Page 19 of Flashpoint Feelings

Nevertheless, a part of me doesn’t believe it.

“Is it true Mack’s fallen in love with me?” I say, my voice quivering. “You’ll have to take his word for it, sir, because this is the first I’m hearing of it.”

“But you’re not opposed to the idea? I mean, he didn’t create a hostile work environment for you at the station, did he?”

“No!” I exclaim, surging to my feet. “The feeling is…mutual.”

“This is against policy, of course,” Chief says, heaving a sigh. “The policy is there to protect you as much as protect the department. But in a way, I’m relieved.”

“Relieved?” Mack and I say in unison, wearing matching expressions of bewilderment, as if we’re reading from the same script.

“When I saw that transfer request this morning and read the reason, I was worried we had a serious problem on our hands. Discrimination isn’t something I tolerate in my station.” Chief’s stern expression softens slightly. “But finding out two of my bestfirefighters have developed feelings for each other? That’s the kind of issue I can work with.”

“You won’t have to,” Mack starts, his words interrupted by a metallic screech followed closely by a resounding crash from inside the building. Instinctively, we all tense, but Engine 17’s captain immediately calls out, “All clear!”

“Look,” Mack continues, “I know this isn’t the best time to explain, but I requested the transfer because Maya’s one of the most qualified firefighters at Ladder 24. She deserves to be there. And I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t know she’s in excellent hands. Brock and Jake will have her back. Plus,” he adds with a wry smile, “I’ll sleep easier knowing she’s keeping an eye on them, too.”

He’s really doing it? Mack is leaving Ladder 24 because of me. Because he loves me?

Chief nods. “Yes, well, that’s fine, but why request a station transfer? Why not just switch shifts?”

Mack’s brow furrows. “Jake said department policy prohibits any relationships between firefighters at the same station.”

Chief shoots him a sardonic look. “Maybe, next time, check the actual section text instead of taking advice from the station’s most notorious bachelor?” He shakes his head. “Policy prohibits relationships between firefighters on the sameshiftat the same station. C shift could always use someone with your experience.”

“You mean…” Hope lights Mack’s features. “I could stay at Ladder 24?”

“If you’re willing to work opposite shifts,” Chief confirms. “Though I expect both of you to maintain absolute professionalism during shift changes.” His stern gaze lands on Mack. “Maya, I’m not worried about. You, on the other hand…”

“Yes, sir.” Mack’s grin threatens to split his face. “Thank you, sir.”

Chief turns to go then pauses. “And Mack? Next time, maybe don’t let the first time a woman hears you say you love her be in front of your boss. And hers. Something a little more romantic might make for a better story to tell your grandkids someday.”

Mack’s jaw drops, but he recovers quickly. “Point taken, sir. And thank you.”

As Chief strides away, Mack’s gaze finds mine. His striking green eyes are full of so much emotion it steals my breath. But his look surely has nothing on mine. Because this impossible, towering, protective man was willing to give up his post for me.

“You were going to transfer stations?” I manage finally. “Leave your crew?”

He steps closer, and I can tell he wants to kiss me, but we can’t. Not here. Not now. Instead, his fingers graze my bare forearm, sending electricity dancing across my skin. “I’d have transferred to Staten Island if it meant getting to be with you properly. Getting to love you the way you deserve.”

“So, C shift, huh?”

“Worth it,” he murmurs.

“Mack, I…I don’t know what to say.”

His devastating grin reappears. “Say you’ll be my official date at Brock’s wedding.”

“Wait ‘til you see me in a dress.”

“Believe me, I’ve been picturing you in a dress for weeks,” he growls, his eyes darkening to a forest green so deep I want to get lost in them forever. “And believe me, I’ll make the most of it. But right now, we’ve still got hours of work ahead of us here.”

I can’t help it. I bite my lip. “Make the most of it, hmm? Is that a promise?”

“A promise you’ll wish you didn’t have to wait so long for me to deliver,” he mutters, his thumb tracing a slow circle on my skin.

“Pretty sure of yourself there, aren’t you, big guy?”

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