Saved By the Firefighter

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Ellie

T he scent of pine and the warm glow of fairy lights create a cozy ambiance in the rustic venue. We're putting together the final touches for Olivia and Asher's surprise engagement party. Wooden beams crisscross overhead, and mason jars filled with wildflowers sit on tables, casting soft shadows across the hand-carved chairs. The air buzzes with anticipation, as if the barn itself is in on the secret and can hardly wait to spring the surprise.

I'm hanging the last string of twinkling fairy lights, their delicate glow casting a warm ambiance across the room, when I hear my name called from across the space.

"Ellie, can you make sure the pictures are set up?" Clara calls out from where she's trying to fix a stubborn table cloth, her brows furrowed in concentration. Clara is Olivia's friend. I just met her today, but I can already tell we're going to get a long great—she's a ton of fun, her laughter infectious and her energy boundless.

"Got it," I shout back, jumping off a step stool and crossing the space. Marcus is around somewhere, probably grabbing the last of the food for the tables.

I reach a table near the entrance that has a large easel with a lovely photo of Asher, Olivia, and their baby, Mary. I pause to smile at them because they're the sweetest-looking family, their faces radiating pure love and contentment. I haven't met Olivia yet, but I knew Asher in high school since he's been friend's with my brother for so long. He used to come over to my house for dinner sometimes before I graduated and moved away from Cedar Ridge for college.

I arrange smaller photo frames around the guestbook on the table. Then I pause again to smile at another photo—a snapshot capturing Asher and Olivia in a candid moment, their eyes locked on each other. They appear to be hiking. Their faces radiate pure joy, and I feel a twinge in my chest at the sight of such unguarded love.

Marcus sidles up beside me, grinning at the photo, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hard to believe our grumpy Asher helped make that cute baby." He leans in, his sandy hair catching the soft light as he smiles down at the picture. Marcus has always been the epitome of a protective big brother—sturdy and reliable like an oak tree, his brown eyes usually dancing with mischief or warmth.

I chuckle. "Yeah. I honestly thought he'd always be a bachelor since he can be a bit too gruff. But looking at these pictures, I don't even recognize him. He looks so happy. This Olivia must be some woman, and I can't wait to meet her."

"She definitely is."

"Is Mary coming tonight?" I ask, hopeful. I've been having baby fever lately since one of my colleagues keeps bringing her baby to the teacher's lounge in the morning. We all get to coo over him before his Daddy takes him for the day. I'm really not in a place to actually have a baby yet...but they're so cute I can't resist looking from afar.

"Nah, we decided to make it adults only. Let the big kids let loose for a change."

"Really? So, it's not because you told Asher and Olivia you had a girlfriend and wanted a double date night?" I raise an eyebrow, leaning my hip against the table.

Marcus chuckles, rubbing a hand across his jaw. "Guilty as charged. But hey, they bought it, didn't they?"

"Sure, but now you have to explain that you're a liar and actually single," I tease. "Unless..."

"No, no," he says quickly, then laughs. "I'm not hiding any secret girls. Too busy with work." His expression sobers, and he fixes me with a look, like he just realized something. "Why are you thinking about babies all of a sudden?"

I cross my arms. "Why can't I think about babies? I want a family someday."

His expression gets way more serious—borderline pissed—and his eyes narrow. "Are you seeing someone?"

I don't respond right away, making him squirm. Honestly, he's irritating me right now. Why is he so overbearing?

"Ellie."

"No, okay? Geez...you know, if I was dating someone it's none of your business. I'll invite you to the wedding, but—"

He steps closer, glaring into me so hard I get a bit concerned. "That's not funny," he says with a massive frown. "You're my little sister, and any guy you date needs my stamp of approval. With Dad gone, that's my job."

"Ugh, please," I scoff, feeling so irritated I'm ready to storm away. "I don't need you playing watchdog. I can take care of myself."

We have a stare off then he finally backs up with a sigh. "Let's not argue about this tonight. Did you get all of the lights up?"

