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Before I do, Lexi grabs my hand. “Wait. You don’t have to go. You stop by all hot and charming, and then leave. No, stay and talk to me. I’m a sure thing. I promise you.”

Well, this girl says exactly what’s on her mind.

Normally, I’d be a little put-off by a girl so forward. I tend to gravitate toward those who are a little bit of a chase. I’m a competitive guy by nature, but something about Lexi draws me in. Hell, she had my attention the moment I stepped into the bar. Hot as fuck and a sure thing? How could I say no?

“Do you always say exactly what you’re thinking?” I smirk, raising a brow.

“Yeah, pretty much. Cam hates it, says I need a filter. But why? Why wouldn’t I say what’s on my mind? We only live once, so there’s no reason to waste time.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I hedge. “It’s a little refreshing.”

“Right? Aren’t you sick of people playing games? It’s annoying. If I see something I want, I’m going to go for it.”

I pull in a breath. My heart picks up pace just thinking about everything I’m going to do to her tight little body tonight. The birthday Gods have delivered.

Yes, earlier today I was thinking about how I should start getting to know a woman before immediately taking the relationship to a physical level. But, Lexi, here is only in town for a week. So that grand plan can wait.

Tiny comes up beside me and hands me a beer. “Here, I got the first round from the bar. The guys didn’t want to wait for the server.” He looks to Claire, Lexi, and Ben, and says, “Hi,” before retreating to our firefighter’s table.

Lexi watches Tiny’s retreat, and peers over my shoulder at the guys behind me. “So what are you guys? Like a male modeling group?

“No,” I huff out with a laugh. “We’re firefighters from Station Twelve down the street.”

“Oh, the dirty dozen?” Ben speaks up from across the table.

“Really?” I groan. “That name is out? I’d been hoping it was just a stupid joke between fire houses.”

Ben grins. “Well, to be fair, my sister works for a firefighter from thirty-two. She does the books and accounting for his side construction business.”

I nod, knowingly. “Ah, that makes sense. Yeah, the guys over at thirty-two are a bunch of dicks, if I’m being honest.”

“Yeah, she has that same impression of them.” He chuckles.

“Dirty dozen?” Lexi pulls her bottom lip through her teeth. “What does that mean?”

“Who knows?” I lie.

“I think it means that they have a reputation for being hot manwhores,” Ben says.

His girlfriend Claire gasps and smacks his arm. “Ben,” she chastises.

“What?” Ben looks to her wide-eyed. “That’s what Becky said.”

“It’s fine,” I tell Claire. “That is what thirty-two thinks of us, but honestly, it’s just because they’re all ugly as hell. They’re jealous because they couldn’t pull of half the saves we do.

“Hot and brave…that’s an irresistible combination. You know, I think you could make my week here very fun, Boss,” she run a finger over my hand while Ben and Claire exchange an uncomfortable look. “So do you and the guys”—

she nods toward the table behind me—“go out a lot?”

“We hang out a lot, for sure. Tonight is a birthday celebration.”

“For whom?” she asks.

“Me.”

“OMG!” she shrieks. “How fun! Well, we’ll need to make it extra special. How old are you?”

“Thirty.”

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