3. Ryan
Chapter 3
Ryan
“ C ome on, Chief, it’s hot as balls out today. Why are you making us do this?”
“And a fire isn’t hot? You won’t be wearing twice the gear you have on now and have to do triple the work if a fire breaks out?”
Maddox whines. “We will, but that's different.”
“Tell me how it's different.”
“Because that’s our job. We have to be ready for that.”
I widen my stance and cross my arms. “How do you think you get ready for it?” I stifle a laugh as he rolls his eyes. “You know, Baylor, for being captain of this house you complain a lot. Maybe we should change up ranks for a bit. See if someone can do things a bit quieter ?”
Jace and the other guys ooh and ahh under their breath, pushing him about.
“Man, stop complaining before you keep us out here longer than usual.” Ted bumps his shoulder.
Maddox breaks out into a grin. “I’m just trying to give him a hard time. Chief knows he’s my favorite.” I notice the guys gather closer to him and they’re all looking at something over my shoulder.
“Why are you buttering me up now?”
“Maybe they’re afraid once you see me you’re going to make them run laps with their gear on?”
I glance at the woman who has come to a stop by my side.
That voice.
That body.
I can’t ignore the way my blood is suddenly pumping through my veins like water through a firehose but I force myself to stay focused on my crew.
“She’s right. Go take a lap. Boots, turnouts, helmets.”
They all groan but fall into line and take off around the field behind the house. And once they’re out of ear shot and easy eye shot, only then do I turn to face her.
“Madeline.”
“Chief.” Her lips twitch and fuck, how I want to lick them.
No.
“I heard you were back in town.” I almost roll my eyes at myself.
What a stupid thing to say, Donnelly.
She stands with one hand on her waist and it draws my eyes straight to the accentuation of her hips. “You did, huh? Small town news still travels fast.”
“Almost as fast as when you left.”
Yikes. Why are you picking a fight straight out the gate?
She doesn’t flinch, but holds my stare. “I deserve that.”
I cross my arms creating a much needed barrier between us. “How long before you leave again?”
Why are you pushing her out the door? The dream you’ve been wishing for is standing right in front of you.
She drops her hand from her hip and shrugs. “Not sure. Depends what’s here for me.”
And with that one sentence, it doesn’t feel like we’re talking about the hospital right now. That’s one thing between Madeline and I—we could always read each other so well. Our thoughts, our dreams, our touches. We always knew what we each needed with just one look, and our banter was always on point.
It’s no different right now.
My body relaxes slightly. I know she never meant to hurt me by leaving. But she did. And until I know exactly where her mind is at I can’t allow her right back in.
But does she smell like that light and flirty perfume she always wore?
Yes.
Does she look fantastic?
Yes.
Is my body on fire for her right this moment?
Fuck yes.
And she knows it as she continues to hold my stare. Our bodies sway the slightest bit, our pull is towards each other, always.
She takes the leap first by stepping into my space and sliding her hands around my waist pulling me in tight against her. I have no choice but to circle my arms around her to hold her close and take her in.
This feels right.
She whispers, “I missed you, Ryan,” before pulling away and saying, “I just needed to stop down and say hi. It's good to see you again. I’ll let you get back to your guys.” She nods as they make their way closer to us. “Don’t be a stranger, Chief.”
She turns and walks back the way she came. Her tan legs, strong thighs and incredible ass on display, long dark hair waving in the breeze.
And my heart is still in the palm of her hand.