Page 64 of Rescued Duty

He’d been ordered to take the rest of the day off, but Zack would rather stick around and help fix things. The two officers were already in conversation with Bryce, which made his standing there awkward. Much better to clean up the mess like they did after any traffic accident.

Zack grabbed his gloves.

The grass and sidewalk were littered with debris. He picked up some plastic water bottles and threw them in the trash can at the side of the building.

“Excuse me, sir.” A man in a hoodie and sneakers stepped up to him. A young girl with blonde pigtails sucked on a lollipop while her other hand was tucked in her dad’s. “You saved my kid’s life.”

“I did?” Zack furrowed his brow.

“Yeah, man. You stopped the truck before it could hit my daughter. You’re a hero.” The man’s face beamed. “Thank you.”

Zack stood up straight and smiled. Here he’d thought everyone would be angry, and this dad was thanking him. “Instinct kicked in, and I couldn’t let anyone get hurt.”

“We’re glad to have you on the first responder crew. The team in this town is amazing.” The dad extended his hand and Zack shook it.

He’d barely let go of the man’s hand before Izan, Eddie, and Ridge showed up.

“Thought you could make a mess and not worry about cleaning it up?” Ridge winked.

“Ha. Let you guys have all the fun without me?” Zack shook his head. “Not a chance.”

“That was something else.” Izan shook his head and slapped Zack on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

The way his buddies surrounded him sent a surge of pride through Zack’s veins. He’d invited the trouble that could have gotten them hurt. Yet, they didn’t see it that way. How had he been blessed with supportive and gracious friends?

Zack scanned the crowd. Naya stood at the edge of the sidewalk. When he made eye contact with her, she hurried over.

Eddie must have taken note of the brief exchange, because he smiled. “Get in here too.” He waved her over.

Eddie moved away from Zack, and Naya slid into the empty spot and wrapped her arm around Zack’s torso. The gesture sent heat up his neck, and given the guys’ faces, none of them missed it.

Her close proximity made him want to gather her in his arms and hold tight. Show her she would be safe with him. That no one would hurt her, and she wouldn’t have to worry about looking over her shoulder.

“Your cheek.” Naya leaned in and whispered to Zack. The smell of peppermint on her breath tickled his senses, and Zack took her hand in his and squeezed. “It’s just a scratch.”

“You sure you’re okay?” She stared at him.

He smiled. “Shaken? Sure. Hurt? No.”

The urge to kiss her built in him like kindling that had just lit a campfire. Sparks rose with the heat that worked its way up his arms. The coziness and security she exuded reeled him in, but one step too close would only get him burned.

Instead, he nuzzled his nose against the side of her face and placed a gentle kiss on her temple.

They needed to have a conversation first. Otherwise, he’d regret letting his emotions take the reins. She deserved respect, and that meant clearing the air after their argument.

Naya must have read his mind. “Can we talk later?”

“Of course.” Zack wrapped his arm back around her and looked at his friends. Colleagues. Family.

Just as his team would stand by him, he wouldn’t let her do this alone.

Everyone needed a partner. Someone to catch their blind spots and be their champion.

A speaker crackled to life and broke his train of thought. Someone tapped a microphone, then said, “Thank you to all our first responders and their swift action today. Because of their work, everyone is safe. We’d also like to thank you all for coming out to the New Blooms Spring Festival. Let’s give it up for our vendors and first responders. We hope you’ll join us again next year. On your way out, please stay on the sidewalks and let the cleanup crew do their job.”

“All right. Let’s get this mess taken care of.” Ridge broke away from the circle first.

“I’ll take the boxes back to the firehouse with me.” Zack pointed to their booth. “Clocking out for the day.”

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