The sound sliced through the room like a knife, and Roman’s expression changed the instant he checked the screen.
He was all business as he set his mug down and answered. “Ramsey.”
He squared his shoulders, instantly straightening to attention. “Understood,” he said, then paused. “Yes, I should be able to.”
When he hung up, he looked at me and something heavy settled in his stare. He glanced briefly toward Hailey.
“I know we don’t have any contract or anything.” There was a rough edge to his voice, like he hated to ask. “But…can you stay with Hailey while I go check in at the station? They said they have something important they need me for.”
My heart thumped. “Is everything okay?”
He hesitated. “I’m not sure. Which is why I’d like to go. I can go over the security system with you before I go and Hailey’s typical schedule.” He paused. “But I understand if you want to sign a contract first before I ask you to work.”
I shook my head. He was worried.
“I don’t mind staying with her.” I grinned at Hailey. “Please, go. I can take care of things here.”
Roman held my gaze for one beat longer, his face softening with relief. Then he nodded once.
“Thank you, Palmer.”
8
Roman
Thefamiliarsoundsofthe firehouse wrapped around me as I stepped inside.
Boots thudded against concrete. A radio crackled somewhere down the hall. The low hum of voices drifted from the common room, punctuated by a burst of laughter that echoed off the cinderblock walls. The building smelled like brewed coffee,engine oil, and faint traces of smoke that never quite left, no matter how often the bays were scrubbed down.
Hailey was my home. In many ways, so was my parents’ house, but this place—this was my second home. My second family. The firehouse and the people who worked and breathed and bled for the people of Ember Hollow were my family too.
I had missed being here.
I inhaled deeply, letting the familiar scent settle my anxiety, and smiled as I greeted the few firefighters I passed on my way toward my office. One of my crew—a probie named Damian—stopped me, a big grin on his face.
“Chief!” He reached out for a handshake, and I took it. “It’s good to see you around. How was your vacation?”
My smile faltered.
I supposed my time off was considered a vacation, but it hadn’t felt like one. It had been time I needed out of necessity—something I hadn’t had a choice about. It was anything but relaxing.
As if sensing my tension, Damian’s bright expression fell. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “You good, Chief?”
I gave a stiff nod by instinct. Then I clapped him on the back. It wasn’t his fault. Damian was a good kid. He’d been working hard to learn the ropes this year.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I said. “On my way to meet your brother, though. He better have taken care of this place while I was gone.”
Damian’s older brother was my deputy chief, and Damian often felt like he lived in his shadow since becoming part of the crew. But he wasn’t letting that inhibit his progress. Even during downtime on shift, Damian often chose to get in a second workout at the station gym, or helped out with meals without being asked.
“Of course he did.” He nodded, finally answering me. “He wouldn’t ever disappoint you.”
Pride swelled in my chest as I gave him another pat on the shoulder.
I continued farther down the hall until I reached a closed door.
My office.
I didn’t knock before opening it and stepping inside.
