Page 6 of Dear Firefighter Hero
I make my way through the growing crowd of town’s people, out to support and help raise money for the fire department. She’s standing by herself, even though I notice a handful of people watching her curiosity as they whisper something to their neighbor. She’s either used to the attention or a master of looking like she doesn’t care. Either way, I’m not interested in sharing her with others if I can help it. I haven’t been about to get her out of my mind since I first read her letter.
I clear my throat and ask softly, “Fire Girl?”
She turns, and her gaze meets mine. A twinkle of recognition sparks in them, and she breathes out, "Blue Eyes."
Over time and the haze of the chaos that night, I didn’t really register what she looked like. But seeing her standing there in front of me, the memory of her face returns like no time has passed. She gorgeous with long dark hair that hangs over a part of the left side of the face. I want to push the hair away, so I can see the violet shade of her eyes, but I clench my fist at my side, so I don't embarrass myself.
“I’m Traynor.”
“Louisa.”
“It’s nice to finally put a name to a face,” I say, as my gaze dips down to her lips. The plumpness of her bottom lip makes my dick ache. If I’m not careful, the apron I’m wearing won’t be enough to hide the effect this woman is having on me.
“I was beginning to think that you weren’t going to show up,” I admit.
“Why would you think that?”
I shove my hands deep in my pockets and shrug with my whole body. “Seemed like a big ask of someone I haven't crossed paths in this small town since that night. I figured you didn't like going out much."
“I don’t, but my friend made a convincing argument on why I should come today,” she says.
“And what’s that?”
“When the man who said your life asks you to help him make a few pancakes, it’s the least you can do.”
"Well, as you can see," I gesture to the crowd standing around us. “Most of the town is here; it's going to be more than a few pancakes."
“I think I can handle a challenge.” She smiles shyly. “I’m no stranger around a hot griddle.”
"Well, then follow me," I gesture for her to follow me. "I'll let you pick out your choice of one Merrick's aprons."
5
LOUISA
I’m surprised how quickly Traynor makes me feel at ease in a crowd of townspeople. He positions me on the griddle next to him in an apron that reads—Firefighters Are Always Hot. It was the tamest of all the firefighter aprons filled with sexual innuendos about the lengths of their hoses.
"Okay, now most people just came here for their chance at a free meal, but I think that we can give them a little show if you are up to it.”
Nearly all of the townspeople are already sitting down at one of the many long picnic tables set up in the park. I’m not really up for being the center of attention like this, but without having to say anything to him. It’s like he understands my concerns.
“It’s nothing terrible,” he assures me.
“Okay, if you think I can help.”
“Did you play any sports growing up?” he asks.
“Softball. All-State, three years in a row.”
“What position?”
“First base.”
I can’t help but feel an ember of excitement start to grow in me the way Traynor’s face lights up. And the smile that spreads across his face could rival that of the cartoon Grinch when he comes up with a way to steal Christmas from Whoville.
“Rhodes!” Traynor calls out to one of the other firefighters working a griddle a few tables over. “We’re in!”
Rhodes throws his hand up in the air in triumph. “Loser does grunt work for a week!”
