Ways to stop her from looking at me like I’m the villain in her story.
Because that look in her eyes when I cited her—fury and hurt and disappointment—did something to me. Made me want to fix it. Made me want to be the person who helps her dreams come true instead of crushing them.
Made me want things I have no business wanting.
My phone buzzes again.
Savannah:BTW, Mads just texted me. Apparently Jo’s having an emergency book club meeting tomorrow to “strategize around certain grumpy obstacles.” Her words.
I stare at the message. Then, before I can stop myself:What time?
Savannah:Why do you want to know?
Me:No reason.
Savannah:Dad. Are you interested in Asher’s mom?
Me:I’m interested in making sure she doesn’t violate more fire codes while she’s strategizing.
Savannah:Uh huh. Sure.
Me:Savannah.
Savannah:The meeting’s at 9am at Twin Waves Brewing Co. You know, in case you need to do an impromptu safety inspection. Of a coffee shop. That’s been in business for years without any violations.
Me:Go to sleep. You have an early shift.
Savannah:You’re deflecting again. I’m just saying, Mom’s been gone five years. She’d want you to be happy.
My throat tightens.
Me:I am happy.
Savannah:You’re content. There’s a difference. Love you, Dad. Try not to cite anyone else’s mom tomorrow.
I sit there in the quiet of my empty house, Rex’s head heavy on my foot, glitter still sparkling on my uniform, and let myself admit the truth.
I haven’t felt this alive—this aware—in five years.
And it scares the hell out of me.
Because Jo Lennox is chaos and creativity and everything I’ve spent half a decade avoiding. She breaks rules and creates messes and looks at me like she can see past every defense I’ve built.
She’s dangerous.
She’s inappropriate.
She’s my best firefighter’s mother and completely off-limits.
And I can’t stop thinking about the way she felt in my arms.
I pull up the citation on my laptop, fully intending to file it and move on with my life.
Instead, I start drafting a proposal. A way to make her festival work. A compromise that gives her what she wants while keeping everyone safe.
Not because I’m interested.
Not because I can’t get her voice out of my head.
