Page 3 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

“You’re off next week for your usual duty, right?” He glances at me.

“I am.”

“Row, why are you so hellbent on holding onto a job you don’t need?”

I’ve been waiting for someone to throw that question at me. “Before my grandfather claimed me and left me all that money, a firefighter is who I was—it was my identity. I suppose I’m trying to hold on to the Rowan Cavanaugh I’ve been most of my life. Just a normal guy, living his life in peace, doing what he loves.” I shrug. “That’s all gone to hell.”

Trying to go about my normal life—which isn’t so normal now—is incredibly difficult.

“But I’m determined to see this season through with my team,” I add. “It’s just a few more months.”

Kevin seems to understand because he nods. “At least you’ll have a little more privacy at the base. It got a little crazy at the station.”

“A little?” I snort. “Chief Mitchell probably wanted to throw me out on my ass for the commotion I caused.”

Kevin grinned. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Hopefully, the same thing doesn’t happen at the base. If I can count on my coworkers to keep their mouths shut about me being there, things should be fine... for a while, at least.

“I can’t imagine having to deal with a bunch of nosy folks stalking my every movement,” Kevin muses. “How are you dealing, man?”

Putting my bottle down, I gaze out into the backyard. Two days ago, Matt asked the same question. I told him I felt like I was on the verge of losing my mind or getting arrested for assaulting one of those intrusive, annoying photographers. My feelings remain the same.

“Barely keeping it together. I’ve always been super private, maybe to a fault, so I can’t get accustomed to the attention.” I give Kevin a side glance. We haven’t really talked since my cover was blown. “How are you dealing?”

“Me? It isn’t my face plastered on every blog site in America.”

I lift an eyebrow. “I mean, with finding out who I am. I’m sorry if it caused any tension between you and Mel. She didn’t tell you because I wanted it that way.”

“Why the hell would I be upset you didn’t want to tell me your business? I don’t care that you’re a gazillionaire, you’re still my dickhead brother-in-law. Nothing has changed.”

I chuckled. “Good to know.”

Mel walks out carrying another pack of beer and water for herself. “I’m back.” She gingerly sits beside Kevin and blows out a breath. “Ugh, I’m about ready for you guys to hold me by the arms and shake this baby out of me.”

I grimace at the visual and she snickers.

“Shouldn’t you be holding the kid by now?” I ask. “It’s been nine months.”

“I’m a few days overdue.”

“Jesus, is that bad?” I gaze at her stomach with mounting horror.

Mel laughs. “That’s how terrified Kevin looked, too. The doctor says everything is fine. I can go another week or two. Any longer than that might be a problem, though.”

I’m still staring at her huge bump warily.

“I’ll be fine, Row.”

“If you say so,” I grumble.

“Rebecca and Dad called the other day, asking about my due date.”

“I’m surprised they care.”

She shrugs. “They have their moments.”

I grunt. “So, where exactly is Rebecca? I haven’t heard a peep from her.”

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