Page 50 of Deck the Fire Halls

I freaking loved my job.

Then, at about ten minutes to four o’clock—not that I was clock-watching, waiting for my shift to end—I just happened to be out in front of the fire hall when I happened to see a familiar figure crossing the street just up from me.

His smile made my kneesweak.

“Hey,” I said, checking my watch. “I was just thinking about you.”

“I’m just heading home,” Rob said. “It’s almost four. Someone said he was stopping by. I have a Christmas tree thatreallyneeds decorating.”

Yeah, there was definitely innuendo in that.

“Oh, I’m definitely gonna decorate your tree.”

That came out way filthier than I’d intended, but he blushed so it was worth it.

“You been at the youth center again today?” I asked.

“Yes. Being schooled by a bunch of teenagers is my new reality check. If I ever think for one second that I’m cool, or perhaps holding my own for someone my age, they’ll shoot that down pretty quick.”

I chuckled. “Brutal.”

He smiled, easy and relaxed. It was a good look on him. “You were right about helping Gunter. I’ve enjoyed it.”

“And you still have more days off.”

“I know. It’s bizarre. I don’t actually know what I’m going to do tomorrow. I have the entire day with zero plans. It’s unheard of.”

“Tomorrow? I just might happen to have tomorrow off. I could take you out for a ride on Harley, if you want.”

“On your motorcycle?” He looked at me, horrified, but there was a flash of excitement too. “I’ve never been on a motorcycle before and I don’t have the appropriate clothing.”

“I have a spare helmet, and any long pants and boots will do. You don’t have to have leathers.”

He absolutely looked me up and down. “Will you be wearing leathers?”

I laughed. “For safety purposes, yes.”

He made a face. “I’ll think about it.”

“About riding the bike, or about me wearing the leathers?”

His cheeks went red, but he tried to play it cool and cleared his throat. “It’s not like that. I could quote statistical data on the importance of protective leathers relating directly to the survivability of motorcycle accidents.”

“Hm-mm.”

He was absolutely going to ride with me, and the idea of that, of him sitting behind me, his arms around my waist... it made me so damn happy.

And that I now had a reason to see him again tomorrow.

“Did you want to leave the Christmas tree decorating until tomorrow? We’d have more time?—”

“No,” he said quickly. “I really do need my tree decorated.” There was that euphemism again. “Now that I’ve been thinking about it, I really would like that.”

I laughed and checked my watch again. “I will be at your place in... ten minutes. Should I change first, or is this okay?” I gestured to my uniform.

His gaze drew down my front, from my chest to my boots, before he looked back to my face. “That is more than okay.”

Damn.

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