Page 6 of Cross Checks

I switched gears. “You know, I’d say you’re pretty tough. Not many guys would be smiling like this after everything you’ve been through.”

He chuckled softly. “I’m not sure it’s a matter of being tough. When you think you’re a goner, and then somebody rushes in and puts themselves at risk to save you, it puts a lot of things in a different perspective.” His voice dropped to a quieter tone. “It makes you appreciate the little things, like the bad hospital food and an unexpected visit by an awesome firefighter.”

I grinned and reached up to stroke my beard. He laughed, and I chuckled along with him. It was easy to be with Chase, even with my nerves.

“I’d better get back to the firehouse. I’m still on duty for today.”

Chase reached out and warmly shook my hand. “Hey, thanks for this. I appreciate it. Hope to see you at one of our games.”

I wasn’t sure what to say, so I nodded and turned to leave. Before I reached the door, I turned back around. “Hey, Chase, I was wondering…” My voice trailed off.

“Yeah?” He raised his eyebrows, anticipating anything I had to say.

“You wanna maybe grab a beer together when you get out of here? I don’t live too far from Lou’s downtown if it’s a good place for you.”

The biggest smile I’d seen yet spread across Chase’s face. “I’d really like that, Hank. I’ll give the firehouse a call to sort out details.”

“Great,” I said, and the butterflies settled in my gut. “I’ll let you rest now, but I look forward to seeing you soon.”

When I climbed back into the truck, I sighed at the turn of events.Damn, bud, you’ve got yourself a date.It was completely new territory for me. I’d never pursued another guy, but I was going to meet a handsome hockey player for drinks. Many women and probably more than a few men in town would kill for my good fortune.

When I returned to the firehouse, I spotted Lyle in the lounge. He was sipping his morning coffee and munching on a frosted donut.

“Morning, Hank,” he called. “You look like the cat who swallowed a cockatoo. What’s the good news?”

“Got a few minutes?” I asked.

“Of course.” He gestured toward the chair next to him.

“Ah, thanks. I guess I have to tell somebody about this. I visited the guy I carried out of the arena fire in the hospital. Just came from there.”

“Well, that’s right neighborly of you.” Lyle chuckled softly. “How’d it go?”

“It was good…yeah, real good. We talked and joked a bit. He’s doing well.”

“And…” Lyle looked at me expectantly.

I leaned over the arm of my chair in his direction. “And, well…can you keep something to yourself, at least for now? Like, not share it with the rest of the guys here at the firehouse? Not even the chief?”

“My lips are zipped. Say whatever you need to say. I’m not a gossip.”

“Well, it was like…it was like there was something more than just a social call between us, and I’m not quite sure what to make of that.”

“Hank, what you did yesterday when you charged into the fire took a lot of courage. I think it’s natural for you to feel a connection.”

I nodded. “But, you know, I felt something.”

Lyle took another bite of the donut and chewed before he spoke again. “I’ll say you might consider giving this all at least a day or two to settle. Maybe you’re overthinking it all. Take it all for what it likely is. You were kind to him, and he was friendly back.”

His words helped me relax. “Yeah, I guess maybe you’re right. I don’t need to make more out of it than it is.”

Part of me was a little sad to think it was nothing special, but most of my head was happy to assume that was the case. It meant I could hang out at Lou’s, drink a beer, and shoot the breeze with Chase like I did with the other guys at the firehouse.

Lyle took the last bite of his donut and crumpled up his napkin. He stood and gave me a supportive clap on the shoulder. “You’re a great guy, Hank, and showing concern for somebody you helped is okay. Just don’t put so much pressure on yourself.”

As Lyle walked away, his advice echoed in my head. Maybe I was making it all way too complicated. Chase was a good-looking guy. So what?

Cold Pines was a small town, and the tight-knit connections were part of its charm. For now, I needed to relax and see where the chips fell.

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