He was losing his ever-loving mind. But the song was winding down now, heading into the final instrumental. He was only a dozen seconds or so away from the end of this sweet torture. Might as well enjoy it while he could.
The emergency siren blared over the sound of the music.
The rest of the room carried on as usual, used to the air-raid siren. But Ty’s thoughts shifted quickly to work mode. He reached for his phone, putting space between them. “Two-car accident on Circle Drive.”
“You have to go,” Jenna said.
“How will you get home?”
“Seth can take me.”
He didn’t have time to argue. He just squeezed her hand. “Thanks for coming tonight.”
Worry creased her brow. “Be safe, Ty.”
Chapter 21
At the ring of the phone Jenna darted from the brochure rack toward the office. But Miss Tina beat her to the call. Jenna sighed as she continued restocking pamphlets, casting a longing glance out the window. She’d been filling in for Miss Molly in the mornings and doing tours in the afternoon. But today Miss Tina had a dentist appointment, so Jenna was stuck in the office till three.
It wasn’t as if it was torture. She was good at administrative tasks and the air-conditioning felt nice. But she missed the ocean breeze and the in-depth conversations with customers.
Plus it gave her too much head time. She kept remembering the way she’d felt in Tyson’s arms at Chatties four days ago, and that wasn’t helpful. Hadn’t she promised herself she’d think of him only as a friend? Why did that suddenly seem impossible?
Because being in his arms had felt even better than she could’ve dreamed. She’d wanted to stay there in the safety of his embrace all night.
But his embrace wasn’t safe. He was a firefighter and therefore in regular peril. Losing a friend would be hard enough. If she let herself fall in love with him and she lost him the same way she’d lost her dad, she’d be left in ruins.
It was unthinkable.
Jenna was just entering the house when she noticed a voicemail on her phone. She frowned at the foreign number as the screen door fell shut behind her. Probably just a credit card company with a onetime offer.
“Hi, honey!” Mom called.
“Hi, Mom.” Jenna joined her mother in the kitchen where she and Gordon were unloading groceries. “Hi, Gordon.”
He smiled as he withdrew from the fridge. “Hi, Jenna. How was your day? Your mom told me you’ve been working in the office this week.”
“It was good. Miss Molly had to make a quick trip, but she’ll be back tonight.”
Jenna helped empty the last bag as Gordon grabbed an onion and knife and began chopping it up on the cutting board. He sure did know his way around their kitchen.
“Would you look at this guy?” Mom rubbed Gordon’s back, gazing at him affectionately. “So sweet of him to take on the onions. He knows they just wreck my eyes. We’re making meatloaf tonight—Gordon’s special recipe. I hope you can stay.”
Sadly she had no other plans. “I think I’m free. Can I help with supper?”
“Thanks, but we’ve got it under control,” Mom said.
“You’ve been working all day,” Gordon said. “Why don’t you go put your feet up?”
Five minutes later Jenna had freshened up and settled in the living room before remembering she had a voicemail. She opened it and listened.
“Hi, Jenna. This is Nancy Orcutt with Alexandria Parks and Recreation. I’m calling regarding an application you submitted recently. We’re interested in doing an interview if you’re still available and interested in the management position. Please give me a call at your convenience. I look forward to chatting with you.”
Pleasure bloomed inside as Jenna lowered her phone.Yes!Finally, an opportunity for a position that felt like a great fit. She was beginning to wonder if she’d ever get another interview, much less for the position she’d been most excited about. And honestly, it was nice just to be wanted.
Mom passed by, drying her hands on a towel.
“Hey, Mom, I got an interview.”
