Page 17 of Phoenix Rising

Yeah, she definitely had a crush.

Finding out last night that Lucinda had dated a woman before shot a wave of relief through her. That's why she had mentioned her ex, Alison.

Becky rubbed her temple. Was Lucinda also thinking about her in this way or was it just her imagination? She couldn't tell for sure. All she knew was that she wanted to corner that littledoctor and have that pretty pink mouth on hers. She only hoped Lucinda wanted that, too.

Becky needed to walk to get the nervous energy out of her bones. She got up and strode down the hall. She walked aimlessly around the break room, sleeping quarters, and garage, the firefighters' mumblings going in one ear and out the other.

God, she couldn't afford to be this distracted.

"Chief!"

Becky turned to see Captain Carter running up to her.

"So, what's the situation with the new procedures? I want to ensure our team is prepared for the drill next Friday."

Becky opened her mouth to answer, but it was not her voice that spoke.

"The chief and I will discuss this this week, and we will give you the packets to distribute to the others by Monday," Lucinda said.

She was wearing a light blue dress that hugged the shape of her hips perfectly. Becky turned to see her and dragged her eyes away before they lingered too much over her body.

"What she said, Captain," Becky agreed.

"Got it. I'll let everyone else know." Carter turned and left the two women alone.

Lucinda handed Becky her jacket from last night, which now smelled of fresh linen and daisies.

"Did you wash this?"

"Of course I did." Lucinda rolled her eyes. "I wasn't going to return a dirty jacket."

Becky chuckled. "Thank you for dropping it off."

"Thank you for the help yesterday. I was able to get a new tire this morning, so I'm late."

"I hadn't realized we had set up a time."

"We hadn't, but I felt like I was running behind." Lucinda blushed.

"Well, since you're here, do you want the tour?" Becky waved her hand around at the firehouse behind her.

"I don't want to bother you if you're busy."

"Not a bother at all." Becky smirked, walking by the trucks. "This is the garage where all the babies live."

"Babies?" Lucinda asked.

Becky smiled, hitting the side of her favorite truck. "These are the babies, Doctor."

Lucinda chuckled. A soft, delicious sound that Becky wanted to hear over and over again.

"This one is my personal favorite. Don't tell theothers." Becky let her fingers skim across the cool metal. "She's older but sturdy with a state-of-the-art pump system."

"I haven't the slightest idea what that means," Lucinda joked.

"Please," Becky interrupted. "Hold all your questions until the end."

Lucinda laughed again. Becky was becoming addicted.

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