Iknow she’s coming before I see her.
The guys have been buzzing about it all morning—like a pack of bored wolves who just scented something fun. I’ve ignored them, buried myself in reports, pretended I’m unaffected.
I’m not.
I hear the bell on the bay door, and every head snaps toward the entrance.
Then she steps in.
Briar Tate.
Sunshine in a dress.
Soft curls, soft mouth, wide curious eyes taking in every inch of the station like it’s an amusement park.
A kid that looks just like her skips beside her, pigtails bouncing.
Every man in the room straightens.
I grit my teeth.
Of course my crew moves first, descending on her like vultures who forgot their manners.
“Miss Tate!” Rowan calls out, propping himself against the engine, showing off a stupid grin. “Welcome to Devil’s Peak Fire and Rescue. Otherwise known as firehouse 19.”
Briar laughs. Light. Musical. It hits somewhere deep.
I stay where I am, arms crossed, leaning against the wall like I’m immune.
I’m not.
She spots me.
And her whole body reacts—stiffens, lights up, does this subtle startled thing like she remembers being pressed into that closet with my mouth inches from her throat.
Good.
She should remember.
“Captain Cole,” she says, too bright, too polite, like she’s trying to pretend I didn’t have her trembling just two days ago. “We’re here for the field trip.”
Ash snorts. “Field trip? Pretty sure the captain forgot to put that on the schedule.”
“Pretty sure the captain forgot how to smile too,” Axel adds.
Laughter erupts.
I glare at all of them. “We run a station here, not a comedy club.”
“Lighten up, Cap,” Ash says under his breath. “Your girl’s here. Look alive.”
Not my girl.
Not anything.
But the word still hits.
I push off the wall, moving toward her before the crew eats her alive.
