Page 19 of Silver Fox Firefighters Next Door

Nash chuckled into his own glass. “I definitely feel like Hank has a goal in mind here.”

I scoffed. “He’s got a goal, alright. The only way he could’ve made this more obvious was if he’d left out a bowl of condoms and a list of my attributes. I’m a little concerned he doesn’t even care which of you takes me off his hands, just as long as one of you does.”

Aiden shoved a big bite into his mouth and groaned as his eyes fluttered closed. “I can’t give a shit what his goal was when the food tastes like this.”

We ate in silence for a few minutes and then Tate let out a loud laugh that startled me. He laughed so hard his eyes watered and he had to wipe tears from them. “This is a first. Hank set up his own little version of the dating game here.”

I couldn’t help smiling at the sound of his laughter. It was contagious. “He always loved that show.”

“Then let’s not let him down. I’m bachelor number one.” Aiden grinned. “Ask us questions, Eve.”

Tate’s laugh had broken the tension around the table and it was easier to be a little silly when they were so ready and willing to laugh along. I was angry at Grandpa for whatever it was he thought he was doing, but I was still going to have a good time.

“Okay. This one is for all the bachelors, I guess.” I laughed as I looked at each of them and put on a higher voice. “Tell me your idea of a perfect date. Mine is walking along a beach and talking about world peace.”

Aiden nodded seriously. “That date sounds amazing. Since my idea of a perfect date is being with you, I’ll say the same thing. Walking along the beach and talking about world peace.”

Tate scoffed. “Bachelor number two here. Number one clearly didn’t bring his originality today. My idea of a perfect date is taking a long walk along the beach and talking about our future children.”

I laughed. “Okay, wow. And Bachelor number three?”

Nash met my gaze and smirked. “My idea of a perfect date would be to take you on my motorcycle.”

I felt my face flush as my core melted. Sucking in a slow breath, I tore off a piece of bread and chewed it to give myself some time. “Okay. I’ve heard your answers and I think it’s time for me to make my decision.”

Tate made a drum roll sound and they all leaned in dramatically.

“I choose…myself!” I blew a raspberry and then stuck my tongue out. “Sorry, bachelors. It’s not personal.”

Nash grunted. “Sure felt personal.”

I grinned at him and then finished my first glass of wine. “I’m sorry about this. Grandpa isn’t usually so…obvious. He’s never tried to hook me up with anyone before. Matter of fact, he used to complain about everyone I dated and swear up and down I would make a great nun.”

“Maybe the guys you dated were dicks.” Nash shrugged. “Or maybe he just really likes us. We are pretty great, after all.”

“It’s true. We’re wonderful.” Aiden poured more wine for me and then cast a look over his shoulder at Grandpa’s door. “He doesn’t realize we’re deviants set on destroying his granddaughter’s innocence.”

I choked on the meatball I’d been eating and sucked down even more wine in an effort to help. When I was finally able to breathe normally, I was tipsy and lightly sweating. I fanned myself and looked up at Aiden through my lashes. “You can’t just say things like that. You almost killed me.”

He smirked. “I wouldn’t let you choke, Eve. Not on food, anyway.”

CHAPTER 16

Eve

Rolling my eyes and pretending to not be bothered by Aiden’s innuendo, I ate more of my spaghetti and then figured I’d actually get to know them a little better. The wine definitely encouraged me.

“How did you guys end up here?” I bit my lip as Aiden refilled my glass with the last of the wine. “I’m already halfway to drunk.”

He shrugged. “You’ve never been safer getting hammered.”

Nash sat back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. “That was fucking delicious. To answer your question, we go where we’re needed. Someone reached out to our company and requested help. Our salaries and travel expenses are covered by a grant the town applies for. Harmony Valley is a little better off than most places we end up. Staffing can get pretty dicey in some rural areas.”

“Someone had to apply for a grant and then request you guys through your company?” I looked towards Grandpa’s door and frowned. “Do you know who it was?”

Tate nodded towards the door I’d just glanced at. “Hank. He even put us up in the cabin for free.”

“Grandpa filled out the paperwork to apply for a grant? Really?” I sipped at my wine and wondered how Grandpa figured everything out. I didn’t even realize he knew how to use a computer. “Weird. How long will you be here?”

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