Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kate
The whole day after Gus’s little episode, I am on pins and needles. Surreptitiously checking my phone for check-ins from the farm when I can and completely distracted the rest of the time.
“Girl,” Cassidy Winters, the only other female recruit whisper shouts my name, a warning lacing her tone. “Where’s your head? Chief Collins just walked in. Get it together.”
I snap into action, hurrying to our assigned spots and affecting my straightest attention position.
“At ease,” Deputy Chief says. He pulls our training captain to the side, and as they speak with lowered heads and quiet voices, I take five to sneak to the bathroom and send one more request for an update. Immediately, I get a thumbs-up from Vaughn and another from Gus. That’s… weird.
“All right, recruits,” Deputy Chief calls out.
“We’ve got a slight change to the itinerary this week.
The Historical Society has been working with the Public Safety Foundation on a special project that’s going to be unveiled tomorrow night.
That means we’re going to be brought in to help spiff up the stations.
Congratulations, you’re already graduating to grunt work.
” He claps his hands together and gives us a wide smile. “Hope y’all know how to use a mop.”
Three hours later, the bay at headquarters is spit shined, all the engines are extra glossy, and all the bunker gear is displayed in a manner that suggests this might be the show gear, not the actual work gear. It’s photo-worthy. Quintessential firehouse.
“It looks like they’re getting ready for a showcase,” Cassidy marvels as members from the Historical Society haul in stands.
“Well,” a quiet voice interjects. It’s the quirky older lady I’ve seen in Maggie’s bakery from time to time.
“We’re honoring one of your own, and believe me, this town remembers.
There’s only been one death in the line of duty in thirty years.
It’s never been commemorated, and that family’s sacrifice deserves to be recognized and remembered.
That’s part of the Public Safety Foundation’s purpose.
To support our public servants and honor them when honor is due.
I hate that it’s been so many years, but we’re doing what we can to make it right. Especially now that the son is home.”
A large knot forms in the hollow of my throat, making it impossible to speak. I have a feeling she’s referring to Vaughn, but I hate assuming and all that it would mean.
“I hate these things,” Cassidy says under her breath. “Memorializing the dead. Yeah, maybe they should be remembered, but I’ll be damned if I want to walk by a portrait of some dude who died in a fire. Shit like that isn’t good for morale, if you ask me.”
I get where she’s coming from. I mean, I know this job is dangerous, but I don’t want it thrown in my face every day. Still, I can’t help myself from asking, “Do you know who it is?”
“Nah. I feel bad for the family, though. I overheard the deputy chief talking to someone earlier. Sounds like they want no part of the unveiling.”
“They don’t.” The gruff voice of Deputy Chief Mac Collins jolts us from our gossiping. My cheeks burn at getting caught in the act when we should’ve been making ourselves useful. “Can’t blame them either.” He looks at me expectantly, but I have no idea what he’s on about.
“There she is!” Jackson’s voice booms through the bay. “Slacking off again. You know, needle-pusher, you better buck up around here, or you’re gonna get a new name for yourself.”
“And you, too”—he looks at Cassidy—“with your hands in your pockets. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Outside the bay door, a police cruiser rolls to a stop, and an officer steps out. I can’t tell much about him from the distance, but what I can see is a set of broad shoulders, a trim waist, and one hell of a strut. The way those hips roll as he strides toward us is mesmerizing.
“That man knows how to fill out a uniform,” Cassidy mutters. Officer Hottie stalks into the light and shoots her a wink. We both freeze.
“There’s no way he heard that,” I whisper.
Her shoulders drop as she lets out a huge sigh. “I don’t know, Kate. Dex has always been a superhero. There’s no way of knowing what other special powers he might hold.”
Dex saunters up to us, and I get a better look. Cassidy isn’t wrong; he does know how to fill out a pair of tactical pants. And she’s staring like she’s having a visceral reaction. I nudge her to close her mouth.
“Hey, Cass.” Holy cow, is his voice smooth. I’m sure my jaw is hanging open now. “Still married?”
She quickly recovers and shoots back a saucy “Yep.”
Officer Hottie does a full-body sweep of Cassidy, and even I feel the heat from it. “Shame.”
Well, hot damn.
His gaze shifts to me. I’d hate to be interrogated by this man. The intensity of that steely gaze makes me think he can read everything I’ve ever thought.
“Kate, you’re staying out at the Adams farm, aren’t you? How are things out there?”
Is it weird that he knows that? Maybe he really is some kind of superhero. There’s an underlying tension to his question. Something I can’t put my finger on. But I hold my tongue for a heartbeat, long enough for Dex to explain.
“Vaughn and I go back to high school. I know things haven’t been the greatest between him and Gus.”
“I bet that was interesting. Vaughn as a teen…” Was he a nerdy kid or the star quarterback? What made him choose the military? What made him stay away for so long? The questions spiral, an endless loop about all things Vaughn.
Dex’s grin flashes, and beside me, Cassidy inhales sharply. It’s a tiny noise, but I catch it, and Dex undoubtedly does, too, if the way his attention flits to her is any indication.
“We had some fun, that’s for sure.” He’s talking to me but looking at Cassidy like he could devour her. Shit, but that look is smoking hot.
His smile drops as he looks back to me, replaced by a stark blankness, like he just turned the charm off and got serious. The contrast rocks me. “Vaughn and Gus haven’t mentioned it, I’m sure, but the memorial is for Vaughn’s dad.”
“Vaughn’s dad was a firefighter?”
“But his dad died trying to save his mom in a house fire.”
“That’s horrible.” And then my momma-bear instincts roar to life. “This committee wants to memorialize that tragedy? Did anyone ask the Adamses for permission? It seems like they need to have permission to do that.” I can not imagine how that conversation would’ve gone.