I sigh back. "Yeah."

"Well, come help me arrange the dessert table."

I follow him, trying to stare holes into the back of his head. He's always been overprotective, even when Dad was still around. Maybe it's a big brother thing but I'm a damn adult and don't need his approval for anything.

We arrange cupcakes, cake pops, and other desserts on a table in silence. My irritation starts to ease and I space out, one man in particular crossing my mind. A man I wouldn't mind seeing more of.

Without thinking, I ask, "Is Jake coming tonight?"

Marcus immediately stops what he's doing, a funny look crossing his face as he turns to me. "Why's that matter to you?"

"Oh, uh," I stammer, heat creeping into my cheeks. "Just saw Charlotte today. She showed me a painting she made in art class, and she mentioned Jake couldn't pick her up from school so she was going to a friend's house. Just curious if he had work." I clear my throat. "And I figured you'd want both your best friends here. Jake and Asher hanging out, you know."

Marcus seems to buy my excuse and he relaxes. He shrugs. "Yeah, Jake had to work late but he should be here."

I try to nod and look like I don't care, even though I suddenly have a lot of butterflies from knowing I'll see my dreamy neighbor soon. Although...I'm still trying to wrap my head around the way he snapped the other day. I'm not holding it against him because I know he's a single dad and raising a kid alone is a lot. He also has a stressful, demanding job. And he's never done that. That day was actually the first time we had such a long conversation; we normally just say hi to each other and make a comment about the weather or something.

I kind of want to ask Marcus if Jake had been stressed lately or if he's always snappy but...no, that would put Marcus on high alert.

I finish adding cupcakes to the table, my mood sinking. I really don't know much about Jake. I want to but...

"We have our first guests!" Clara calls out.

Marcus and I snap to attention, turning to face the entrance.

The doors swing open, and Chief Donovan and his wife stroll in, followed by a fit, muscular man with immaculately groomed hair. He's grinning in an attractive side-smirk way.

I lift an eyebrow and mutter to myself, "Well, hello. Who are you?"

I didn't mutter low enough because Marcus swivels his head to glare at me. "That's my work buddy, Jason. And you'll stay away from him. The guy is a flirt."

"He sounds perfect," I say, hurrying forward to cross the room. I'm not really that interested in Jason—just acknowledging that he's attractive—but I love annoying my brother since he annoys me so much.

My plan works and Marcus growls behind me, rushing to catch up. "You better be messing with me because I would never approve of you dating any of my friends. Ever."

I turn to stick my tongue out at him and he frowns. I'm feeling satisfied from teasing Marcus, but my stomach is also sinking. Jake is one of Marcus' closest friends.

When we reach our first guests, Frank's wife, Anna, gives me a quick hug, then Frank scoops me into a firm embrace. He smiles down at me, his warm eyes crinkling at the corners. The Chief's salt-and-pepper hair is neatly trimmed, a few strands rebelliously touching his collar—a hint of the man beyond the badge.

I hug him back. It's like being wrapped in a blanket of safety—a feeling I remember from when he'd visit our house after Dad passed away.

"You haven't come to visit," he says, stepping back to wrap his arm around his wife's shoulders. "You've been in town for a while."

I look down, feeling guilty. Frank was friends with my dad, so he was around a lot when I was growing up. He's the reason Marcus decided to become a firefighter. "I know," I say. "I've just been settling in. We'll get together soon for lunch."

Frank and Anna nod, and Jason takes the opening to step forward with a wide charming grin.

"Hi there. I'm—"

"Nope," Marcus cuts in quickly, putting a firm hand on Jason's shoulder so he can't step closer to me. "You don't need to talk to my sister. Why don't you go talk to Clara, who is married?"

Jason doesn't seem fazed at all by Marcus and he bursts out laughing. I start laughing too.

"Jesus, man, you're too much," Jason says, sidestepping Marcus and his glower. "I'm not going to hit on your sister."

"You hit on everyone."

Jason shrugs, then smiles at me in a polite way. "Hi, I'm Jason."

