“Okay,dating.”
Hell, even the word dating was too minimal to describe what was happening between us.
“The guys already know you and I are seeing each other. They’ve already met you. Hell, I’ve nearly lost it on two of them already just for joking around about you. We’re not a secret, sugar.”
She blinked and her eyes averted. I noticed the nervousness in that small expression and I’d definitely be checking in about it later.
“Let’s go.” I took her by the hand and led her into the bar. As soon as we stepped over the threshold, we were greeted by semi-loud pop music and even louder voices from the numerous customers inside. I glanced to the left where the bar sat and smiled when I noticed Angela dancing it up behind the bar as she made drinks. As usual these days, Lieutenant Eric Kim was front and center at the bar watching over his wife.
“That’s Angela there.” I jolted my head in the direction of the bar, showing Michelle. “And there’s Eric.”
“’Bout time your ass showed up!”
Feeling a smack on my left shoulder, I turned to spot Corey’s goofy smile.
“I know you’ve met before, but Michelle, this is Corey.”
His dark eyes gleamed as he stepped around me to stand in front of Michelle.
“I’d never forget a face like that.”
Michelle chuckled. “They must train all you firefighters on the art of flirting and charm in the academy.”
“Absolutely not, sweetheart. This here is all natural.” Corey wiggled his eyebrows, causing Michelle to laugh out loud.
“That’s enough of that bullshit.” I pushed him by the chest so he had to take a few steps back. I wrapped my arm around her waist.
“This one’s been getting a little protective lately.”
I cut my eyes at Corey who then held up his hands, one of which held a beer bottle. “I’m just fucking with you, Carter. Rest of the team’s over there.” He jutted his head to one of the back tables. Sure enough, a group of about six firefighters from Rescue Four sat.
“Look who’s here!” Corey yelled as we arrived at the table.
A round of cheers greeted us. I pulled out a chair and sat, chuckling when Michelle yelped as I pulled her onto my lap.
“You’re sticking close to me for the night,” I told her in her ear.
She gave me a flirty smile over her shoulder. “What’s the matter? Think I’m going to run off with one of the other firefighters?”
My mischievous grin widened. “The only firefighter you’re running off with is me, sugar.”
I pressed a quick kiss to her lips. Her gaze lingered on me, reading me for what I wasn’t sure but I let her.
“Michelle, do you drink?”
Her head turned toward Don who’d asked, breaking our eye contact. A wave of anger passed through me at the interruption. I was growing greedier and greedier with her time.
“Sure, I do. Thanks, Don.”
Don nodded at Michelle before handing me a bottle as well. We all hung out and talked about all kinds of shit. Most of the women at the table were interested in hearing story after story of the brave men who walked into fire to pull people out. And the guys ate that shit up. Hero worship. I’d seen it plenty of times. Hell, I’d even gotten plenty of pussy from it. But when I adjusted Michelle in my lap, encircling her lush body with my arms, I knew hero worship couldn’t compare to what this was.
“Are you okay?” she questioned, staring down at me.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
She shrugged. “I’ve been sitting on your lap for a while. I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable. I could grab a chair if–” Her statement was cut off when she tried to stand up. I pulled her back onto my lap.
“You’re not going anywhere.” I relaxed when she fell back against my chest, arm around my shoulders.
