Page 14 of Sparks Fly

“That’ll be all, Lieutenant. Keep me updated on the progress of the rookie evaluations. Especially any...problem areas that need further addressing.”

The clear dismissal rings with unspoken warning, a reminder of the scrutiny Hallie and Kaia will now be under. Hallie rises on leaden legs, throwing a mock salute before making her escape. She marches down the hallway in a daze, her head swimming as she tries to process the rollercoaster of a day.

As much as she wants to keep denying it, to cling to the feverish belief that this infatuation with Kaia is harmless, she knows deep in her bones that it’s a lit fuse poised to blow.

And when it does, the collateral damage won’t be limited to singed fingers and wounded pride. It will be the total destruction of everything Hallie has sacrificed and strived for. The inevitable implosion of her own career and Kaia’s right along with it.

The certainty of that danger galvanizes Hallie’s resolve as she reaches the locker room, grateful to find it empty. She sinks onto a bench, dropping her face into trembling hands.

She has to end this dance with Kaia before it’s too late. Before her growing attachment compromises her ability to be the firm lieutenant. How could she train Kaia’s brazen attitude into strict obedience when it’s the very thing that draws her in?

But damn if the mere thought of pushing Kaia away, of watching the hope gutter and die in those molten eyes, doesn’t flay Hallie raw. Peel back the layers of staunch discipline and self-control to expose the ravenous ache beneath. The intense yearning for even a fleeting taste of the inferno raging between them, consequences be damned.

She huffs out an exasperated groan, scrubbing at her eyes.

How the hell am I gonna deal with this?

8

KAIA

The next morning’s training passes by in a tense blur.

A churning anxiety takes root in the pit of Kaia’s stomach when Hallie spends the entirety of their private session maintaining a firm distance, offering only clipped instructions and short breaks between exercises that barely give Kaia time to breathe.

Let alone question the lieutenant’s cold attitude.

By the time the other rookies show up for the start of regular training, Kaia is utterly convinced that Hallie is pushing her away on purpose. The weight of the rejection is more crushing than Kaia could have ever anticipated, having replayed the memory of their hurried intimacy in the showers countless times the prior evening.

She couldn’t understand it. Hallie had seemed just as desperate for it as Kaia had been.

Why is she trying to act like nothing happened?

Kaia’s heart races as she spots Hallie hunched over a table in the break room during lunch, her brow furrowed in concentration and golden curls flopping over her forehead as she pores over a stack of paperwork. She knows it’s risky, knows they should keep their distance outside the safety of their locker room, but the magnetic pull she feels towards Hallie Hunter is just too strong to resist.

With a mischievous grin, Kaia saunters over to the table and slides onto the bench beside Hallie. “Hey, Lieutenant,” she murmurs, her voice low and sultry. “Got a minute?”

Hallie’s head snaps up, her eyes widening as she takes in Kaia’s closeness. She quickly glances toward the open door, ensuring no one is within earshot, before whispering harshly, “Kaia, what are you doing? We can’t be seen together like this.”

But Kaia is undeterred, the lingering thrill of their forbidden tryst coursing through her veins like a drug. She leans in even closer, her breath ghosting over Hallie’s ear as she purrs, “I was just thinking, after yesterday, I owe you some attention… fancy meeting me in the locker room in five?”

A pink flush creeps up Hallie’s neck as she scoots along the bench to put some distance between them.

“Absolutely not!” she hisses, her eyes darting around to the door once more.

“It’s way too risky for us to just disappear in the middle of the day. What if someone saw us both go in there? If what we did becomes public knowledge, I could lose my job. We both could lose our jobs.”

Kaia pouts, but she knows Hallie has a point. Still, she can’t help but push, the desire to be alone with her consuming her every thought. With a bashful smile, she continues to tease her.

“Well then, Lieutenant, I guess you’ll just have to take me out on a proper date if you want to spend any more quality time together.”

Hallie pauses, her brow furrowed in thought, and chews on her cheek as she considers her response. Kaia holds her breath, terrified she may be making more of their connection than she should. But she can feel it; she knows Hallie wants her just as badly. Kaia can only hope that discretion at work is the only thing holding the lieutenant back.

Then, slowly, a smile spreads across Hallie’s face.

“Okay,” she finally says. “How about we go for a hike this weekend, just the two of us? I know a great spot with an amazing view. I go there sometimes to escape; the stars are incredible when you’re away from the city pollution.”

Kaia arches an eyebrow, a bolt of excitement zipping down her spine.

---