Shawn approaches me. “Sorry for that wisecrack.”
“It’s fine. I actually appreciate that you felt comfortable enough to make a joke around me.”
He looks around at Patrick, Dustin and Greyson.
Greyson is staring at us and he doesn’t even attempt to pretend to look away. He just keeps his eye on us like he’s being paid by Central Intelligence for surveillance duty. I stare right back. First one to break loses, right? Ah, forget it. I shift my eyes back to Shawn. There’s no way I’d ever out-stare Greyson.
“They’ll come around,” Shawn assures me. “Just show them what you’re made of.”
“And what makes you so sure I’m made of anything?” I ask him.
“You’re a female firefighter.”
My smile bursts free as Shawn raises a fist for a bump.
“Stop flirting with our rookie!” Dustin shouts.
“I’m not flirting,” Shawn says. “I’m giving her intel so she can survive here with you Neanderthals.” He leans in closer to me. “I’m really not flirting. I just started dating a woman who works at the library last month. But that’s between you and me.”
I smile at him. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks,” he says. “Go get ’em, Rookie.”
Seems to be the theme of the day.
Shawn is the last of the alternating crew to leave.
“Whose turn is it to cook breakfast?” Dustin asks as soon as it’s only our crew left in the main room.
“I think it’s yours,” Patrick says.
“I’ll cook,” I offer.
The men exchange glances. They don’t even make an attempt to be subtle.
Dustin breaks through the awkward beat of silence, “Let’s get to it, then.”
He walks into the kitchen area and I follow behind him.
“What’s your specialty?” he asks.
“I can cook whatever you like.”
“Really? That’s awesome. No way we’re letting you go to Crew B.” He chuckles and I smile. “Let’s make eggs and pancakes then,” he suggests, grinning down at me. “And make about twice what you think you need. I promise we’ll eat it all.”
“Please don’t let him cook the pancakes,” Patrick says.
“Or the eggs,” Greyson adds in a deadpan.
I can’t tell if he’s serious or trying to be funny. His face reveals nothing.
“Why don’t you pour the juice?” I suggest to Dustin.
Greyson, Patrick and Cody all laugh.
My chest fills with an unexpected warmth.
I turn my back to the crew and start digging through cupboards and the refrigerator, familiarizing myself with the kitchen.
