Burning Love

Farmers Market

Saturdays have not been quiet for the past five years. This morning is no different. I'm woken up by Eli walking into my room and jumping in bed with me. Most Saturdays consist of snuggling in bed for a bit before heading to the kitchen to make pancakes for breakfast, and then either heading out to a park or my parents after a visit to the farmers market.

I bring Eli closer to me and plant a kiss on his head enjoying the momentary peace of the early morning. Not before long Eli is wiggling next to me asking for breakfast and wanting to know what we are doing that day. I let a sigh out and get up to start getting ready for the day, telling Eli to do the same.

After doing my morning routine, I change into a pair of black leggings, a tight black tank top, and tie an oversized flannel around my hips. I move into the kitchen and start getting all the ingredients I need to make pancakes. As I'm stirring the batter, Eli walks in dressed for the day.

"What will it be today bud, chocolate chips or blueberries?" I ask him as I start making plain pancakes for myself.

"Blueberries!" Eli answers with excitement.

I put music on as I continue making pancakes and dance around the kitchen with Eli. Once the pancakes are done, we sit down and dig into our breakfast.

"So Eli, I was thinking we could walk to the playground after the farmers market and then go to your grandparents to the pool. What do you think?"

"Yes! I'll go get my bathing suit!" He gets up and runs off to his room.

After cleaning our breakfast up, I head to my room to get the things I would need for the pool into a bag, hoping to enjoy the last few warm days of summer before the cool fall air comes. I grab my phone and text my parents to let them know our plans. With everything confirmed, I make my way back out to the living room and get Eli's pool things packed into the bag. I grab my purse and keys and head out the door with Eli.

We make it to the local farmers market fifteen minutes later, and Eli hops out of the car excitedly. I grab his hand and we start walking towards the booths. It is always nice to see familiar and non familiar faces walking around. All the smells of fruits, vegetables and fresh flowers give me calm sense of peace. Which is a nice change of pace from when we lived in Boston.

Being pulled along by Eli, I'm not entirely watching where I'm going when I collide with a tall, solid body. Strong arms hold me in place, preventing me from falling.. I look up and am met by the same blue eyes I dreamt of the night before. Chris looks at me with concern, but when our eyes meet, I can see his gorgeous smile grow.

"I'm so sorry Chris! I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." I quickly say with a flushed face.

"It's okay Frankie! It's always nice bumping into you." He says with a smirk and wink.

I look down slightly laughing and hoping he doesn't see my even redder face. Once I've calmed a bit, I look up at him smirking.

"Are you proud of yourself for that one?" I say eliciting a loud laugh from Chris.

"Not entirely, but it was fun making you blush like that." He says with a husky voice and his sexy side smile.

My breath hitches a bit, and I shake my head trying to laugh it off, when I realize I'm still being held by him. I clear my throat and gently pull myself out of his arms, immediately missing their warmth. Eli notices and flings his little arms around Chris's waist in a tight hug.

"Hey Eli! So, what are the beautiful doctor and her awesome son doing this fine day?" He says while kneeling down to Eli's level.

"We're getting things from the farmers market before going to the playground and the pool!" Eli answers him with a big grin. 

"That sounds like an exciting day! Mind if I join you for the first two activities?" He asks looking up at me.

I look down at his blue eyes and then notice Eli's hopeful green eyes and I can't bring myself to say no. I nod with a small smile earning cheers from both of them. I chuckle as Chris stands up and joins us. Eli is now holding my hand and talking animatedly with Chris. I can't help the smile that appears on my face. I notice Chris side glance at me every once in a while as we make our way through the booths while still giving Eli all the attention he wants.

Once I've got all I need, we make our way to the playground by the market. Eli sprints down to play with some of his new friends from school who are also there. Chris and I watch him as we make our way over to one of the benches. I sit and look at him, while he sets his arm on the bench behind me.

"So what is Captain Evans doing at the farmers market today?"

He looks at me exhaling a small laugh. "Everyone at the station has to work the market at least once a month and today is that day for me."

I nod my head in understanding admiring the man sitting next to me. His beautiful blue eyes are shining, his devilishly handsome smirk set on his plump lips, he's something to withhold.

"What about you doc? Is this a normal appearance at the market?" He asks.

"Really, doc?" I ask with a chuckle while raising and eyebrow at him. He just shrugs and laughs.

"To answer your question, Eli and me come every Saturday morning. It's a nice way to decompress from the week." I answer while looking back out to the playground where Eli is playing.

"So, Frankie, I was wondering if you're not too busy and are interested, I was hoping you would go out to dinner with me?" He asks slightly rambling with a hint of nerves in his voice.

I look at him and smile about to answer when Eli comes running up to me asking if we could leave to get lunch and go to the pool. I look over at Chris as I stand up with an apologetic smile. Chris offers to walk us to my car. I feel bad for not answering him, but my hungry five year old comes first.

When we reach my car, Eli gets in settling himself in his seat while saying bye to Chris. I turn to look at him.

"To answer your earlier question, I'd love to." I say with a smile.

His shoulders seem to relax as he exhales and smiles widely at me.

"Great! How about I pick you up next Saturday at 7?" Chris asks hopefully and I nod.

We exchange numbers, before saying goodbye. I drive off with huge smile and new found feeling blooming within me. The rest of the day goes by in a blur, and as I settle down for bed that night I can't help the smile that reappears on my face.