Chapter Twenty-Seven PAISLEY
Chapter Twenty-Seven
PAISLEY
I didn't tell Russell my plan. The following morning, we showered together like we usually did. He pinned me against the tiled wall, and I savored every second of it. I’d tried to keep my heart tucked away behind a sturdy door—setting the lock firmly.
But he was the key, and he’d rattled it loose.
I couldn't figure out how to close the bolt again.
Even if my heart was a goner, I still needed to be smart.
I didn't want to lose people's respect at work.
I'd made a decision. I knew there was an opening on one of the other crews.
I hoped Graham would understand. Since he had said something to Russell, I decided to be honest with him.
That was the easiest option. I went into the station early because Graham was almost always there.
Maisie was on the phone in the front and waved to me when I passed by.
I peered into the office Graham shared with the other crew superintendents, relieved to discover he was the only one there. “Morning,” he said.
“You happen to have a few minutes to talk?” I asked.
“Of course, come on in.”
I stepped in and closed the door behind me. His brows lifted when he noticed that detail, but he didn't comment on it. I sat down across from his desk. He closed his laptop and lifted his cup of coffee. It was a red cup with a distinctive drawing of the old fire station on it.
My stomach felt tight, and I was way too nervous. I began, “So, uh …” Only two words in, and I didn’t know how to explain myself. I bit my lip.
“Paisley, you okay?” Graham asked, his eyes warm.
My fingers were laced together in my lap, and I clenched them tightly.
“Maybe, uh … Look, I know I haven’t been here that long, but I was wondering what you thought about me switching to Ward’s crew?
” Graham remained quiet, and I forged ahead.
“Russell mentioned that you spoke to him about worrying about me. I don’t want there to be tension, or things to be weird. ”
Graham looked at me quietly for a long moment before his head dipped in a nod. “Has something happened, or has Russell done something that I need to be concerned about?”
“Absolutely not,” I said firmly.
My cheeks were burning, and I closed my eyes, feeling mortified.
“You don’t have to tell me the whole story, but I have noticed some tension between you two.
If you think that’s the best option, then I support it.
” My eyes flew wide. “We have a full crew now, so you shifting over to Ward’s crew is easily managed.
The timing’s good since we’re heading into winter. ”
Relief whooshed through me. “Thank you. Should I talk to Ward first?”
A light knock sounded on the door, followed by Ward’s voice. “Can I come in?”
Graham flashed me a grin. “Good timing. It helps that we share this space.” He called, “Come on in.”
Ward stepped into the room, glancing back and forth between us. Graham jumped right in. “Paisley was just asking me about shifting over to your crew.”
“Seriously?” Ward asked with a grin.
He could be kind of an intimidating guy, but the second he smiled, all intimidation dissipated. Tall with dark hair and silver eyes, he was handsome and fit as all hotshots were.
“I've heard you’re rock solid. If you want to switch to my crew, the job is yours.”
“Oh, that would be great.”
Graham divided a glance between us. “How about you finish out the week on our rotation and then switch over to his crew next week?”
Ward sat down beside me. “Anything I need to know?”
“Not a thing,” Graham said easily.
I sure as hell didn't want Ward to get any hint about me getting tangled up with Russell. Earning respect as a woman on a hotshot crew was no easy feat, and if the other guys thought I was screwing around, it wouldn’t help me at all.
I was relieved when Graham's cell phone rang, and he stood to leave the room.
That relief disappeared the second Ward spoke.
“Susannah mentioned something about you and Russell.” I opened my mouth and shut it when he continued.
“No need to explain. She and I were on a crew together, and now we're married, and we have a kid.
If anyone understands this kind of thing, I do.
It's not great for there to be that kind of complication on a crew, though. Absolutely no judgment from me. Does Russell know you asked about this?”
I shook my head. “We're not getting married, and we don't have a kid.”
Ward’s eyes skated over my face, and I worried he saw way too much.
He shrugged. “Ah, okay. I won’t say anything until the rest of your crew knows about the move.
As Graham suggested, you can start with our rotation next week.
I'll send you an email with the schedule. We're headed into winter, so it’ll be slower.”
“Thank you for understanding,” I managed.
“You got it.” Ward stood, clapping me on the shoulder as he did.
I left the office with my stomach still tied in knots because now I had to let Russell and the rest of my crew know.