Page 101 of Five Alarm Kiss

They’d been at the fundraiser for over an hour, and Laurel’s heart still hadn’t slowed to a normal rhythm. The way Jake had looked at her when he’d picked her up at her apartment made her wonder if this entire evening was a dream. If it was, she sure as heck hoped she didn’t wake up before he made good on his promise.

The heat smoldering in his eyes had practically incinerated her, and even though she’d felt a little self-conscious, she’d also felt incredibly sexy. Jake made her feel desired… like she was the only one he wanted, and she hadn’t felt that in—well, she’d never truly felt that way.

She owed Britt big time for talking her into finally wearing the infamous red dress. And, she had to admit, even though it was too tight for her liking, it really did make her figure look great.

At the moment, she and Jake were talking with Dave Reynolds. She’d met him before because his wife was a professor at the college, as well as one of the people who had planned the event with her mom. Dave also happened to be a retired firechief, so he and Jake had fallen into an easy conversation about their profession.

Laurel liked hearing more about what Jake did on a daily basis, but when they’d started swapping stories about things that had gone wrong while fighting fires, she couldn’t listen. She knew Jake’s job was dangerous, but she also knew he loved it. Fighting fires was a huge part of who he was. She had no right to ask him to quit. That would be like him asking her to stop teaching. She wouldn’t do it, just as she knew he’d never request that of her. Still, it didn’t mean she wouldn’t worry about him any time his station responded to a fire.

People always said being with a first responder wasn’t easy, but what was the alternative? Walking away? Her heart would never allow it.

Listening to them talk, however, was starting to freak her out. So, when her dad waved her over, she jumped at the chance to steal away before her stomach tied itself into so many knots she threw up.

“Hey, Slugger. You look beautiful.”

Man, she hated that nickname. “Thanks, Dad. Did you need me to help with something?”

“Nope. Just wanted a hug from my girl.” He wrapped her in a warm embrace and kissed her cheek.

Her father—well, her mother too—had been more physically affectionate since their talk with Jake. It was nice, and something Laurel hadn’t realized she needed as much as she did.

Jake seemed to have the rare ability to bring out the best in people. He’d definitely helped her gain some confidence back, but she needed to start standing up for herself, and finally saying what she’d been wanting to for four years seemed like a good place to start.

Here goes nothing.

“Dad?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?”

“Can you maybe not call me ‘Slugger’?”

There. She’d said it.

He was taken aback. “Don’t you like it anymore?”

She gave a small shake of her head. “I’ve never liked it, Dad. Every time you say it, I think of Ethan and that night. It’s not really something I want to keep reliving, you know?”

“Laurel, sweetheart.” He looked truly stricken. “Why didn’t you tell me it bothered you sooner?”

She shrugged.

Because I was a coward.

“I’m so sorry. I never would’ve kept calling you that if I’d known.”

“It’s okay.” Her gaze shifted to Jake, who was still deep in conversation. He was the reason she’d been able to speak up now. He’d helped her realize she was so much stronger than she’d thought.

She looked back to find her dad studying Jake.

“How’s that man of yours treating you?” he asked.

My man?

Was he? She’d like to think so, but didn’t know for sure. Hopefully he was, because as far as her heart was concerned, she was already his. She couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment that last stubborn one percent had fallen into place, but it had. She was in love with him. One hundred percent in love with him.

“Well,” she said. “He treats me really well.” It was true. Jake treated her like no man before him ever had… like an equal. Someone who could think for herself and make her own decisions. He’d never once made her feel otherwise. Honestly, he’d been nothing short of amazing. “He’s a really good guy, Dad.”

“I knew that the minute he chewed out your mother and me.”

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