"I've been reluctant since Marla died to get involved in community outreach, but I know I need to get over that. It's a huge part of the job."
"I can help you with that. I love that kind of stuff."
His face softened. "You make everything easier."
I smiled, feeling a little brittle. Isn't that what one of my exes had said? He'd complained that I handled everything for us, making every decision, and it ended up being too much for him. I didn't want to manage a town and my boyfriend's life. It would be nice to have a partner for once. Someone to work with me and lighten the burden.
He sighed. "You shouldn't have to do this. I should be able to do it on my own. If they don't think I'm the right guy for the job, then it isn't meant to be."
I frowned. "Won't the schedule be easier on you? You won't have to actively fight fires anymore, and you can ease Sofia's mind that you'll come home every night."
He nodded. "That's right."
"Then you should fight for it. It's the perfect position for you and your family," I said with confidence.
His face was still pensive. "If you're sure?—"
I shrugged. "What could go wrong? It's a few pretend dates. We made it through tonight okay."
"What if we need to take things a little further? You know, more touching and kissing in public," Maddox said haltingly.
The thought of Maddox kissing me sent my pulse racing. "We'll worry about that when it happens."
Sofia ran up to Maddox and tugged on his hand. "It's the father-daughter dance."
My heart stuttered as she pulled her father onto the dance floor. I couldn't help but take a few photos. Eventually, I got up and walked around the dance floor, snapping pictures of the dads with their daughters. It was nice, and my heart was fluttering dangerously.
Was there anything sweeter than a man with his daughter? My gaze kept returning to Maddox and Sofia. There wassomething about them dancing together that was more meaningful. Maybe because they only had each other.
When the final notes drifted off, Sofia skipped over to me. "Did you take a picture?"
I nodded. "I'll send it to you."
Maddox squeezed Sofia's shoulder. "I'd better get this one home to bed."
I smiled. "I need to stick around to make sure everyone gets out okay and everything's cleaned up."
"Why don't you walk me out? That way, it looks like we came together, even if we're leaving at different times," Maddox asked.
"Of course." I was disappointed that they were leaving for the night, but it made sense. It was late, and a lot of the other families were already gathering their things.
We grabbed our coats, then we walked outside to the parking lot. I felt a little awkward watching him help Sofia into the back seat. Would he kiss me to keep up appearances? Suddenly nervous, I shivered.
Maddox shut the rear passenger door and turned to face me. He stepped close. His gloved hand landed on my cheek. "You should get inside. It's cold out here."
Flurries swirled in the wind, giving it a magical feel. "I will."
He inclined his head slightly, and I wondered if he was going to kiss me. But he turned his head and kissed my cheek instead. His lips were cold, but the touch warmed my body, sending tingles down my spine.
"Good night, Eve. Thanks for a wonderful evening," he murmured, the cadence of his voice heating my insides.
"You too," I said as I stepped back, waiting for him to get in and turn on the engine. I tucked my hands into my coat, hunching my shoulders against the wind.
He'd kissed me on the cheek to show everyone that we were dating. But we hadn't talked about what any of this meant forSofia. Was this a good idea? Could we pretend we were dating and not involve her?
Then there was the problem with me falling for him when this wasn't real. It was a temporary situation to help Maddox and his daughter, and I couldn't say no to either of them. It was a simple thing I could do to help them. But what if it came at a cost to me?
I should have clearly asked him to be the Santa on the fire truck, rather than just hinting at it. I was doing him a big favor, and what had I asked for in return? Nothing. I always made sure I got something out of a deal, but Maddox had caught me off guard.
