Bryce’s smile flashed, and he raised a cocky eyebrow. “Of course I could.” He gave his best Will Smith impression. “The difference between you and me is…I make this look good.”
I shook my head and pushed his arm. It didn’t move him at all, though, and I found myself closer, looking up into his eyes.
The closet was quiet, except for my shaky breath as I studied a face so familiar, yet so different from the one I’d known as well as my own fifteen years ago.
His clean-shaven jaw was sharp and strong. His skin was smooth, tanned from the sun. His hair splayed playfully across his forehead, slightly disheveled from his nap on the couch. Inviting dark eyes looked down at me.
His jaw tensed, and my eyes drifted down to his mouth.
“Bryce…” I whispered. I wasn’t sure what I wanted. But it occurred to me that perhaps this dark, quiet closet was a bit dangerous for my resolve.
A frustrated grimace crossed his lips. “Krys, I–”
Outside the door, I could hear shouts and heavy footsteps in the station. His words trailed off.
Bryce looked toward the door. He stepped back, and we both took a deep breath. I expected him to step outside and engage with the crew. Instead, he looked back up and grabbed another tote. “Just a few more, and then we can make a list for our shopping trip.”
I nodded firmly, ignoring the tense moment that had just passed.
After we’d finished looking through the last few boxes, we emerged from the closet.
Four pairs of eyes landed on us, curiosity and amusement written all over the faces of the firefighters in the rec room.
“Seven minutes in heaven?” came the teasing question from a young guy I didn’t recognize.
Another firefighter choked on his coffee and began to laugh.
Bryce stiffened beside me. I knew without a doubt that he was offended by the insinuation. Before he could chew out the innocent firefighter, I chuckled and laid my hand on his arm.
“Don’t I wish?” I used my most flirtatious, friendly tone.
I held up my armfuls of decorations. “Just getting ready for the auction.” I pointed back to the closet and clicked my tongue. “Someone should really spend some time organizing in there, though.” I glanced at Bryce and tried to send him a telepathic message. Come on, Bryce. I needed him to catch my drift.
His eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea. Don’t you think so, Captain Wells? Got any good candidates for a special assignment?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. Probie!”
The firefighter who cracked the joke immediately groaned and tipped his head back. “Come on, Cap. I didn’t do anything!”
“Have a little respect for a lady. Besides, she’s right. The closet is a wreck. Dylan and Carter can help you.”
I smiled warmly at the probationary firefighter and followed Bryce out of the station with my armfuls of streamers and flowers.