Page 29 of Flirting With Fire
“You need somewhere to live,” Brannigan continued, “and that cottage is standing vacant. And it’s convenient for getting here. You don’t need your car.”
That reminded me. I made a mental note to phone Smith’s auto shop after my shift to see if Alex had looked at my Impala. Daisy had slipped my mind with so much going on. I’d detail her from top to toe as an apology until her paintwork gleamed as much as this firetruck. I’d even brush the wheels.
“It’s a bonus,” I agreed and resumed cleaning. If I was going to take time out on my second day, I didn’t want him to think I was lazy, and detailing the trucks was second nature. Just because I’d gotten a promotion didn’t mean to say I ducked out of the cleaning rotas. I’d almost finished when I was interrupted for a second time.
“It’s good to see a man who knows how to use a soapy cloth,” Dex said from behind me.
Ignoring the way my heart skipped a beat at the sarcastic drawl, I looked over my shoulder. His gaze was off me as he petted Curly so I could drool quietly. He looked edible in tight, faded jeans and an equally faded T-shirt that clung to his muscles. His blond hair partially covered his face, and I wanted to push it back. “Want to join me?” I offered him the sponge.
“The day you offer to help birth a calf is the day I’ll think about it.”
I grimaced. “I’ve helped deliver three babies, so that’ll be a no.”
Dex cocked his head. “You have?”
“Yup. Somewhere out there is a young Meyer who made his start in life in my hands. His parents were involved in an accident as they drove to the hospital, and he wasn’t going to wait.” That had been my first unexpected delivery and possibly the scariest moment of my life, but the healthy baby had made it all worthwhile.
“I’m impressed.” His blue eyes sparkled at me.
“How many calves have you helped deliver?” I demanded.
“More than three,” he assured me with a smirk.
“But are any of them called Dex?”
“No, I need to change that. They can all be called Dex. Dex I, Dex II, etc.”
I chuckled. “Makes a change from Buttercup and Gracie.”
He chuckled, too. “You know we just number our cattle?”
“That’s so boring,” I grumbled.
“Dex, good to see you. What are you doing here?” The chief’s booming question interrupted our mutual grins.
“Morning, chief. We’re gonna finalize arrangements for the cottage but I realized Meyer doesn’t have a car so I’m offering him a ride.”
And my mind went straight to Dex offering to ride my dick. That would work for me!
“That’s great,” I coughed, trying to clear my mind of that enticing image. “Thanks.”
From the curve of his mouth, Dex knew exactly what I was thinking. But the offer was a kind one. I could cycle to the Stump, but in the midday heat I’d arrive at our date sweaty and roasting.
“I’ll be by at noon,” he said and smiled at Brannigan. “I won’t keep him out past curfew.”
“Make sure you don’t,” Brannigan growled, although he was grinning too.
I gaped at these two comedians. Seriously?
Dex waved at someone behind me and with a wink at me, left, leaving me with Brannigan smirking at me.
I decided to ignore him, because I was never going to live this down. To give them credit, the guys lasted a whole five minutes. Brannigan had vanished into his office. I guess he knew what was coming. This was a battle I’d have to fight myself, unless it affected the station.
Garcia ambled over to me, Curly at his heels. “So, you and Chase, huh?”
“I’m renting the cottage on his ranch,” I said shortly, bending down to give the dog a scratch. “We’re finalizing the details today.”
“Uh-huh.”
