Page 112 of My Favorite Hero

With another grin, he walked away, and I peeked at Jesse. He looked casual and relaxed. He glanced at me, seeing my tension, and he chuckled. “Not sure he’d approve if he knew that half an hour ago, I was trying to figure out how to smuggle you upstairs and into a private shower room.”

“I didn’t know you had those.”

“We do. The station was renovated before I got here. We have private showers, even private rooms, for those who need the alone time. It’s different in a smaller town. Our beds have partial walls between them for more privacy. Even our shifts are different. In a big city, the three-on, four-off is rare since you’re so busy, it’s exhausting. In a small town, the shifts are easier, although Chief is thinking about changing it.”

“How would you feel about that?”

He shrugged. “I’ll do whatever is best for the station. I like the three-on, four-off, but I’ll adapt.”

I wasn’t surprised by his thoughts. He was always about what was best for the station and the town.

I grinned at him. “You could still do that. Smuggle me, I mean.”

“Nope. We’re going to do some more socializing, then I’ll finish up my shift. You can take Miller with you when you go if you want.”

“Barney has missed him terribly.”

He nodded. “Miller wasn’t overly happy about being here. I think he’s spoiled.”

“He’s easy to spoil.”

He pulled me close and pressed a kiss to my head. “So are you.”

I lifted my head, and he bent, pressing a kiss to my mouth. A soft, sweet brush of his lips on mine. I felt the shock from everyone around us. A quiet ripple went through people, and I knew I was blushing. Jesse simply looked around and shrugged as if it was no big deal. Like he brought women here all the time and kissed them in front of his peers and the community.

But I knew that he didn’t, which made this moment monumental.

At least for me.

I had a feeling for him as well.

JESSE

I walked Casey out to her SUV, Miller following us, his tail wagging hard. He knew he was heading home. I was looking forward to following soon, but it was all hands on deck to clean up after people left. Especially in case another call came in. I was glad I had asked for some of my banked time off so I could have an extra day.

Casey was spectacular this afternoon. Not only because of the dress she wore. It was everything. Her easy forgiveness. Her poise. Her beauty—not only physical. It shone from her eyes, the way she spoke with people. Listened. She really listened. She was gracious and warm. Engaging. In many ways, she reminded me of Lou. She had always made me feel seen. Casey had that gift as well.

She slid into the seat, and I leaned in the window, staring at her.

“What?”

“Don’t take off that dress. I want to do it.”

“Okay.”

“Be waiting on my bed.”

“With the dress on?” she frowned. “It’ll get all wrinkly.”

“I’ll iron it for you.”

She looked surprised. “Really?”

I kissed her long and hard. “No. I’ll take it to the dry cleaners.”

She snickered. “Okay, Hulk.”

“Go. Before I lose control and give the old biddies a show they hadn’t counted on.”