I felt the steam coming off Maddox. He wasn't good at hiding his emotions.
"That's generous of you," Steve said.
Maddox shook his head.
"We reserved the community hall in town, but they accidentally double-booked it. Since we reserved the place last, we lost the space."
"We're happy to host you and the department in Christmas Town. I can coordinate the event for you."
Frank smiled. "Then it's settled. Our department will participate in the parade, and you'll host our holiday party."
I stood, ready to leave before Maddox protested since I'd gotten what I wanted. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Frank. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you."
He raised a brow, his gaze swinging to Maddox. "There is one thing."
"What is it?" I asked even as my stomach dropped. I had a feeling he wanted Maddox to be part of this deal.
"Maddox is in line to be the next fire chief, but his demeanor could use some softening."
Steve chuckled, shaking his head, and Maddox glared at him.
I frowned. "I'm not sure how I can help with that."
"He needs a date to the party, and I think someone like you could help him interact with the rest of the department and the community."
Maddox straightened to his full height. "With all due respect, sir, I don't need a date to the party. I'm bringing Sofia."
"And I'm sure your daughter will enjoy having Ms. Palmer along for the evening. She's delightful."
As nice as his compliment was, my heart was racing. An evening with the grumpy firefighter? How would I survive that?
Frank stood. "Let me walk you out."
When we passed the other men, they called out greetings to Frank and nodded at me. Once we were outside in the bright sunlight, Frank turned to face me. "I appreciate you going to the holiday party as Maddox's date. His personality leavessomething to be desired. I think he's qualified to do the job. I'm just not sure I can convince the town council of that unless something changes. Ever since his wife died, he's had a hard time."
"I didn't realize that his wife had died." I looked around for Maddox, but he hadn't followed us.
"He wouldn't want you to know or to pity him. But I'm hoping that you can help him. If he continues biting off everyone's head, he won't get the job. And it won't matter if I think he's qualified."
"I'll help however I can, Frank."
Frank considered me for a few seconds. "If anyone can handle him, it's you."
I laughed, not feeling the same way. "I appreciate the confidence."
"I like you. But the next time you bring muffins, save one for the chief." With a wink to let me know he wasn't upset, he turned on his heel and headed back inside.
I huffed out a laugh as I walked to my SUV, feeling good about the encounter. But when I turned on the engine and pulled onto the street, I wondered how I was going to make Maddox presentable to the public. I sympathized with his situation. His wife had died, and he had a daughter to raise on his own. But if he didn't improve, he wouldn't get the job he wanted.
It was a tough assignment, but I prided myself on dealing with difficult people and situations. Maddox wasn't any different.
CHAPTER 2
MADDOX
Iclenched my teeth when Frank walked out with Eve.
Steve grinned triumphantly at me, which irritated me more.
