“I’m serious,” I call after him. “We have to be more careful.”
He glances over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Or more sneaky.”
I bite my lip. “I’m not good at being sneaky. Maybe we should just cool it until after the wedding, or—”
“Nope. No way. I can’t go without fucking you that long,” he says, sending a thrill rushing through all my recently ravished parts. “I’ll figure something out. Just relax and keep your eyes open for top secret communications.”
I arch a brow but can’t help but grin. “Top secret communications? Are you going to send me smoke signals from the roof of the firehouse?”
“Something like that.” He winks and reaches for the door. “Later, beautiful.”
“Later,” I echo, a warm, excited feeling filling my chest.
I’m not sure sneaking around with Jamison is good for my blood pressure, but it sure is fun.
Chapter Ten
Jamison
Saturday mornings have always been one of my favorite times at the firehouse—the scent of waffles and eggs and coffee brewing, the roar of laughter and conversation as husbands and wives and extended family gather in the break room setting up folding tables, the shouts as kids run around playing soccer on the grass behind the station, waiting for brunch to be ready.
It’s a festive time, a day to be grateful for family in all its forms—the one I was born into and the one I joined when I became a member of the Bliss River Fire Department.
I get that my choice to leave my Atlanta department and return to Bliss River seemed like a step backward to most of my city friends, but the BRFD is home.
I grew up in this firehouse and kissed my first girlfriend before a brunch very similar to the one I’m helping cook today. I’m looking forward to growing older in a place with so many memories, where I’ve helped celebrate more birthdays and engagements and anniversaries than I can count on two hands. Sure, the physical walls will change when we move into the new firehouse later this summer, but we’ll carry our traditions and memories with us.
Most Saturdays, whether I’m on duty or not, there’s no place I’d rather be than here with my people.
But today, I can’t wait to make my escape.
Maddie slept over at my place the past two nights and lingered over coffee and the paper with me both mornings after—her two days off from opening the bakery—and now the day feels strange without her in it.
It doesn’t help that Naomi’s here at the firehouse, snuggled up next to Jake, sipping coffee and glowing with happiness, alternating between beaming up at her soon-to-be husband and down at the sleeping bundle in his arms. Noelle is so tiny that she makes Jake look even more massive in comparison.
And a massive man holding a tiny baby is bona-fide female-heroin.
Every woman in the room has stopped by to coo and ooze estrogen all over the new family, ensuring I have to fight my way through a crowd when Jake motions me over.
“What’s up?” I ask, meeting Naomi’s gaze with a polite smile before giving Jake my full attention.
My relationship with Naomi has been strained since I nearly screwed things up for her and Jake by dragging up dumb shit from the past that should have stayed in the past. Before the retreat, it felt like we were rounding a corner and headed in a better direction. But now my secret with Maddie has brought the awkwardness back with a vengeance.
My gut says Naomi isn’t going to be a fan of our relationship—deserved or not, I have a reputation as a womanizer, and Naomi is fiercely protective of her siblings—which is making me reconsider how swiftly Maddie and I should make things public.
So far, sneaking around with her has been nothing but a pleasure.
Maybe we should just…keep sneaking.
After all, why mess with a good thing?
“Some guy called for you this morning,” Jake says. “I told him you weren’t here, so he said he’d call back later. I tried to tell him you weren’t on duty until tomorrow and take a message, but he hung up before I could.”
I frown. “Weird. Any idea who it was?”
“No. And he didn’t leave his name,” he says. “But he sounded pretty intense. You don’t have debt collectors on your case again, do you?”
I roll my eyes. “No, Dad, not since I was twenty-two. I’m managing my funds responsibly.”
“Well, we can help if you need it,” Naomi offers. “Please don’t hesitate to ask if you get in a bind.”
I nod, ignoring the spark of irritation her words ignite in my pride-center. She isn’t being judgmental, simply generous. She’s been making an obvious effort to mend our relationship since the confrontation at the Fireman’s Ball.
I should try harder, too.
And I would if I weren’t so certain she’s going to lose it when she finds out about Maddie and me.