"Ellie," I respond, shaking his hand.

He turns back to Marcus. "There, see? I'm just introducing myself." He pats Marcus' shoulder. "I know she's your sister. I respect that, and I wouldn't cross that line, man. You don’t have at least that much faith in me?"

Marcus finally relaxes and gives him a small smirk. "Thanks. And sorry I jumped the gun."

Jason only chuckles.

As the two men seem to be having a bonding moment, I suddenly notice Jake standing behind everyone, just outside the open doorway. He looks tired but still unbelievably hot in his work uniform. His yellow overshirt hangs open, revealing a snug black t-shirt that hugs his muscular chest. Green pants that have seen better days cling to his legs, his boots scuffed from hours on rugged terrain. I can't help but gawk as he runs a hand through his long, dark hair. My face is suddenly heated—well, my entire body is now.

How long has he been standing there watching?

His gaze is guarded as we lock eyes. No one else has noticed him yet. His eyes slip down my body. I'm wearing a simple burnt umber dress with a belt, my black boots coming up to my knees. I wouldn't describe it as anything sexy, but Jake might think differently because his eyes linger on all of my curves.

His gaze feels way more dangerous since my brother is nearby. If Marcus was freaking out about Jason trying to shake my hand, he'd have a nuclear meltdown if he realized Jake is checking me out right now.

But I'm so confused. One moment, he's snapping at me, and now he's...

Suddenly, he looks away. Maybe he finally realized what he was doing. He clears his throat and steps inside.

Marcus greets him first, clasping his hand and clapping him on the back. "Didn't expect you here so early. You guys got that fire contained on Route Six?"

Jake sighs, looking weary. "Thankfully the containment lines held so it didn't spread to any cabins. There's still a team checking for hotspots."

Anna excuses herself to find the bathroom, while the four firefighters huddle together, getting too excited about discussing work. They're using terms I don't quite understand, so I awkwardly take a step back, then another. No one seems to notice, so I fully slip away to the dessert table.

I start mindlessly adjusting things that don't need it, then I glance around. Anna has found Clara and they're talking with Lila, Asher's sister. I'm not sure when she slipped in but she looks good, healthy. Her blonde hair is tied back in a no-fuss ponytail that seems to mirror her approach to life nowadays.

I think of going over, but the three women seem lost in a conversation and I don't want to interrupt. I'll say hi to Lila later.

Taking a moment to myself, I step outside into the cool evening air, looking at a small garden patch behind the venue. Even though Cedar Ridge is my hometown, I haven't yet found my footing after coming back. I spent too many years in a different state going to college and then teaching—getting into plenty of messy relationships that didn't go anywhere. As a teenager, I couldn't wait to leave this small town, wanting to explore bigger, more exciting cities. But when I got older, I missed the closeness of this community too much, thinking I could just come back and everything would be the same.

Well, it hasn't been the same. I didn't think about how everyone here also grew up and moved on without me. They all have shared experiences and years of memories together. I'm now an outsider. I'm wondering if I shouldn't have moved back. I guess I don't have to stay once the semester is over...

I hear a chorus of, "Surprise!" inside, then lots of clapping. My stomach sinks.

Oh, no...

I rush inside, hating that I missed the big moment. Everyone is greeting Asher and Olivia while I'm just off to the side feeling like I don't belong. Squaring my shoulders, I step forward and smile, trying to look like I've been here the entire time.

"Wow," Olivia breathes out, her gaze sweeping over the friends gathered for them.

Asher only frowns, glancing at Marcus. "You know I don't like surprises."

Olivia rolls her eyes and then hugs his side. Asher's usual brooding expression melts away as Olivia drapes her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek. "Surprises are good," she says. "That's how we got Mary."

The big guy grins and I'm shocked. He really is so different.

I hug my waist. I've missed so much. Is this even still my home?

As I'm getting too much into my head, Marcus touches my shoulder and urges me forward.

Asher gives me a smirk and a quick hug. "Good to see you," he says.

