Page 21 of Spring Break with a Fire Chief

Me: I thought we established this

Maddie: We did. You’re going to let me win you back anyway I can. And if that means a booty call, so be it.

I grip the phone in my hand. I left her house last night and haven’t been able to get her off my mind since. I’ve fallen fast and hard, just like the first time. I can fight it all I want, I can tell her I need to see more from her, I can try to avoid her or not answer calls, but it's of no use.

I’m still in love with Madeline Torre.

Me: You just want me for my body

Maddie: Not just for your body

Maddie: But it sure does help. Come over when you’re out. I’m on until 8 anyway

Me: 10-4

I’m not going to be able to hold out tonight. I know it. She’s too tempting and I’ve missed her for too long. So now I need to get myself into a mind frame where I’m okay with being physical while still learning to trust again that she is telling me the truth. Problem is, it’s only been a few short weeks and sure, she’s happy to be back but for how long? How long will it last before she gets the itch to travel again?

I’m watching the clock slowly make its way around to nine p.m. when Maddox finds me. I’ve done paperwork in my office,ran through the checklists with the other guys to make sure the engines have what they need and now I’m in the kitchen organizing the shelves.

He whistles. “You got it bad.”

I take a breath preparing myself for his nonsense as I turn to face him, crossing my arms. “Can I help you, Baylor?”

He grabs a chair and slides it out sitting at the table, nodding at the one across from him. “Chief, let’s sit. I need to talk to you”

I raise a brow but do as he asks, mildly amused. “What do you want to talk about?”

He blows out a breath just as Jace and Brian walk in. “You’re doing this now?” Jace asks.

Maddox makes a show of biting his knuckles and nods. Jace puts his hand on his shoulder, comforting him and I sit forward in my chair. I thought this was going to be another joke, but something’s up.

“What’s going on? Is it Ted?”

“This is kind of hard to say, but I think it’s time we had this talk.”

I furrow my brows at him. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, Chief Donnelly, I’ve seen you acting a certain way. And it’s making me nervous.”

I pull back. “Nervous? What do you mean?”

“I just don’t want someone else to get hurt.”

I narrow my eyes. “What the fuck?”

“See, when a man and a woman find each other attractive there are certain feelings that begin to take over. And I’m not saying you shouldn't move on those urges but I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you to protect yourself.”

I hear him but my mind is trying to catch up. He’s trying to cover his smirk but the two idiots behind him give it away. When I stand from my chair, Maddox pushes back from his, scraping itacross the floor, pulling condoms from his pockets tossing them on the table between us.

“Baylor!” I yell as the three of them scatter. “You're on kitchen duty for the next week!” I bark orders but they’re long gone, the sound of their laughter being the only thing they leave behind. “Fucking guys,” I mumble to myself until a laugh breaks through. I hang my head with my hands on my hips, staring at the condoms on the table. I reach down, picking one up. Then another, and a third before pulling out my wallet and sliding them in.

“Right on time, fellas.”

Chapter 13

Madeline

Ifollowed up my text to Ryan with a text to Saige. When Candee put me in touch with her, she said Saige was a personal friend but considering everyone in Love Beach knows one another, I should have known there was more of a connection. It wasn’t until meeting Wells at the bar and speaking with Saige that I saw the resemblance. Even as cousins, they’re very similar and I’ve enjoyed getting to know her more.

---