Chapter Six
Tom
Laid back in my chair, I send off another teasing text to Caroline. This back-and-forth with her is a habit now. And the challenge of trying to one-up each other with flirting and banter? Man, it’s addictive.
When she first got into town, she was trying to avoid me like the plague.
It’s been two weeks, and I’ve been slowly trying to ease myself back into her good graces—bringing her coffee, helping with wedding things when I’m not working.
And I think it’s working. She’s loosening up, and our conversations are a bit more like they were before.
But I’m treading carefully; I don’t want to close myself off again.
My mind wanders back to the first time we met. It was the Summer Festival, and Maggie was introducing her friends to Jake. Caroline stepped up immediately and introduced herself.
“Well, hello there.” She gave me a flirtatious grin.
I shook her hand and chuckled. “Pleasure meeting you.”
She looped her arm in mine, and we were inseparable for the rest of the festival.
From the moment I saw her, I was intrigued by her.
Her fiery-red hair matched her fiery, big personality.
And I knew she was special. She left the next day, and we have talked ever since.
I’d call her on my days off, and we’d just talk for hours.
I never told her, but I was planning to drive to Charlotte to see her.
All I wanted was to be in her presence again.
I put in extra hours when one of the B crew members was out for paternity leave.
I mapped out the trip and everything. Then Jake told me he was going to get everyone together to propose to Maggie and disguise it as a Thanksgiving celebration with her kids and friends.
So, I canceled my trip, knowing Caroline was coming here again.
Maybe if I had made that leap, we’d be further in our relationship than we are now. Maybe she wouldn’t have been so hesitant when she came here. Maybe she would see how much I care about her.
But now, she is here. In my town, for more than just two days this time. Blue Alder Cove is charming and my home. Part of me is secretly hoping she sees the charm and can see it being her home, too.
My phone buzzes in my hands.
Caroline
Since Danger is your middle name, should I be running away then?
There’s that spark of playfulness I’m used to. I have an idea, it’s a crazy one, but I’m going for it anyway.
Me
Only if you want me to chase you *wink emoji*
Caroline
Well, I’m not much of a runner, so you’re in luck. No chasing needed. Although you do need to try this cake if you haven’t already.
Me
How about I whip us up some dinner, and you bring dessert? Then we can compare notes about how life-changing that cake is.
I hit send before I can second-guess myself. It’s one thing to flirt over text, but this is a real step toward more.
The three little bubbles dance across the screen, then disappear. A pit forms in my stomach. Maybe I was too forward. They pop up again, and my heart beats like a drum. I can practically hear it in my ears.
Caroline
When and where?
Me
My house. Tomorrow after my shift?
Caroline
Okay, Firefighter. You’re on.
A thrill zips through me as I type my address. This is happening, actually happening. I’m about to have dinner with Caroline. Just the two of us.
“Earth to Tom.” Captain Martinez’s voice cuts through the quiet room.
“Sir?” I look up, my fingers frozen over my phone.
Mackey and Russell are quietly nursing their coffee on the couch until the Rookie speaks up. “He’s had that stupid grin plastered on his face for the last ten minutes.”
“He’s probably dreaming about that redhead again.” Mackey nudges Russel with his elbow.
Captain chuckles and shakes his head. “Get some shut-eye. You’re on first watch tonight.”
“Will do, Cap.” I salute him before heading back to the bunks.
I love these guys, ribbing and all. It’s all in fun, and we’ve all done our fair share of messing with one another.
Although the Rookie has brought an extra dose of it.
He’s a good kid, fresh out of high school, but he’s not afraid to dish it out.
Just wait till he gets a girl. It’ll be the same, if not worse, for him.
Most of the guys are single, except Cap—and now Jake, I guess. Th captain’s been married to his high school sweetheart since they were eighteen. Mackey was dating a teacher from the town next to us, but that’s over. We’re all just dedicated to the job, to this town.
I prop my head in my hands and stare at the bunk above me. My mind replays our conversation. I’m shocked she said yes to dinner. At my house. Just her and me. The thought of her in my home sends a thrill through me and twists my stomach in knots.
I feel like a teenager again, about to go on my first date. Palms sweaty, heart thundering. The nerves and butterflies, the excitement. But this feels like more. More personal, more real. It’s a significant step forward. At least I hope it will be.
As soon as my shift ends, I practically race home to get things ready.
I walk through the front door, set down the groceries on the counter, and scan my house with fresh eyes—Caroline’s eyes.
It’s a simple home, rustic is what Maggie called it.
She restarted her home decorating blog and wanted some fresh inspiration.
I know nothing about decorating a house, so I offered my place up for her to help me with.
She helped “spruce” things up, still keeping it manly but inviting. I hope Caroline sees it that way, too.
After a quick shower and house tidy-up, I pull out the ingredients for tonight’s dinner. I’d spent the rest of my shift debating what to cook her until the memory hit me.
The weather had finally cooled down, and that meant warm, cozy dinners.
We were video calling after my shift, and I was making chicken potpie.
Homemade crust and everything. She admitted she’s only had the frozen store-bought ones.
She watched as I prepared it and said I’d have to make it for her the next time she’s in town.
I think it’d be a pleasant surprise and show how much I do care about her and listen to what she says. She’s not just some consolation prize but someone I want to grow a deeper, true relationship with.
I don’t know…I’ve been the guy with his heart on his sleeve before, and I’ve got the burn scars to prove it. Maybe this is too much, and having her here is too fast, not right.
Before the spiraling can spiral too far, there’s a knock at the door. I wipe my hands on the dish towel and take a deep breath.
“Hey, Firefighter,” Caroline says, a nervous smile on her pink-tinted face.
“Caroline.” My eyes take in the rest of her. She’s bundled in a thick dark coat, her green scarf looped around her neck, and a box from Alder & Crumb Bakery in her hands.
“Come on in.” I step aside, reaching for the box as she passes.
The faintest hint of her wafts through the air as she walks past me. It’s sweet and invigorating. I help take off her coat, which reveals a simple white sweater and jeans that hug her curves just right.
Her gaze darts around the room, lingering on the exposed wooden beams. “Your place is nice.”
I shrug, trying not to let her compliment affect me too much. “It’s home.”
She laughs lightly. “Still, it’s very…rustic.”
“Ah, you’ve been talking to Maggie, haven’t you?” I grin at her.
She raises an eyebrow. “Perhaps I have.”