I don’t like the self-deprecation in that remark, and I open my mouth to say so, but Hale beats me to it.
“You’re a worthy, respectable man, Reyes,” the captain says before flicking his gaze back to me. “I’m not in the business of indulging envy, Lila. I care deeply for all of my staff, and I’ve come to see Trent and Reyes as brothers.”
“Aw,” murmurs Noah.
“You’re free to kiss who you like,” Hale continues. “But I don’t think we need to expose ourselves to Branson’s wrath right now, what with everything else going on.”
“And with that being said,” Noah chimes in, “I just want to make it clear that I do really like you, Lila. A lot.”
“I like you, too,” Evan adds.
Hale purses his lips. “Yes, I’m afraid I have some feelings for you, as well, Lila.”
“So, what? I’m supposed to choose between the three of you or…?”
Hale shakes his head. “I don’t think that will be necessary at the moment. We’ve got many other things to deal with. Let’s just agree to maintain an open line of communication between us moving forward.”
Noah salutes. “Aye-aye, Captain.”
Evan nods. “Agreed.”
The trio of freakishly reasonable firefighters looks to me, waiting for my answer.
“Uh. Okay?”
“Good,” Hale says, as if it’s as simple as that.
Evan pulls his phone out of his pocket. Unlike Lou, his screen actually is lit up with an incoming call. “Would it be alright if I stepped out to take this? It’s my attorney—long story.”
Hale waves his hand dismissively. “It’s fine. We can continue this later.”
I sit there, still a little stunned, as Evan hurries out of the office.
Noah is smirking, glancing between me and Hale. “So, anyway, I should really get my ass down to those trainings.”
Hale nods. “Yes, you should.”
I’m still frozen in place when Noah breezes past me, tossing a wink my way before ducking out.
Just like that, I’m alone with Captain Hargrove.
The last time we were alone, I hadn’t yet kissed the others, but I had admitted that there was a close call with Evan and a desire for it with Noah.
I’d wanted to be honest, and yet now I feel totally baffled by the honesty they’ve delivered unto me.
I don’t know what else to do, so I remain in the chair and watch as Hale rolls away from his desk, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair and clasping his hands across his middle. He seems pensive, but there’s a glimmer in his eye. The same glimmer that has spelled doom for me twice already.
When he speaks, the butterflies return.
“Lila.”
“Yeah?”
“Come here.”
“What?”
“Come here.” He repeats the command softly.
