Page 75 of Deck the Fire Halls

Hamish nodded. “They have a lot to get organized with the B&B. Christmas is always so hectic for him and Cass. And the diner of course. Those are two busy boys.”

A waitress came over and took our order. We agreed on two pizzas for us to share. “And can I order one to go, but when we’re ready to leave?” I asked.

“Sure thing.”

She went on her way and the others were all looking at me, so I explained, “Soren’s on the late shift. I’ll take them a pizza later.”

“Oh, that would be why he wasn’t at the fire safety talk at the school today,” Braithe said. “It was Doug and Raf.”

I wasn’t too sure what that meant . ..

“Mmm,” Hamish buzzed. “So... justhow isdating the sexy firefighter going?”

Braithe sighed. “It’s easier just to give in, Rob. Tell him something. It keeps his pervy heart happy.”

I sighed. “It’s going... great?” I shrugged. “But I keep waiting for the shoe to drop, ya know? He’s funny and sweet and romantic, and...”

God. I couldn’t say it.

“And?” Hamish asked, hanging on every word. “And what?”

“And . . .”

“Really hot in bed?” Hamish prompted quietly. “I mean, he’s a firefighter. It’s gotta be smoking hot, right? On fire, even?”

“Those puns are terrible.” I laughed, embarrassed. “But not exactly untrue.” I fanned my face. “Holy hell. Like nothing I’ve ever had.”

They laughed and Hamish gave my forearm a squeeze. “This is what I’m here for.”

Gunter studied me for a long few seconds. “But you’re worried about how fast it’s moving, and you don’t know if it’s real or just lust, and it scares the hell out of you.”

It wasn’t a question, but oh boy, he’d nailed it.

I conceded a nod. “I’ve, uh, I’ve been alone a long time. My whole life was work, work, work. So this is all such a change of pace for me, and everything is perfect. So perfect.”

“Too perfect?” Braithe added.

“Like something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie?” Hamish asked.

Yeah. They got it.

I nodded. “Yes. And I have professional obligations to this town, so I need to be mindful of that.”

“Is he your patient?” Hamish asked.

“No. He’s not on our books.”

“Then it’s a non-issue.” He patted my arm again. “And as for the whirlwind, crazy-fast falling-in-love thing, we all questioned it when it happened to us.”

Both Braithe and Gunter nodded again.

“It’s this town,” Hamish said with a sigh. “Where better to meet your perfect man than in a perfect town at the perfect time of year, huh?”

That made me smile.

“Just see where it goes,” Braithe said. “Don’t fight it. If falling in love is the worst thing that happens, how bad could it be?”

Our pizzas arrived and we ate a few slices in silence before talk turned to Braithe’s school Christmas play and Gunter’s youth center, and by the time we were done, I felt so much better.

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