Page 18 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
“It’s a little chilly out there.” I step back and hold the door for her.
She seems to shake loose the spell that had momentarily cast on us, and tightens the coat around herself as we step into the cold night air.
With Collie’s help, I arranged a private space just outside the main building. It’s this insulated carousel thingy—a sort of pop-up gazebo with clear panels that show off the snowy landscape around us. Inside, I’ve set up a small table with candles and fairy lights strung up around the ceiling, casting a warm glow over everything. There’s a little heater in the corner to keep the chill at bay, and a couple of plush blankets draped over the chairs.
When I hear her quiet gasp, I know it’s everything I wanted the whole setup to be. I want to pat myself on the back and give myself a high-five, but I refrain.
“Tanner, this is perfect,” she says.
“I’m glad you like it.” I resist the urge to take her by her palm and kiss it.
I settle into my seat across from Emily, watching as she takes in the cozy setup.
“So?” I say.
“So?” she repeats.
I chuckle. “Ever been up in the mountains before?”
“Hailey is the mountain girl. I used to go camping with her family sometimes. Never been here though.”
“Hmm,” I say, sitting back in my chair. “I wish you were, though.”
“Why?” she says curiously.
“I would have met you a lot earlier.”
Emily blushes, ducking her head.
“You work in the city?”
“Yeah, Chicago.”
“What’s life like in the city? I imagine it’s a lot different from what we’re used to up in the mountains.”
She smiles, a little more at ease now. “It’s...fast-paced, I guess. I work in marketing, so my days are pretty packed. Lots of meetings, deadlines, that sort of thing. But I like it—keeps me on my toes.”
“Sounds intense,” I say.
“So says the firefighter,” Emily shoots back. I like how zesty she is. I can’t help but grin.
“Well, I’ve always been an outdoors kind of guy. Grew up in Colorado, so the mountains are like home. I joined the Colorado Hotshot Firefighting team a few years ago, where I met the others, and we’ve been friends since.”
“That sounds...intense, but also rewarding. It must be terrifying sometimes, though.”
“It is,” I agree, my mind drifting briefly to my buddies.
Axel, Jace, and Ben are more than just friends; they’re like brothers to me. We’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what. That’s how we get through it.”
Emily looks thoughtful for a moment, then says, “It must be nice, having that kind of bond. Hailey and I, we’ve been friends forever, but I imagine it’s different with you guys, given what you do.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely something special,” I agree. “And Jace, well, you probably know him pretty well, right?”
Emily nods, her smile fading a little.
Shit, did I ruin the mood?
Emily concentrates on the food, pushing it around her plate with her fork.
