Page 21 of My Favorite Hero

I grinned as I typed.

You too, Thorne.

I was still smiling as I opened my first computer box to start setting up my system.

JESSE

My feet pounded away on the treadmill, trying to burn off the excess tension I was feeling.

Why did I start talking to her via text? I had been so good, only checking on Miller. I half expected her to be the one to start chatting every day, but aside from answering my query, she remained silent.

And she never called. Never asked me for anything. