“Oh, yes,” Ash nodded, before he turned his focus sharply back on the building. Calder had jealousy in his eyes, but he said nothing else. Probably thinking about his own game plan.
We’d mostly gotten the blaze under control by now. The EMTs were working on the injured, and the situation was somewhat calming down. Soon enough, the investigative teams would be there to figure out the source, and we’d be able to get back to the station. I was looking forward to that. I needed a shower and a quick nap.
That’sifI could get that. I had a feeling that this shift wasn’t going to be kind to me. But I was optimistic. Twenty minutes could make a whole world of difference. Otherwise, I’d just have to grab an energy drink and hope for the best.
It took several more minutes, but we finally got the fire out, and got the rig ready to drive out. Ash and I got on while we waited for Calder to update the arriving investigative team on what he’d seen inside.
“So, you skipped the line, huh?” I asked Ash teasingly, and he gave me his signature shrug.
“Saw an opportunity and took it,” he answered. “Can’t help you missed out on the night of a lifetime.”
“I doubt it was that great.” I rolled my eyes, then quickly added clarification. “Forher.”
“We’ll see, won’t we?” Ash had that look on his face, the one filled with confidence bordering on arrogance. He was clearly very sure of himself. And maybe he was right. Maybe Rhea would choose him; but she hadn’t even tried the best of all of us yet.
“Let’s roll.” Calder appeared outside of the rig, and got into the driver’s seat. He still seemed moody, like someone had stolen his cookies from the fridge again. I knew he wasn’t going to lose his temper at Ash, and he’d pretend that nothing was wrong at all. But at the same time, there would be a dark cloud hovering over him all day long and everyone would notice.
He wasn’t as good at hiding his emotions as he thought. And Ash? Well, he’d revel in the chaos he caused.
When we made it back to the station and got out of the bulky gear, I was pleasantly surprised when there wasn’t immediately another call-out. That was great. It meant I’d have a bit of time for a shower, and maybe I’d get to close my eyes for a while, too.
The shower itself was beautifully refreshing. There were few things better than getting soot and sweat off after a call. Except maybe having someone in the shower with you. Though I wasn’t sure that any woman would actually want to do that in the station, given that anyone could walk right in.
I finished up and got dressed in a fresh uniform, dumping the old one in the laundry basket. I couldn’t stand putting on the same clothes after a shower and I avoided it whenever I could.
Now I just had to check that the rig was ready if we needed to go, and then I could lie down until the sirens screamed again. I had this feeling that something was going to get in the way of that hard-won nap, but I shoved that to the back of my mind. I had to focus and keep my head in the game. Iwouldget what I wanted.
As soon as I entered the engine bay, however, I realized that I would in fact not.
Rhea was standing just inside the doors, looking around like she was searching for someone. Ash and Calder walked up behind me. Clearly, they noticed her at the same time I did.
8
~
Rhea
I contemplated walking further into the station, but decided against that. Someone would come out here at some point, I just needed to be patient. Hopefully I had my timing right and they wouldn’t be called to fire while I was there.
I adjusted my hands on the picnic basket I was carrying. They were damp, and my nerves were completely frayed. But after the date with Calder and the night I had with Ash, I was feeling bolder than ever. Beck’s schedule could get in the way of our date again, so I figured that it was my turn to make the first move.
“Rhea?” It was Calder’s voice that called my name, and I looked to the far left of the engine bay. All three of them were standing just outside the door that led deeper into the station, looking surprised but happy to see me.
“Hi there,” I said awkwardly, immediately feeling the blood rush to my ears. “Uhm, I was wondering if… Can I talk to Beck?”
Beck popped out from behind the other two, and jokingly stuck his tongue out at them. Ash rolled his eyes, while Calder simply frowned silently.
“Of course you can,” Beck said as he bounced toward me happily. He seemed a bit tired, with dark circles under his eyes, but he was smiling as brightly as ever. It made me feel weak in my knees, and I had to look away for a moment to clear my head.
Ash and Calder weren’t leaving the area, however. In fact, they took a few steps closer, too. I didn’t blame them for being curious, but I was here for Beck this time, and it was only fair that he got his share of my attention. It felt odd to think of it like that; how was it possible that these three men were all competing for me?
“Really?” Beck asked over his shoulder at the other two. “You’re not going to give us some privacy?”
“Why? Are you shy?” Ash replied quickly as he crossed his arms. “Afraid you’ll bomb?”
“There’s no shame in third place,” Calder added. “It’s still the podium.”
Beck shook his head. “Sorry about them, Rhea. I don’t think they ever learned what manners are.”
