Page 14 of The Spark Between Us

"Sure," I nod, leading the way across the bay.

As we walk, I notice several of the crew watching us with barely concealed interest. Max gives me a not-so-subtle thumbs up behind Ellie's back, and I shoot him a warning glare that only makes his grin widen. Great. Exactly what I need—the entire station speculating about Ellie and me.

"This is where we now coordinate during large-scale events," I explain as we enter the command center. Several screens display maps of Cedar Falls, weather patterns, and emergency response statuses.

"So, this is the new command central," she says, examining the sophisticated setup. "Though knowing Dad, he's probably out at the scene most of the time anyway."

Her insight makes me smile. "You know him well. Your dad doesn't believe a chief should only direct from behind a desk. He leads from the front, always has. Afghanistan taught him that—the men follow when their leader is beside them, not shouting from a safe distance."

"It's what I've always admired about him," she says softly. "But it also terrified me growing up. Knowing he was always running toward the danger."

There's a vulnerability in her voice that makes me want to reassure her, to tell her that her father is the most capable man I've ever known. Instead, I find myself saying, "I'm always with him, you know. When things get bad. We have a system."

Her eyes meet mine, gratitude shining in them. "I know. It's why I've always slept better knowing you're on shift with him."

The idea that I've been providing her comfort, even indirectly, for all these years feels significant somehow.

"When we're in a situation—a fire, a collapse—something happens," I find myself explaining. "It's like I lock in, become the soldier I was. The alarms, the chaos—they fade away. It's just the objective, the mission. He might be faster, but your dad and I work the same way in those moments. It's why we're effective together."

"The military bond," she says with understanding. "Dad says there's nothing like it."

"There isn't," I agree. "Fifteen years since we served together, and when things go sideways, we still move like a unit."

She smiles at that, a soft, grateful expression that makes her even more beautiful. "I think that's the most words I've ever heard you speak at once."

Her teasing tone catches me off guard, and I find myself smiling back. "I can talk when it matters."

"Noted," she says, eyes twinkling. "So, I just need to find topics that matter to you."

There's a playfulness in her voice that I should absolutely not be responding to, but I find myself relaxing despite my better judgment.

"Fire safety is always a riveting conversation starter," I deadpan.

She laughs, the sound bright and warm in the sterile command center. "I'll remember that for all my future dinner parties. 'Good evening, everyone. Before we enjoy our meal, let's discuss the proper technique for operating a fire extinguisher.'"

I chuckle, surprising myself. "PASS," I say automatically.

"I beg your pardon?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep," I explain. "The proper technique for operating a fire extinguisher."

"See? Riveting dinner conversation," she declares triumphantly. "I'll be the most popular hostess in Cedar Falls."

Her easy humor is disarming, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the professional distance I've been cultivating for years. This is the danger with Ellie—she slips past my defenses without even trying.

The station's alarm suddenly blares, and I tense instinctively, my heart rate spiking before I register it's just the PA system calling for the meeting.

"Meeting in the conference room in five minutes. All officers report."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Ellie notices but kindly pretends she doesn't.

"That's my cue," I say, relieved and disappointed simultaneously, “You coming?”

"I don’t think so. I should probably get going anyway," Ellie says, though she makes no move to leave. "I told my friend Tasha I'd meet her for lunch at noon."

Tasha. The name sounds familiar. "Your roommate from college?"

Her eyebrows lift in surprise. "Yeah. She's visiting Cedar Falls for the first time. How did you know that?"

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