Chapter 12
Tyson stowed his turnout gear in his locker, his heart still racing from the call. It had only been a grill fire, but the
grill had been near the overhang of the house, making it a threat to the structure and other nearby homes. As a captain he
assumed leadership at the scene, oversaw the other firefighters, and made critical decisions.
Luke put his boots in the locker next to Ty’s. The other firefighters did the same, talking among themselves, the noise echoing
through the large apparatus bay. The building was new and modern, and the firefighters took pride in keeping it and the fire
trucks pristine.
Luke glanced at Ty as he shoved his coat into the red mesh locker. “You all right?”
“Sure.” Adrenaline from the action kept him a little hyped, but the call had gone well. No one was hurt and the only loss
was the grill—a pretty old one at that.
“You seemed a little intense back there.”
“Well, the house could’ve caught fire.”
“Sure, but we would’ve put that out quickly enough.” Luke made an effort to tame his hat hair. “Think you were a little rough
on Wheeler back there?”
“He’s got a lot to learn.”
“He’s a probie but he’s coming along all right.”
Ty turned to Luke and gave him a pointed look. “Is there something you’re trying to say?”
Luke met his gaze quietly for a long moment.
The pause gave Ty a chance to reflect on his words and tone. “Sorry. Guess I am a little amped up.”
“What’s going on?”
Ty paused as the other firefighters said good-bye to them. Walker and Drury barely glanced Tyson’s way. They were still miffed
about the whole Marissa deal. Ty had hoped things would’ve returned to normal by now, but there was still tension at the station.
He turned his attention back to Luke. “I’m just feeling a lot of pressure, I guess. And I’m tired.” Also he was scared to
death of losing someone else. Scared of screwing up and being to blame. The guilt he already carried was heavy enough. But
the nightmares were keeping him from getting a good night’s sleep, and that wasn’t good either.
“Stay out late with Jenna last night?”
“Yeah,” Ty said, even though he’d made it home long before midnight. The outing at Chatties had been fun. Lots of laughter
and dancing. Felt like old times. Even though Seth’s misplaced interest in Jenna still rattled him. “Alex and Seth joined
us for a while.”
“Sounds like fun.” Luke straightened his boots. “Did Trinity say anything else to you?”
“You mean about you? Just call the woman and ask her out already.”
“I don’t have her number.”
“Well, you know where she works. Put the both of you out of your misery.”
Luke slid Ty a pained look. “She’s out of my league, man. She’s gorgeous and she’s going to law school, so she’s also way smarter than me.”
“You’re plenty smart. And she’s obviously interested or she wouldn’t have gotten all flustered just asking about you.”
“We probably don’t have anything in common.”
“Well, gee, how will you ever figure that out?”
“All right, all right. Point taken.”
“You’re a good guy, Luke, and you’ve got a lot to offer. You should go for it.”
Luke’s shoulders raised on a breath and lowered on an exhale. “You’re right. I’ll head over to Chatties tonight for a drink,
and if she seems receptive I’ll ask her out.”
“How do you know she’s working tonight?”
Luke shifted and mumbled something.
Ty’s lips twitched. “You have her schedule memorized.”
“No, I don’t.” But the flush in Luke’s cheeks told a different story.
Ty let out a bark of laughter as they headed toward the exit.
Luke gave him a shove. “Shut up.”
“I’ll meet you at Chatties. No way I’m going to miss this.”
“Golly gee, thanks. How can I turn down that kind of support?”
Ty clapped him on the back. “Always there for you, buddy.” The grin fell from Ty’s face as he spotted Wheeler waiting by the
back door, expression tight, shoulders rigid. He was young and small for a firefighter—maybe five seven and pretty lean. But
he made up for his size with effort and determination.
“Need a ride?” Luke said to Wheeler.
“No, my girlfriend’s coming.”
Tyson paused by the door as Luke exited. “See you at Chatties—six o’clock?”
“Sure.” Luke glanced between Ty and Wheeler. “See you guys later.”
The door fell shut and quiet prevailed for a drawn-out moment. He owed the guy an apology for earlier. Part of being a leader
was being able to admit when you were wrong. “Hey, sorry for being so rough on you today. It was no reflection on your work.
You’re doing great.”
“I’ve made some mistakes.”
“Everybody makes mistakes when they’re learning. You’ve got what it takes to do the job.”
Wheeler’s eyes lit with hope. “Think so?”
“I’ve seen a lot of men and women come and go. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.”
Wheeler’s face relaxed in a smile. “Thanks, Captain. I really appreciate it.” His attention turned toward the door. “Allie’s
here. See you later.”
“Have a good one.” After Wheeler left, Ty started to push through the door but paused yet again. He needed to get back to
the B and B, but his successful apology to Wheeler gave him hope that he could rectify things with Marissa too.
He turned back toward the bay where the two paramedics on staff, Marissa and O’Neil, were mopping the far side of the bay.
As usual Marissa wore her brunette hair in a neat bun for work.
“Hey, guys.”
Marissa glanced his way. “Hey.”
The thirtysomething man barely gave Ty a nod.
Ty turned his attention toward Marissa. “I was wondering if I could have a word with you? In private?”
They both glanced at O’Neil, who kept mopping, seemingly reluctant to leave them alone.
As if Ty posed some kind of threat to Marissa. Ty frowned at him.
Marissa leaned her mop against the bay door and headed toward the break room, obviously expecting Ty to follow, which he did.
Once inside the room she turned, crossing her arms over her chest. She seemed young with her fine features and wide green
eyes. But then, she was young at only twenty-two. Probably too young for him.
She hiked her arched brows, waiting.
“Listen, I know I screwed up. I was really in no place emotionally to be dating at all, and mixing business with pleasure
was a terrible idea. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I know I did, so I’m really sorry.”
Her green eyes flashed. “You embarrassed me in front of my friends.”
He winced. A bit harsh, but he could see her point. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“You showed up in public with another woman when I thought our relationship was going somewhere. Do you have any idea how
hurtful that was?”
He scratched his neck. He’d told her he wasn’t looking for a relationship. They’d barely even kissed. But he was here to put
things right, not upset her even more. “I didn’t realize that. I thought we were on the same—”
The emergency alarm sounded throughout the speaker system. The paramedics were being called to a scene.
“I have to go.” Marissa didn’t so much as glance his way as she tore from the room.
Releasing a heavy sigh, Ty watched her leave. He’d thought they just might be able to put this conflict in the past. Oh well.
One for two wasn’t bad.