Page 20 of Flashpoint Feelings

“Pretty sure of us,” he corrects softly, that wicked grin returning.

“You’re impossible.” But I can’t help smiling.

“Part of my charm.” His expression sobers slightly. “But right now, I need to go explain to Jake that his dating advice nearly got me transferred to Staten Island.”

Chapter twelve

Epilogue | Maya | Two Weeks Later

The gentle ache in my thighs has nothing to do with double workouts at the gym anymore. Not since Mack discovered how much I love it when he pins me against the wall, my legs wrapped around his waist. My cheeks warm at the memory of last night at his place as I slide into my usual spot at the crew table this morning, grateful none of my colleagues can read minds.

When I grab the box of my favorite cereal and pour a generous helping, a folded note tumbles into my bowl along with the flakes. I can’t help but grin as I pluck it out. Mack’s forever leaving little surprises around the station for me to find. Just last week, he somehow convinced the entire C shift to rearrange the weight room equipment so everything was at my perfect height. I still catch hell from the guys about that one.

“Another love note from Romeo?” Jake asks, dropping into the chair next to me. “Please tell me this one isn’t as explicit as the one you found in your turnout boots.”

My face heats. That particular note was…descriptive. “You shouldn’t have been snooping over my shoulder.”

“It’s not my fault you dropped it during morning lineup.”

“You’re just jealous because some of us are getting action on the regular,” I shoot back, earning a chorus of “oohs” from around the table.

Brock nearly chokes on his coffee. “She’s got you there.”

Jake’s recent dry spell has been a hot topic of conversation lately. Mr. March claims he’s intentionally taking a break from women, but Mack explained that Jake and Brock’s sister, Charlotte, have somehistory. And, with her around more and more lately since the wedding only a few weeks away, Jake is in amood.

“Fine,” he admits gruffly, his fork halfway to his lips, “but let’s be honest, Brock and I are the ones who proved you can trust your crew to have your back. Mack just sealed the deal by being…” he waves his fork vaguely, “…well, Mack.”

“I think we deserve some credit,” Brock adds, leaning back in his chair. “We were the ones who could tell from your first day here that you had skills.”

I duck my head because they’re right. They deserve some of the credit, not that I’ll admit that aloud. While Mack may have stolen my heart, Jake and Brock helped me find my place here. They still make me feel as if I belong here every single day.

I don’t need the defensive walls I built at other stations. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m seen and respected here. And loved.

I reach for the milk.

“Don’t let it go to your heads,” I say. “Chief’s the one who sets the tone around here.” I shoot Jake a pointed look. “Though…I’m pretty sure Mack threatening to break every bone in your bodies if anything happens to me on shift might have something to do with how overprotective you two have gotten lately.”

I unfold Mack’s note, my heart doing that ridiculous flutter thing it still does whenever I see his familiar scrawl and the cute doodle of Smokey he usually includes.

Missing you, sunshine. Can’t wait to see you in that dress at the wedding.

Jake leans over, scanning the note.

“Please tell me you two won’t be making out on the dance floor all night at the wedding,” he groans, but the click of heels on concrete interrupts his complaint.

Brock’s sister, Charlotte, breezes in, carrying a tray of coffee cups, her long dark waves bouncing. “Special delivery for New York’s bravest.” Her smile is bright but sours when she spots Jake. “Oh. You’re here.”

“Where else would I be, princess?” Jake drawls. “Some of us actually work for a living.”

“Oh, honey,” Charlotte says, pressing a hand to her chest with theatrical flair, “I’m the one memorizing lines while making lattes, whereas, from what I can tell, you struggle to remember which month you’re supposed to be shirtless for.”

I hide my grin behind my spoon while Jake looks as if he’s about to blow a gasket. The tension between these two is thicker than smoke at a three-alarm fire. I don’t know why they don’t just bang it out like Mack and I finally did.

“How’re the plans for the bachelorette party coming along?” I ask Charlotte, partly to save Jake from himself and partly because thinking about the wedding reminds me of the sky-high heels I bought yesterday. The ones that will make my legs look a mile long. I should definitely take a picture to tuck into Mack’s locker…

“Perfect. Hope you’re ready for some fun!” she says in what I’ve come to learn is her typical singsong voice.

“Ready as I’m going to be,” I assure her, catching Jake’s exaggerated eye roll. I have my doubts about whether I’ll be able to keep up with Libby, Zoe, and Charlotte, but I’m glad to be invited.

---