“Yeah, it’s been like that all morning.” I twisted my lips. There were two new inflatables this year. I guessed kids preferred to bounce than get their faces painted. I probably would’ve been the same way.
Ty patted my knee. He was seated next to me at his station, clearly too close if he could touch me so casually. “They’re missing out on your talents.”
I brushed his hand away, shooting him a touch-me-and-I’ll-break-your-face look.
Laura arched an eyebrow, a goofy grin on her face. “You know, afterward, your dad wants to take everyone to your favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. He said you bring it up every time he talks to you.”
Casa de Fuego was not only my favorite restaurant, it was where a lot of firefighters ate. It was only a block away from Station 38. My dad and his crew gathered there monthly and ordered take-out a lot. They had the best fish tacos in Southern California.
Wait. Did Laura say everyone? What did that mean?
Laura smiled and pointed at Ty. “You’re invited too. So is Pam.” She made weird eyes at her friend. No doubt plotting to get her and Grayson together. And likely push me onto Ty.
Not happening.
“Oh, cool. I’m down with it.” He wiggled his brows at me. I found it comical and not the least bit attractive.
“Gillian?” Grayson’s gruff voice speared down my spine.
I slowly turned my head to the left. “Yeah?”
He had his arms crossed over his chest. Jerking his chin toward the parking lot, he said, “Need your help.”
“Oh, okay.” I stood, brushing my hands down my skirt. My heart rate kicked up, wondering if he’d seen Ty touching me. Grayson might have walked away from me the other day, but I knew he wanted me. I’d felt his possessiveness at the pool. Then again in my bedroom. I didn’t imagine he would take kindly to Ty flirting with me, much less touching me.
“Oh, you sit, dear.” Pam stepped in front of me. “I can help with whatever Grayson needs. She’s busy, ya know.”
I gaped, utterly shocked at her forwardness. “O-kay…”
Grayson looked around and shook his head with an annoyed expression. “I said Gillian.”
I glanced at Ty. “I’ll be back.”
“No problem, babe. I can handle it,” he replied, checking me out again.
Grayson fisted one hand, seemingly not caring who noticed.
“Excuse me,” I said to Pam as I went around her before Grayson took a swing at Ty.
“What’s up with him?” Pam whisper-shouted to Laura as we left.
I had a sneaky suspicion I knew what flew up Grayson’s ass: Ty the flirt. I held back a smirk.
Grayson stalked ahead. His vast strides made it easy to lag behind him so I could drool over his firm, grabbable ass. He could easily pass for a Greek god.
I sighed. If only he were mine.
I figured it would be better if we didn’t walk side by side. Pam and Laura might be watching us. Or my dad. As Grayson went around the fire engine, I slowed my steps to search the area. I didn’t see anyone I knew around.
“What did you need help with?” I turned the corner and slammed right into his chest. His lips crushed mine, his hands gripping my ass.
What the hell? My head whirled as he stole the air from my lungs.
“Fuck, if that kid touches you again, I’ll beat the shit out of him.” He kissed me harder, growling into my mouth.
“I don’t understand.”
“You’re mine, Gillian. Mine.” He devoured me, possessing me with his tongue. Thank God the truck hid us from everyone at the park. I was pretty sure we looked like two horny people desperate for each other. Not something I’d want little kids—or my dad—to see.