Page 14 of Spring Break with a Fire Chief

I smile and lean into her. “It is pretty great being close to you again.”

We’re down at Love Beach Brews and nothing has changed since I’ve been here last. It’s still a cute, beachy theme bar with amazing music and even hotter wait staff.

“Who’s the new bartender?”

“Oh, that's Wells. He’s a brewmaster, Isaac hired him last summer. He’s dating Vienna, who you’ll meet tonight. He’s also got the sweetest little girl but let me tell you, he was not prepared for the fire he found in the women of this town.” She laughs. “Vienna is wild and doesn’t hold back. And Marigold’s cousin, Poppy? She’s another firestarter.” She laughs. “Quite literally if you believe the rumors.”

“She’s the one dating Jace?”

She nods. “She spotted him and didn’t let him out of her sight until she sealed the deal.”

“Ladies, I hope you're going to behave tonight. I’d hate to have to throw out Love Beach’s finest for getting too rowdy.”

“Here he is! My favorite son-in-law.”

Isaac has approached the table with a tray full of drinks and begins putting them on the table. “Let’s drop thein lawand don’t tell Maddox.”

She tskshim and asks, “What’s all this? We didn’t order these.”

“Your daughter just texted me and said they’re two minutes out and to have drinks ready.” I smile at his sweet demeanor and the fact that he’s dropped everything to cater to his girl and her family. “And they also want you drunk.” He places two shots in front of me.

“Me? Why?”

“Because they want all the gossip on you and the chief, duh.” He rolls his eyes like he’s annoyed he had to explain it to me and it makes me laugh.

“Well, no gossip from me. I was warned about spilling details.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I slap myhand over my lips. Candee turns to me with excitement in her eyes and Isaac pulls a chair out placing his arms on the table and leaning towards me. I laugh out loud at the two of them.

“Guess we didn’t need shots at all.”

“Party’s here!” There is a commotion at the front entrance of the bar and I see the girls walk in. They’re gorgeous with deep tans, cute cut off shorts and smiles from ear to ear. They’ve got love written across their faces and everyone knows it. That’s what makes them so beautiful.

“Saved by the bell.”

“Not even close. We’re on pause for right now,” Candee chastises me and stands, signaling the girls to our table. I stand too and give Reece the biggest hug.

“I’m so happy to see you again! My mom was so lonely without you.”

I smile. “I was, too. And you look so great!”

She does a little twirl before falling into Isaac and giving him a kiss. The way these two look at each other melts my heart. I’m introduced to Marigold, Vienna and Poppy and Isaac takes his leave.

“Okay, we’re going to get right down to it. The town has already caught us up on the fact that you showed up at the fire station unannounced, Ryan caused a ruckus at the hospital, you went to his house late at night and now you two haven’t been seen together at all. So, start talking.”

I widened my eyes at Candee. “You weren’t kidding. This town moves fast.”

“And so do you. Start talking.”

I snicker as the girls all lean in closer. To the other patrons in the place, I bet we look like we’re planning something outrageous. And maybe we are. I guess I have to be if I want Ryan to know I’m serious.

“Okay yes, all of that is true. I showed up at the station because I needed to see if he would be happy to see me. He came thundering into the hospital when Ted got hurt on a call. I did go to his house only for him to ask me to leave and?—”

“Whaaat!” they all screech but I put my hand up signaling them to let me finish.

“Andddd besides the run in at your bakery,” I nod to Marigold, “we haven’t seen each other since, but he did text me today.”

Candee puts her hand out expectantly. I know what she wants so I dig in my purse for my phone and hand it to her.

“This is embarrassing.” I cover my face with my hands.

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