Page 6 of Nanny for the Firefighter

He nods. “Hmm, can’t change those eyes, though, can you? I’d know those stormy blues from anywhere.”

Mason laughs half-heartedly, and I find myself fiddling with the rings on my fingers.

The seconds drag, and I see Officer Hogan load Boone into the back of his squad car out of the corner of my eye.

Shit. Is he arresting the guy?

“Well, the tow should be here soon. We’ll get your car loaded.”

I nod at him, expecting Mason to give me some type of “Go here to get your car” or even a “How’ve you been?”

But that’s it. That’s all Mason gives me.

“Right.” I nod again, having no clue what else to do. “I guess, thank you.”

“It’s the job, Bridget. I’m just doing what I signed up for.”

He holds my stare without flinching. Mason seems as cool as ever, and I’m sitting here having a panic attack because the guy I was almost in love with five years ago is standing right in front of me.

Jai is my past, and so was Mason. But I was hoping to have at least a few minutes in town before I ran into him.

So much for that.

“I’m going to talk with Officer Hogan. Stay here.”

“Okay.” I just wobble my head in a pathetic excuse for a nod again, crumpling into myself.

Mason walks off, and I can see him chatting with Hogan, probably about getting the cars out of here if the hand gestures are anything to go by.

My heart still feels tight, and my stare roams over Mason’s form in the firefighter’s uniform. I had no idea he’d be doing that, but it fits.

Mason was always about lending a helping hand. I sag even further.

You are being ridiculous, Bridget. Come on. You knew he was here. And all that stuff between you is in the past.

internal monologue does its best to convince me to get over this, but I’m still…disappointed.

I look like an idiot with my car all smushed, and a secret part of me was hoping to make some type of impression on Mason when we finally ran into each other.

Because I’ve never stopped thinking about him—or the day I left.

After a few more minutes, I see a tow truck coming up the road, and I have to assume that we’re basically done here.

Mason says something to the driver as Officer Hogan drives off with Boone in the backseat. He points in my direction, and I stiffen, standing up straighter.

But when Mason starts walking over, my phone rings.

“Shit.” I pull it out of my jeans pocket and check who’s calling. “Oh, right. Hudson.”

Answering the call, I try to keep my voice low. I don’t want Mason to hear me. “Hey, bro.”

“Hey, are you almost here? We expected you like forty minutes ago.”

I sigh, my eyes closing as I release a heavy breath. “Yeah, I’m almost there. I…umm. I ran into some trouble. But it’s fine. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Okay?”

“Trouble? What are you talking about?” I can hear the concern in Hudson’s voice, and I hate it. “Do you need me to?—”

“Nope. It’s fine. I’m leaving now. See you in a few.”

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