“You mean about you? Just call the woman and ask her out already.”
“I don’t have her number.”
“Well, you know where she works. Put the both of you out of your misery.”
Luke slid Ty a pained look. “She’s out of my league, man. She’sgorgeous and she’s going to law school, so she’s also way smarter than me.”
“You’re plenty smart. And she’s obviously interested or she wouldn’t have gotten all flustered just asking about you.”
“We probably don’t have anything in common.”
“Well, gee, how will you ever figure that out?”
“All right, all right. Point taken.”
“You’re a good guy, Luke, and you’ve got a lot to offer. You should go for it.”
Luke’s shoulders raised on a breath and lowered on an exhale. “You’re right. I’ll head over to Chatties tonight for a drink, and if she seems receptive I’ll ask her out.”
“How do you know she’s working tonight?”
Luke shifted and mumbled something.
Ty’s lips twitched. “You have her schedule memorized.”
“No, I don’t.” But the flush in Luke’s cheeks told a different story.
Ty let out a bark of laughter as they headed toward the exit.
Luke gave him a shove. “Shut up.”
“I’ll meet you at Chatties. No way I’m going to miss this.”
“Golly gee, thanks. How can I turn down that kind of support?”
Ty clapped him on the back. “Always there for you, buddy.” The grin fell from Ty’s face as he spotted Wheeler waiting by the back door, expression tight, shoulders rigid. He was young and small for a firefighter—maybe five seven and pretty lean. But he made up for his size with effort and determination.
“Need a ride?” Luke said to Wheeler.
“No, my girlfriend’s coming.”
Tyson paused by the door as Luke exited. “See you at Chatties—six o’clock?”
“Sure.” Luke glanced between Ty and Wheeler. “See you guys later.”
The door fell shut and quiet prevailed for a drawn-out moment. He owed the guy an apology for earlier. Part of being a leader was being able to admit when you were wrong. “Hey, sorry for being so rough on you today. It was no reflection on your work. You’re doing great.”
“I’ve made some mistakes.”
“Everybody makes mistakes when they’re learning. You’ve got what it takes to do the job.”
Wheeler’s eyes lit with hope. “Think so?”
“I’ve seen a lot of men and women come and go. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.”
Wheeler’s face relaxed in a smile. “Thanks, Captain. I really appreciate it.” His attention turned toward the door. “Allie’s here. See you later.”
“Have a good one.” After Wheeler left, Ty started to push through the door but paused yet again. He needed to get back to the B and B, but his successful apology to Wheeler gave him hope that he could rectify things with Marissa too.
