Page 15 of Some Like It Hot

“Big party up there?”

She nods.

“Then enjoy your night. Your boyfriend is missing out on having a gorgeous woman on his arm.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

That’s the best damn thing I’ve heard all night. “No?”

“Not at all.”

“The power is back on,” I tell her.

She pushes the elevator button again. “What about you? Do you have a significant other who is home alone tonight? That must be hard.”

“I’m single.”

Wyatt clears his throat from behind me. I adjust my ball cap. We’re not in full gear, just black pants and T-shirts. If we had needed a full safety crew, they would have come in gear. I know what Wyatt is thinking.

That I should get her number.

He’s right. I should.

“Oh.” She smiles at the news of my single status. “Too bad you’re working. You could be my plus one.”

I pull my phone out of my pocket and swipe it. “Give me your number and maybe we can make that happen another night.” I hold it out to her.

She takes it readily and puts her number in. “What’s your name?”

Right. I’m an opportunist but clearly off my game. “Aidan. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elise.”

“You, too, Aidan.” She hands my phone back. “Happy New Year.”

The elevator door to her left dings and opens. She eyes it. “When you fall off a horse, get right back on, right?”

Her bravery impresses me, though she does take a deep, bracing breath.

A lanky kid in his early twenties steps off the elevator. “Oh, damn, Elise. There you are. The Racketeers party is lit. Where’s Wilder?”

“He went home.”

That’s when it clicks. Racketeers. Blake Wilder. He’s the pro hockey goalie. I’m not a huge hockey fan, but I know the name from when games are on at the station.

I guess he’s taken one too many hits to the head with a puck to leave this gorgeous woman standing here alone. His loss, my gain.

“Does this mean I get a kiss at midnight?” the young guy asks, hopefully.

She sighs. “Wade, you’re like my little brother. Knock it off.”

I hide a grin. This woman is something else.

“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He shrugs. He gives me a wave. “Yo, firefighter dude, what’s up?”

“Just saving damsels in elevators.”

“What?” He looks thoroughly confused.

Elise steps onto the elevator, nudging Wade out of the way since he’s blocking the door from closing. She blows me a kiss right as the door glides closed.

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