CHAPTEREIGHT
Lucas
Ilove my job, but I’ve never wanted my shift to be over more than I do right now. There are ten minutes left before the night shift takes over, and I’m praying we don’t get a shout. Aside from the call we had when Melody and Roman were here, it’s been a quiet day. The guys have spent all afternoon ribbing me about Melody. I don’t blame them. I’d be doing the same if one of the guys had a woman show up here. It’s just what we do.
“We’re all going for drinks at The Cannon. Are you coming?” Liam asks as we get changed.
“I can’t tonight. I have plans.”
He stops what he’s doing and turns to look at me. “You really like this woman, don’t you?”
“Who says I’m meeting Melody?”
“The dreamy look on your face.”
“Fuck off!”
He laughs and grabs his bag. “Have a great night.” He slaps me on the back as he walks out of the restroom.
As he walks out, Freddie, one of the volunteer firefighters on the night shift, walks in.
“Hey, man. How was the shift?” he asks as he drops his bag on the floor.
“Pretty quiet. Hope the night shift’s the same.”
“Me too! Have a good one.”
I raise my hand in a wave and head out. I’m not working tomorrow. I should be on the night shift, but as I’ve covered Avery’s sickness the past two days, I need a rest day. I toss my bag onto the back seat of my truck and climb into the driver’s seat. I’m just about to set off when my phone chimes in my pocket. I reach for it and smile when I see a message from Melody.
Melody: Have you eaten?
I quickly type out a reply.
Me: Yes, I ate at work. Just leaving.
Melody: Okay. Rome is asleep. The door’s open, so just come right in when you get here.
Me: Will do. See you soon.
Thirty minutes later, I’ve showered and changed, and I’m climbing the porch steps at Melody’s place. I quietly open the door and walk inside.
“Hello,” I whisper, closing the door behind me.
“Hey,” Melody says, appearing in the archway that leads to the living room. “How was work?”
I smile at her as she leans against the wall. Her dark curly hair is piled on top of her head, and she’s wearing cut-off jean shorts and a tank. My eyes fall to her tanned and toned legs, and as my eyes track lower, I take in the bright pink polish on her toes. She’s so fucking beautiful.
“Yeah, good. How was your afternoon?”
“Me and Rome spent some time tidying the backyard. I think it’s starting to look better. It’s so overgrown.”
Her eyes hold mine, and when the need to touch her overwhelms me, I walk toward her, slipping my arms around her waist.
“I can help you with the backyard.”
She shakes her head. “You don’t have to. You’ve already done so much for us.”
“I want to.”