"You, too," I manage to respond, forcing myself to smile. I'm supposed to be here to celebrate this amazing couple, not feel sorry for myself. "And I'm especially happy to meet your lovely fiance who got past that gruff exterior."

Olivia wraps me in a warm hug, grinning. "Hi, you're Marcus' sister?"

I nod. "And you're the amazing woman dealing with this guy." I poke Asher's forearm and he chuckles.

Olivia glances at him with a very loving gaze. "Well, he puts up with me, too. So I guess we're even."

"Let's all stop standing by the door," Marcus calls out. "Everyone is here, so let's eat!"

The evening is a lot of fun—the BBQ catering Marcus found is delicious, the cocktails are yummy, and everyone is having a wonderful time chatting with each other. I do my best to engage even though conversations often involve inside jokes and events I don't know about. After everyone has had at least one plate of food, Frank stands up to give a heartfelt speech.

When he's done, I lift my champagne flute and clap, even as an ache blooms in my chest. I want the kind of love Olivia and Asher have too. I want a man to wake up to each morning, someone who will look at me like I'm his entire world.

I sigh, downing the rest of my champagne. As everyone falls into conversations again, I head over to the dessert table. Tonight feels like a night for a few extra drinks and a few too many cupcakes. I grab one with pink frosting and then steal yet another glance at Jake, who’s now chatting with Asher. From this distance, he appears relaxed, but his smile is still tight. He's probably just tired from a long day of work. I wouldn't know because we haven't talked at all this evening; in fact, I think he's avoiding me on purpose.

I think back to his mood change after helping me with my flat tire. His walls slammed down so fast, it left me reeling. If he's not interested, why flirt and give me heated glances? The man is so confusing.

I take a bite of my cupcake, the sweet icing melting on my tongue. Could there be something between us? Or am I grasping at straws, seeing what I want to see?

"He can't take his eyes off you, you know."

I startle as Olivia appears beside me, a knowing smile on her face. She inclines her head discretely toward Jake across the room.

"What? I haven't noticed that at all and"—I turn to face the dessert table—"and why would I care?"

Olivia grabs her own cupcake and smirks. "I thought the same thing once. You see how that turned out." She flashes her engagement ring.

Though I've never admitted anything to Danielle, I'm feeling less guarded with Olivia. Considering Asher is also a grumpy firefighter, I know she gets it. After a sigh, I lower my voice. "Even if I did like him, my brother would lose his mind. He's gotten too overprotective since Dad passed away, and I wouldn't want to ruin his friendship with Jake. The two are great friends."

Olivia nods, looking thoughtful. "I never realized Marcus was so protective, but he’d have to come around eventually, right?"

"You don't know my brother."

"Hmm, well, regardless, Jake can't take his eyes off you every time your brother is looking the other way." She leans in closer. "He's looking right now."

Not believing her, I spin around. She's right. I catch Jake's gaze, which he wasn't expecting because his eyes widen in surprise. He quickly looks away.

Instead of feeling happy, I feel irritated. I exhale. "He puts up walls, so what am I supposed to think of him glancing at me like that?"

Olivia covers her mouth to contain a laugh. "This is like deja vu. I seriously thought the same thing about Asher."

"I'm happy for you both, but I don't think it'll be the same with Jake. I don't think I want a relationship or if I'm staying here and..." I glance at her, realizing that I'm starting to ramble. "Sorry, just a lot on my mind."

She gives me a side hug. "Well, if you do decide to take that chance, just remember that sometimes people put up walls not to keep others out, but to see who cares enough to break them down."

I stare at her, completely understanding how she got through to Asher—she's smart and really compassionate.

"Thanks," I say softly before she returns to the table where Clara is sitting.

I glance at Jake, catching him looking at me again. He looks away, angling his body so I can only stare at his broad back. It’s such a perfect, chiseled back…but I stop looking at it. Instead, I finish stuffing the cupcake in my mouth.

I know Olivia is right—there's a connection between me and Jake. But I'm not convinced I should explore it.