“They don’t have to ask permission. Hell, at least they invited them to the ceremony.”
Damn. When did all of this go down? Have those two grumpy assholes hidden this from me? Or did they just discount it and refuse to take part in it?
“Wow. That’s one hella scary look,” Cassidy quips, and I try to school my expression.
“I don’t know if I’m mad at the committee or at the two knuckleheads I live with for not telling me.” But they’re about to fuck around and find out how it felt to be blindsided with this info.
I maintain my mad until Chief Collins releases us. I storm out to my car, play rage music all the way home, and stomp into the kitchen, ready to unleash these big feelings all over them.
Vaughn is at the stove, and Gus is setting the table. The domesticity of it all strikes me and deflates my ridiculous reaction. I check my attitude at the door.
“Hey, guys, what’s the occasion?”
“Nothing, just thought it’d be nice to have a sit-down dinner,” Gus says, fussing with the placemats. The act is so out of character for the man it takes me a minute to process.
He traces a fingertip lovingly across the embroidered edge of a napkin.
It’s clear this simple item brings back memories for him, and it’s such a sentimental gesture I have to look away.
Vaughn meets my gaze and dips his head in the direction of the table.
“Found some of Gran’s special linens. Thought we’d bring them out of storage. ”
“Who are you two, and what happened to the real Gus and Vaughn?”
The corner of Vaughn’s mouth tips up in the sexiest half smile; it makes me want to walk across the room and have a taste of those pretty lips.
The thought must be written all over my face, because the smile falls away, and heat flares in his eyes when I finally drag my gaze to his.
“Nothing’s going on, Katie,” Gus declares, dropping into his seat.
“You want a shower before we eat?” Vaughn asks.
“Um, yeah.” Why is my voice so breathy? I glance back at Gus, who’s still gazing at the pretty table like it’s something he’s missed.
These two romantic fools are going to be the death of me.
I shower quickly and return to find that Vaughn has plated a simple meal of beef and vegetables, and all I need to do is sit and enjoy.
I feel a little like a princess, even though I know this dinner isn’t for me.
Has nothing to do with me. It’s just these two men taking care of me in the way they know how.
It makes me wish they’d taken better care of each other over the years.
All the anger I had built up is nowhere to be found, sucked away by the tender hearts of these two asshats. Dammit.
“So, today was interesting.” Maybe if I simply blurt out what the problem is, it’ll get a conversation going. “We got called out of training to do some station cleaning for a big memorial ceremony happening tomorrow night.”
Both men stiffen and glance at each other.
“Not the way I wanted to spend a day. But I was kind of surprised to find out that the family had been invited and don’t plan to attend. I mean, I can’t blame them, because it seems a little morbid. But also, it’s kind of sweet that someone wants to remember someone so special.”
The clink of silverware hitting plates is loud in the silence that follows.
Gus pushes his chair back from the table, and I shoot a hand out to him in warning.
“Gus, please sit. We need to talk about this. I’m invested in you two, if you haven’t guessed yet.
My immediate reaction was to defend you both for being expected to attend.
But I can’t defend and stand up for you when I don’t know what the story is. ”
“Katie—”
“It’s too hard to face,” Vaughn blurts, and we all go still. Gus darts a look at Vaughn, a mixture of sorrow that morphs to anger.
“There.” I poke my fork at him. “That look. What’s it about?”
“Kate,” Vaughn says softly. “Can we table this until after dinner?”
I glance between the two of them. “Is this a front-porch conversation?” Meaning one where they can watch the horizon and not make eye contact while we chat.
“This might even be a Yankee conversation.”
I relent since I’ve effectively ruined the meal, and we finish in silence.
In record time, I scarf down the tenderloin Vaughn fixed.
If I hadn’t opened my big mouth, then maybe I would’ve tasted more of it.
Neither of them touched much of their dinner, and the guilt makes my hastily swallowed meat turn sour in my belly.
“Let’s get this over with.” Gus stands, declaring, “Cleanup can wait.”
I follow behind the two, only moving to the front when Gus holds the door open for me.
And then I charge ahead. I’ve opened this can of worms all on my own; it’s up to me to see us through to the other side.
I’m the asshole in this scenario, but something tells me these two will continue to ignore the past instead of just having the hard conversation.
If I have to be the asshole and force them talk, then I will.
Except I have no idea what to do once Yankee’s stall comes into sight. Aside from the time or two I’ve helped nurse his leg, I haven’t been around horses. So I hang back and watch.
Gus gives Yankee a tender nuzzle. “Got railroaded at the gym the other day about this memorial thing. One of them nosy busybodies from the art thing cornered me after class. Told me what they were doing and all. Afraid I wasn’t at my best at the time.”
“I can imagine how that went down,” I reply, coming to stand at Yankee’s side so I can offer pets. Vaughn’s warm hand lands on my hip, gently pushing me toward the horse’s head.
“This is the danger zone for Yank. Move closer so he can see you.” Vaughn’s voice so close to my ear sends a shiver down my spine and sparks the memory of another time our bodies were so close. I fight the urge to lean into him.
Gus scootches to one side and passes me a treat for the horse. “Give it to him with your hand flat so he doesn’t bite your fingers. Anyway, I ain’t going.”
“Gus was fit to be tied when he came out of class that day. That’s the only reason I know about the memorial,” Vaughn supplies.
“I don’t want to seem heartless, because I know it’s got to be emotional for you both. But can you tell me what happened?”
Gus’s hands still, and I catch him staring at Vaughn.
“I’m the reason they died,” Vaughn says flatly.