Page 17 of Spring Break with a Fire Chief

“Well, okay then. You just answered the question we all wanted to know.”

“And what's that?”

“You're in love.”

I raise a brow and look around the room. I contemplate their words but not for long. I know I’m in love. I was in love with her four years ago. The first night we met, there was a draw to her. She was different. Clichè? Yes, but true. She held my attention with her words and beauty, and the fact I was drawn to her, without even physically touching her, told me a lot. But when we got physical? It was like a bomb went off. I never experienced emotions like what we had with anyone else.

“I am. But,” I stand and grab more beers for them, “I need her to meet me there. She left me. Yes, she’s back but for how long? I need her all in, or I need her all gone.”

Jace chokes on his beer. “No you didn’t just say that.”

“Sully, I’m serious. I can’t do another six months like last time only for her to leave me once again. How would you feel if it was Poppy? Think about how you feel about her and then think about her telling you she needs to see the world, that she wants to see what else is out there.”

“Chief, I don't think Madeline was looking for another man in the world, I think she was looking for more of the world inherworld. Do you get what I mean? She’s amazing, she’s a traveling nurse. Who she is is in her fucking title! She wants to help anyone she can.”

“ButIwant to be her world. And if I’m not big enough for her, I can’t have her here.”

“So many jokes.”

Jace punches Maddox in his arm. “Don't be an asshole. You know what he means.”

“Have you told her all this?” Ted asks.

“I asked her to stay three years ago and she said no.”

“That wasn’t my question. Did you tell her how you feel about her?”

“I begged her not to leave me. Isn't that enough?”

“Oh Chief. You’re so clueless. Yes, you wanting her to stay is a lot. And you telling her that is a lot. But did you tell her you loved her? Did you say you didn’t want to be without her? Did you say she was the best sex you ever had?”

He smirks when I narrow my eyes at him. “She knows all that.”

“She may, or she may not. But every woman wants to hear it.”

How wouldn’t she know? I begged her not to leave. I told her over and over how her body was meant for mine.

But I never said the words. I never saidI love you.

My phone dings with a text and I pull it out.

Maddie: I might need some discipline.

My blood runs hot and my cock hardens in my jeans.

This woman will be the death of me.

Maddox’s phone buzzes and a moment later so does Jace’s.

“Well fuck. Guess boy’s night is over,” Ted says with a laugh.

Chapter 11

Madeline

Ileft the bar and knew I had to see him. After talking with the girls tonight, the need to be with him, be in the same room and be close to him was so strong. I have to feel what we used to have and know it’s still one hundred percent alive. And I want him to feel it, too.

I knew sending him this text would either spark our flirtation again or he’d shut it right down putting me in the friend zone. Either way, I need an answer. I have to know where he stands.

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