I keep my eyes focused on what I’m doing, but admit I stop and turn her way when she bursts out laughing.
“Oh my God, this is the best pick-up card I’ve ever read!”
“A what?” I ask, afraid to hear the answer.
“‘My dearest Collin, roses are red, violets are blue, firefighters are hot, that means you. I’d love to get to know you better. We met once before about six weeks ago. My pussy cat was stuck in a tree, and you rescued her. Now, I have another pussy that needs a little attention.’ Oh my God! This is so scandalously nasty!” my sister bellows through her laughter, and now I really wish I had lit the card on fire before she had a chance to read it. “‘Please meet me at Station Street Bistro at ten o’clock Friday morning. I’ll be the woman in red. Love, Cherie.’”
Charli doubles over laughing, tears streaming down her face. “Holy shitballs, Col. This was better than I could have expected. I wish Cade and Cam were here,” she states.
“I’m glad they weren’t,” I mutter, thankful for small favors. Why I thought I should let my sister read it was beyond me. I knew whatever was inside was probably trash, and I was definitely right. Believe it or not, firefighters do receive all sorts of random mail like this. Police too. It’s worse on the internet. All it takes is one woman snapping a photo of you in your turnout gear, and suddenly you’re an internet sensation to be fawned over by horny women around the world.
It’s been a while since we’ve received anything of this nature at the firehouse, but it happens. Hell, there’s a whole cabinet of notes from over the years. Some have accompanied baked goods, and most are simple shows of appreciation. However, there are times where a woman steps forward with a firefighter fantasy and she expects us to fill the role. It’s fucked up.
But what’s more fucked up is the fact this wasn’t left at the firehouse like any other note. This was hand delivered to my sister’s place of employment. That means, she not only knows my name, but she knows where I live—and who my family is.
I rub my temple, a headache already forming. Extending my hand, I wait for her to hand over the card.
She shakes her head. “I’m keeping it,” she replies, slipping it beneath her arm.
I move, fast, practically tackling her to get the note away. “You’re not keeping it. You’ll show it to everyone,” I insist, shoving my fingers into her side, which I know will get the result I’m looking for.
Charli squeals and squirms, opening her arm and allowing me to grab the card. “Dirty trick, Collin.”
I shrug and slip the card into my back pocket. “You know I can’t let you leave with it.”
She giggles. “It’s fine. I have it memorized already anyway.”
I exhale deeply, wishing I hadn’t been so stupid as to allow my sister to open the card. “Whatever.”
“Do you know who it is?” she asks, her face straightening as she gets past the words on the card and finally understands the seriousness of the situation.
“No clue. I’m sure I can look back over the calls I’ve responded to, especially if her cat in the tree story was accurate.”
My sister tries to fight a smile but fails. “You mean…her pussy.”
I sigh loudly. “Go away.”
“Fine, but I’ll see you later,” she says.
“You will?” I ask, mentally running through my calendar.
“Yep! I heard Lizzie is considering doing a paint night, and I want to support her and sign up.”
I run my hand through my hair, knocking some debris loose. “Do you really think they’re as big as people say?”
Her eyes widen in shock. “Are you kidding me? Paint nights are huge. I’m surprised Cooper Town hasn’t had more of them.”
A single eyebrow shoots upward in question. “If you say so.”
“I do. I bet she’ll sell out, and me and my girlfriends will be there,” Charli states emphatically.
“Well, I guess I’ll see you there later then.”
“Yep. Maybe I’ll call Cam to see if he wants to come up and have a drink with me,” she says.
I shake my head. “Two of you?”
She barks out a laugh and walks over to where I stand, pecking a kiss on my cheek. Of course, in order for her to do it, I have to crouch a little. “Behave, or I’ll call Cade too.”
