Page 39 of Come Back to You

We were backat the fire station by midway through the shift, having found Mary sitting near one of the streams that broke off from Destiny River. Apparently she’d gone into the bush, chasing after what she’d thought had been a kiwi, and been unable to find her way back. She’d pushed her way through the thick forest for a while, then found the stream, where she’d decided to sit and wait for help, having finally realized that she might be doing more harm than good by staying on the move. She was cold and hungry but had at least had a good supply of water and no injuries worse than a few scratches and insect bites.

The remainder of the shift was uneventful, and after clocking out, we went to Drunken Destiny, as we usually did after a search-and-rescue mission. Connor and the volunteer searchers were already there, and I clapped him on the back as Asher and I passed on our way to the bar. Dad was working again tonight, and he filled a couple of glasses and pushed them across the bar.

“On the house.”

I grinned. “Thanks, Dad.”

“I’m just glad you found that tourist.”

I shrugged. “We might have been the ones to find her, but Connor organized the operation.”

“And I’ve already given him a free drink or three.” Dad winked. “Do me a favor and make sure he gets home in one piece.”

“We will.”

We took our drinks and joined Connor and the other members of the search party. We’d changed out of uniform before leaving the station, but I was still wearing a DFFD T-shirt, and as per usual, attracted a few interested looks from women because of it. I’d long ago discovered that women loved hooking up with a firefighter. Dating them, not so much. The hours and emotional toll the job took tended to put them off.

“Hey, bro,” I said, sinking onto a chair beside Connor. “Good work today.”

“Thanks.” He looked uncomfortable with the praise.

Asher pulled another chair over and sat opposite us. We made small talk for a few minutes, then I felt a hand land on my head and ruffle my hair. My eyes narrowed. Only one asshole would be dumb enough to do that.

“Toby,” I growled.

“What.” He scooted in beside me, smiling innocently. “Messy suits you. Plus, girls love it.”

“Oh, you’re an expert on women, are you?” Asher asked with a smirk. “Put your money where your mouth is, Tobes.”

Toby glanced at something behind me, then bared his teeth in a sharklike smile. “Wait and see, gentlemen. There’s a pretty blonde on her way to talk to us as we speak.”

I didn’t look over my shoulder, not wanting to make the poor girl think we were whispering about her behind her back.

There was a light touch on my shoulder, followed by a soft greeting.

“Hi.”

I looked up. The woman was indeed pretty. Blonde hair in a messy bun, a wide, warm smile, and a golden tan that spoke of long hours in the sun. She looked friendly and easygoing. I should want her. But I didn’t.

“I couldn’t help but notice you,” she said, fine lines crinkling the edges of her eyes. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Asher gave me a meaningful look. I knew he wanted me to go for it, but I just didn’t have the energy tonight. Especially not when it most likely wouldn’t go anywhere.

I nodded toward my beer. “I’m all set, thanks. But Toby just got here.”

She glanced at my brother and obviously approved of what she saw. “Nice to meet you.”

“Why don’t I take care of your next drink?” Toby said, taking her elbow and guiding her away. “I’d love to hear what you’re doing in our little town.”

Asher shook his head at me.

“Not in the mood,” I said. “Didn’t seem like you were either, so stop giving me that look.”

He dipped his chin. “Fair enough.”

I tried to focus on the cricket match, which was playing on a TV above the bar, but something kept niggling at my mind. “What did you think of that guy with Kennedy today?”

“The American?”

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