Page 7 of Curvy Girl and the Firefighter Chief

"You're being louder than he is, Max!"

Five firefighters crowd into my doorway, all trying to look casual and failing miserably.

"Hi," I say, amused by their attempts at stealth.

"See? She's awake!" The youngest one, Max, it seems, grins. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I inhaled a campfire, but otherwise okay."

"The Chief was really worried," Damon, a tall guy with kind eyes, says. "Never seen him hover like that before."

Max elbows him. "Yeah, spending the whole night at the hospital? That's a first."

"Are you sure you two hadn't met before?" Another one asks, his eyebrows waggling suggestively.

"I literally just moved here three weeks ago," I explain, trying to ignore the warmth spreading across my face. "Last night was the first time I met any of you."

A different one opens his mouth to say something else, but a sharp voice cuts through the chatter.

"Don't you all have jobs to do?"

The group parts like the Red Sea, revealing a stern-looking man. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his expression could freeze hell.

"Come on, Kane," Danny whines. "We're just checking on her."

"The city doesn't protect itself," Kane says flatly. "There's a three-car pileup on Main Street that needs our attention."

The mood shifts instantly. Despite their previous playfulness, all five men straighten up, their expressions becoming severe. Theyfile out quickly, though not without a few friendly waves in my direction.

I notice Sadie's eyes following Kane as he turns to leave, her cheeks slightly pink. Well, well.

"So," I say once we're alone again, "Kane seems... intense."

"He's just dedicated to the job," Sadie defends quickly, then blushes harder when she realizes how eager she sounds.

"And you're dedicated to watching him, apparently."

She groans, flopping onto my bed. "Is it that obvious?"

"Only to someone who just watched you practically drool when he walked in."

"It doesn't matter," she sighs. "Kane's all about protocol and professionalism. He'd never look twice at the chief's daughter. Besides," she sits up, pointing a finger at me, "we should be talking about you and my dad."

"There's nothing to talk about," I insist, but my voice sounds weak even to my own ears.

"Please. Dad was calling the hospital every hour for updates when he couldn't be there himself, and then he rushed to stay at your side. And now you're staying here instead of a hotel? He's not exactly subtle."

"I'm just a victim he rescued—"

"Stella," Sadie interrupts, her expression serious. "Dad's been alone for a long time. After Mom left when I was little, he threw himself into work. The only women he talks to are elderly Mrs. Peterson, who occasionally brings cookies to the station, and Mrs. Camilla, who cuts his hair twice a year."

"Sadie..."

"I'm just saying, if there's any chance... don't let his grumpy exterior scare you away. He's a good man who deserves to be happy."

Before I can respond, another knock at the door reveals Luke himself, carrying a tray of food. His eyes narrow slightly at the sight of his daughter on my bed.

"Sadie. Don't you have dispatch duties?"

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