gotta go!"
Bosco waved in acknowledgement. "Well, I -"
"Bosco! Now! Let's go!"
Sophie jerked her head in the direction of the car. "Go on. I'll see you when you get off."
Running for the car, Bosco thought he heard her call after him, "Be careful!"
"You want to tell me what that was about?" Faith asked an hour later after the suspects they had apprehended were brought in.
"What?" Bosco knew very well 'what.'
"You and the little mother. What's goin' on there?"
"Her name is Sophie and we're just friends."
"Yeah and I'm June Cleaver. C'mon Bos, what's the deal? Are you embarrassed?"
"I'm not embarrassed. It's just what I said. She's just a friend."
Faith snorted. "You don't have women friends."
"I got you," he shot back.
"I'm your partner." Although she didn't voice it, that both knew they were friends as well as partners. "Are you going to enlighten me?"
Knowing Faith wasn't going to let the matter drop, he relented. "I'm going over to her place after my shift tonight. I wanted to make sure she was still up for it."
"And?" Faith pressed.
"What? Aw, you don't believe that I can be friends with this woman, do you?"
"Look Bos, you just surprise me, that's all. I thought you'd take her to dinner and you'd move on." Faith explained.
I thought so too, Bosco thought. Only it turns out I want to see her more, not less.
CHAPTER 4
"Did I wake you?" Bosco was quick to ask when the door opened. It was the first time he'd been inside her apartment and he was slightly nervous. He felt he was being given a special privilege to see something of hers that was so personal. They had been growing closer, more comfortable with each other over the past weeks since their first lunch and he was a little afraid of messing things up with her.
Putting her hand over her stomach, Sophie replied. "Are you kidding? We're just getting started."
He dropped his bag beside the door and followed her to the cozy living room. "Restless?"
Sophie tried not to be sarcastic. "Restless? Restless is at least letting mom get some sleep. Feel this."
She grabbed his hand, holding it to her stomach with both of hers.
Bosco grinned at the constant fluttering he felt under his hand. He had never felt a baby move during pregnancy. "Does it hurt?"
Sophie gaped at him a moment before answering. "Not really. Just startles me sometimes, especially at first. Haven't you ever felt a baby move?"
He shook his head in response. Sophie dropped his hand and stepped back, breaking the contact. "I'm sorry. I just assumed -well - the way you are with me - I just assumed you knew how to handle pregnant women."
"No, you're my first."
"Should I be flattered?" Sophie didn't expect an answer and moved to the kitchen. "Would you like something?"
Bosco followed her, taking the offered soft drink she handed him and waited for her to take some vitamins before following her back to the living room.
Making himself comfortable on the sofa, Bosco watched Sophie glance at the space next to him or the rocking chair across from him. "What?"
"I'm just trying to decide where to sit. I'm afraid if I sit on the sofa, I'll never get up."
"I'll be here." Taking her hand, Bosco led her to the sofa and helped her lower herself down before taking his place next to her.
"Tell me about your day." She said as he sat next to her.
So it began between them. This friendship in which he found himself. He would meet her in the park near her office for lunch. Drop in on her shortly after beginning his shift and then see her when he was done. He discovered she sang at church but refused to sing when he asked to hear her, saying he would have to attend a service with her if he wanted to hear her sing; she held two college degrees, one in English literature, was widely read and took joy in reading certain quotes of her favorite books to him. Privately, he wondered what she was doing wasting her time with him. In short, he found her fascinating. She was so different from the other women he encountered in the city. He assumed it was because of where she was from. He'd always heard things were done different the further west one got from the east coast. She never mentioned the baby's father. He had asked one time and she had had such a guarded, pained look on her face that Bosco immediately changed the subject, sensing the father was long gone. One night, he arrived to find her pouring over information on Lamaze classes.
"Oh, it's just something my doctor suggested I look into but - " she broke off wrinkling up her nose and shaking her head.
"Why not?" Bosco asked as she lowered herself next to him.
"I don't have a partner for one and I'm a little skeptical as to how well it really works."
Bosco rested his hand on top of hers, which were folded over her stomach. "What if I'm your partner?"
Sophie blinked at him, not sure if she heard correctly. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Well, I just don't want you to feel like you have to do this and -"
"Sophie," he interrupted. "I'm a cop. I pretty much do what I want."
She laughed at the remark - mainly because it was true and she knew it - at least for him. "Only if you're sure you want to do this."
"Just tell me when and where."
'You did what?"
Bosco inwardly cringed. He hated when Faith did that. It made him feel like he had disappointed his mother or something.
"I'm going to be her Lamaze partner," he repeated.
"As in attending the birth?" Faith gaped at him.
"No. I thought I'd coach while on patrol from a cell phone." Why was it so hard for her to believe he would do this for Sophie? "We went to our first class this morning."
Faith nodded and was silent for a moment. "Bos, when was your last date?"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Just answer me."
He threw up his hands. "I give. When was my last date?"
"Bosco," Faith's voice was serious. She wondered if he even saw the changes in himself since he started seeing Sophie. He was still the hot-headed cop that usually acted before thinking but he seemed to be less selfish in some ways. "You haven't had a date or talked about another woman since you met Sophie - over two months ago. Do you realize that?"
He hadn't but wasn't surprised that Faith had. He only knew that he enjoyed being with Sophie more than any woman he'd met. Before her, he didn't really believe a man could enjoy being with a woman unless he was with her - physically. Sophie was proving how wrong he'd been.
TO BE CONTINUED -