He slipped his arms around her waist. “That’s because you weren’t my girlfriend.” He realized his mistake as the word left his mouth. They’d barely begun dating and certainly hadn’t discussed exclusivity. Hadn’t had time to, and now he’d just blurted it out like it was a foregone conclusion.
“Girlfriend, huh?”
“Did I speak out of turn?”
She gave him a coy look as she snaked her hands up his chest and over his shoulders. “Nope.”
“Whew. I was hoping you’d say that. I shouldn’t have made assumptions about you, butI’mnot interested in anyone else.”
“That goes double for me.”
“Glad to hear it.” He laced his hands behind her back. “And while we’re on the subject... We haven’t really talked about what the future might entail—what with your life in Alexandria and a potential job on the horizon.”
“That might be an obstacle, but it’s not an insurmountable one. I have to make a living, and if I get the job, I wouldn’t be that far away.”
“We’ll figure it out.” Three hours seemed like a lifetime away. And their work schedules wouldn’t help. She’d have weekends off, but those were his busiest days. But he didn’t want to worry her about the obstacles right now. He was already too deep into this to back out, and he hoped she was too.
“I know I’ve always said I’d never date a firefighter. But I guess I’ll just have to come to grips with it—because I can’t seem to stay away from you.”
Touched by her words, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. It wouldn’t be as easy as she’d made it sound. Her father’s death had left its mark. “I know that’ll be a tough one for you. I want you to know I’m always careful. I don’t take anything for granted.”
“I appreciate that. And it’s not like we live in New York or Chicago. My father was the only Chincoteague firefighter to ever lose his life.”
“It was an extraordinary circumstance.” A warehouse fire had escalated due to the chemicals stored inside. Her father was killed following an explosion, and several other firefighters were injured. “As you know, most calls on the island are car accidents, small kitchen fires, pretty routine stuff. My life really isn’t on the line every day.” They only had a couple fires a year on the island, though they were sometimes called to the mainland to assist with bigger emergencies.
“I’ll try to keep that in mind. I know firefighting’s in your DNA. I’d never want to take that away from you.”
“You know me well.”
She flashed a flirty smile. “I do know you well. I know all your weak spots, Parker, and don’t you forget it.”
“And I know all your ticklish spots, Greene.” Just to prove it he poked at the one in her side.
“Hey!” She tried to squirm away.
But he tightened his arms around her, holding her fast, and she quickly gave up the fight. “This feels so natural. So easy.”
She pressed closer. “It feels right.”
“And you’re sure this isn’t too fast for you? I don’t want to rush you.”
“We’ve known each other since we were twelve, Tyson. I don’t think anyone would call this fast.”
He chuckled. “True, but we did share our first real kiss only five days ago.”
“Hmm... whydidwe wait so long?”
“Why, indeed?”
They didn’t wait even another second for their next one.
Chapter 34
Tyson felt great as he exited the meeting room at the firehouse. He couldn’t wait for Pony Penning Days next month. The volunteers were finalizing plans for the Pony Swim and carnival. The saltwater cowboys had the schedule for the festivities. It took a lot of dedicated people to pull this off, and he was proud to be part of it. This year’s event promised to be well attended, and the funds raised would go a long way toward keeping his beloved community safe.
Luke caught up with him in the hallway. “Headed back to work?”
“Yeah, in a minute. Thought I might track Marissa down and try to make peace with her again.”
