“He’s been working with the police. Helping the investigation.”
I nodded. Don might be audacious and loud at times, but he wouldn’t broadcast this type of news. He was one of the best fire investigators in the department. More than a decade ago, the city decided to have an investigator at every station. Don has been Rescue Four’s for the last few years.
“He’s got it under control. But that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about. I know the guys are still feeling me out…” He paused.
Sitting back in my chair, I folded my arms across my chest. I hoped like hell he wasn’t about to ask me something stupid like trying to help him get in good with the rest of the guys. That’d severely decrease the respect I had for him. He had more than twenty-years in this department. He should know how the hell the rules are played. You wanted respect among the guys, you earned it. No two ways around it. The number of bars you wore on your officer’s suit didn’t earn respect. Your battle scars did.
“But, I wanted to ask if you’ve considered taking the lieutenant’s exam?”
“The exam?”
“Yeah, I see you haven’t registered. Rescue Four needs lieutenants. The exam’s in three months. Gives you plenty of time to study. I’m sure the test will be a breeze for you.”
“I’ve been thinking about it.”
“I suggest you do more than think about it.” He stood.
“Copy that.” I stood as well.
When Captain reached out his hand across his desk, I reached over to shake it. He held my hand firmly.
“The men around here respect you, Kim. They already see you as an unofficial lieutenant. Certain guys in this department have that look. You can tell early on they were meant to move up the ranks. You’re one of ’em. You’re going to make captain someday, Kim. Hell, maybe even chief. It’s time you accepted that as your fate.” He let go of my hand.
I took a step back, replaying his words, and the assuredness in his voice.You’re going to make captain someday.I thought about the possibilities.
Captain Kim.
Chief Kim.
I liked the sound of those titles.
****
I pressed my thumb against the doorbell and heard it sound off in the house. It was just after six o’clock, and I’ve been looking forward to this time all day. I heard the click-clack of heels making their way across the hardwood floor to the door. Seconds later, my lips parted into a smile I couldn’t contain. She wore a loose-fitting sleeveless floral dress that went all the way to the floor but had a slit that showcased her shapely legs. On her feet were a pair of coral, strappy heels that matched the color of the flowers on her dress. Her makeup was done lightly with a glossy lip.
“Goddamn,” I said just above a whisper, right before swooping her in my arms to feel her lips. I ran my tongue along the seam of her lips, and as soon as they parted, I dove in, reveling in the taste of her. Her hand began stroking my chest, and I felt my groin tighten with need. Reluctantly, I pulled back and grinned at the dazed look in Angela’s eyes.
“Thanks for getting me all hot and bothered before meeting your parents,” she mumbled.
“Your fault for answering the door looking like my wet dream.” I tipped her chin and kissed her again, unable to stop myself.
“Come in. I just need to grab a couple of things.” She stepped aside to make room for me to enter.
“You probably should freshen up your lip gloss,” I told her.
She gave me a mock glare before heading toward the hallway. I stopped myself from following her. It was taking all the strength in me to not rush her into bed, but her time was running out.
“What’s that look for?” she asked, finally emerging from the kitchen.
“Nothing. What’s that?”
She held a covered platter in her hand.
“These,” she held it up higher, “are more of the strawberry cheesecake tarts you loved from the other night. You said your dad passed on his love of cheesecake to you, so I thought I’d make them for his birthday. I also made some with raspberries and other assorted fruit. And don’t tell me I didn’t need to make anything. I’m not about to show up to your parents’ home empty-handed.”
I held my hands up. “I’m not saying anything.”
“Good.”
