"It's just me and my burger craving. How's it going?" I asked as I slid into the booth.
"Better now. How's life treating The Good Hood's newest architect? Redesigned any burning buildings lately?" Jaxon grinned, his perfect white teeth glowing against his brown skin.
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "It's too soon, way too soon."
"Ignore him. How are you settling in?" Dane asked.
"It's an adjustment. Today I presented my design ideas for the community center to the town council. Let's just say not everyone is thrilled about the new girl's ideas," I explained.
The waitress approached our table. "You boys want the usual?" she asked, and they nodded their heads in agreement. "What for you, hon?"
"Bacon cheeseburger, extra pickles, sweet potato fries, and a chocolate shake," I rattled off.
Jaxon raised his eyebrows. "Damn, girl. I like a woman with an appetite."
"I like a man who doesn't comment on what I eat," I shot back, but there wasn't any heat to my words. Jaxon's flirting was performative, like his default setting rather than genuine interest.
Jaxon clutched his chest dramatically. "I'm wounded! Dane, you hear how she talks to me?"
Dane chuckled. "I can't blame her. You make it too easy."
"What are you doing to redesign your social life, huh? Our town has a lot of things happening, like our annual chili cook-off. The chief of Station 791 has taken the trophy three years running."
"Let me guess, your secret ingredient is something crazy like peanut butter or coffee grounds," I commented.
"Who knows? Chief guards the recipe like the nuclear launch codes." Jaxon laughed.
The mention of their chief made my eyes drift toward the window to where Fire Hall 791 was visible down the street. I wondered if Lieutenant Crawford was there now, buried in those reports he held when I saw him last.
"Our town needs fresh ideas. Don't let the nay-sayers of Goodwin Grove discourage you. Some of us appreciate someone willing to shake things up a bit," Dane advised, bringing my attention back to the table.
"Thanks. There is a balance to honoring what makes this community special while creating something to serve this place better," I responded.
The waitress brought our beverages over while we continued to talk.
"Speaking of special, you keep looking in that direction for a reason? Are you expecting a fire alarm to go off?" Jaxon joked.
Heat crept up my neck. "I'm admiring the view, but since you brought it up, is the lieutenant…"
Both men froze, waiting for me to finish my sentence. "Is he what? Tall?" Dane joked.
"Old?" Jaxon questioned.
I smirked at them. "Married?" I asked while pretending to be casual about it.
Dane scoffed. "Nope."
"Girlfriend?" I followed up.
Jaxon shook his head. "Not unless you count his truck. That man loves his truck."
I blinked hard. "Wow, not the truck,… but nothing serious, huh?" I questioned, trying not to smile too hard.
Dane leaned back. "Lieutenant is serious about everything, but a woman… nah, not really."
The way they eyed each other and their tones made me realize they weren't going to give up any juicy details, which made me even more interested.
We talked for a while longer while we waited for our food.
