Page 32 of The One Who Risked it All

Without warning, Eli reached over and pulled my feet into his lap. I tensed for a moment, ready to pull away, but then I caught sight of his profile—jaw clenched slightly as he focused on the TV, trying to act casual. Oh, great. Cue the heart gymnastics.

I should have moved. I really should have. But... maybe just this once, I could let myself enjoy the moment without overthinking it.

“Comfortable?” Eli asked, his tone light but with an undercurrent I couldn’t quite place.

“Mmm,” I mumbled noncommittally, refusing to give him the satisfaction. “Your lap makes a passable footrest, I suppose.”

He snorted. Then he began to knead the balls of my feet, and I bit back a groan. My eyes fell closed, and I listened to thedialogue and the laugh track as he slowly eased the tension from my body. This was playing with fire. But the heat felt so good.

As the episode drew to a close, I found myself stealing glances at Eli. The way the light from the TV played across his features, highlighting those dark eyes that always seemed to see right through me.

When the credits finally rolled, I turned to face him fully, surprised by the softness I found in his expression.

“Hey,” I said quietly. “Thanks for the distraction. I really needed it tonight.”

A familiar smirk tugged at the corner of Eli’s mouth. “What can I say? Providing quality entertainment is just another of my many talents. Right up there with dashing good looks and exceptional firefighting skills.” He winked. “And unbeatable foot massages.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “And don’t forget that stunning modesty of yours.”

But even as the teasing words left my mouth, I noticed something in Eli’s eyes. A warmth, a sincerity that made my breath catch. For a moment, the cocky firefighter facade slipped away, revealing the boy I’d known all those years ago.

“Anytime, Carla,” he said softly. “I mean it.”

And despite all my reservations, despite the voice in my head screaming about feuding families and playboy reputations, I found myself believing him.

CHAPTER 12

Elijah

Iwiped the same spot on the fire truck’s gleaming red hood for the tenth time, my mind a million miles away from the task at hand. The rag moved in mindless circles as I replayed my latest encounter with Carla. Her dark eyes had flashed with that familiar mix of annoyance and something else—something that made my heart try to surge out of my chest.

I was so lost in thought, I didn’t hear Chief Danny approach until he cleared his throat. I nearly jumped out of my skin, whirling around to see him standing there with an amused smirk on his face.

“Trying to rub a hole in that truck, Wells?” He gestured to the spot I’d been scrubbing relentlessly.

I glanced down at the rag in my hand, realizing I’d been polishing the same spot for who knows how long.Smooth move, Eli.I plastered on my trademark grin, hoping to cover my embarrassment.

“Just making sure it’s extra shiny, Chief. You know, in case Matteo needs to check his hair on a call.”

The Chief’s eyebrows shot up and an amused smile crossed his lips.

“I heard that!” Matteo called from across the truck bay. I laughed, grateful for the easy banter.

“Just being prepared,” I called back.

“Speaking of being prepared,” Danny said, leaning against the truck, “you seem a bit... distracted today. Everything alright?”

I felt my smile falter for a split second before I caught myself. “Who, me? Nah, I’m good. Just, uh, pondering the great mysteries of life. You know, like why hot dogs come in packs of ten but buns only come in packs of eight. That kind of thing.”

Chief raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Uh-huh. And I suppose these ‘great mysteries’ have nothing to do with a certain dark-haired schoolteacher?”

I froze, a nervous excitement curling in my belly. Was I that obvious? “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual. “But, hypothetically speaking, what if a guy found himself in a situation where he, I don’t know, had feelings for someone he probably shouldn’t?”

Chief Danny’s expression softened. “Hypothetically, huh?”

I nodded, suddenly finding the fire truck’s gleaming surface fascinating. “Yeah, you know, asking for a friend.”

“Well,” the chief said slowly, “I’d tell your ‘friend’ that matters of the heart are rarely simple. Especially in a town as small as Minden.”

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