Page 58 of The Firefighter's Fate

I don’t need him to say another word. I’m going to be bold. I like being bold.

I lean in close to him and kiss him... on the cheek.

I move away from his face to see Connor smiling. It’s a genuine, happy smile that doesn’t suit his usual grumpy face at all.

“That’s all I need from you, Ember,” he whispers.

“Good,” I whisper back.

He walks past me to the door, but before he leaves, he turns around one last time.

“There’s a country fair happening in town tomorrow,” he says. “At the main park. I’m going. You should come along too. Might be good to spend some time together... for your article, I mean.”

I nod.

“That does sound like a smart idea.”

“I’ll see you there, Ember,” my plumbing savior says. “Don’t cause any more leakages, okay?”

29

EMBER

Connor is waiting for me by the entrance to the park. The place is busy – swarming with families who’ve decided to have a fun day out at the country fair. I can already hear the cheering sounds of a crowd and the rhythmic beating of distant music before I even round the corner.

And that’s when I see Connor. He stands out, being so tall and all. He looks funny dressed casually in a shirt and jeans. I realize I’ve only ever seen him in some variant of his firefighter uniform until he came to save me from the puddle yesterday. The man’s probably just thrown on whatever shirt he had lying around his place. Fashion isn’t his passion, it seems, and yet he still looks good. His thick arms bulge against the outline of his shirt. His tattoos stand out in the crowd of families. The V shape of his body deliciously slides into those rough jeans. He’s not into fancy tailored clothes unlike his brothers, that’s for sure.

There are banners sprayed around the front of the park welcoming everyone to the fair. Kids run around Connor freely and laugh playfully. Crystal River has never seemed so full. It feels like the entire town is here today. I’m actually really liking it. I think this’ll be fun.

And it’s going to be strange doing all of this with this grumpy firefighter...

I take in a deep breath. I have to say, I am a bit nervous as to how this day is going to go. I still can’t get a read on the Penmayne. I’m worried he might suddenly turn on me and make me face his stubborn wrath. Or things could just be super painfully awkward between us. I don’t know what I’m more afraid of.

Connor’s piercing eyes light up when he sees me.

“Hello, Ember,” he says as I reach him. “I’m glad you made it.”

I flash him a grin.

“Me too, Connor.”

“I thought you might not come,” he says.

I teasingly poke him in the rib.

“And not go to a fair? Come on, Connor, you don’t know me at all. I’m so freaking excited for all of this. Aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.”

“What? Really? Mr. Grumpy is planning on actually enjoying himself today?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, Connor. Show me a good time.”

“Certainly.”

We wander together into the park, beaming at each other like naughty schoolkids.

---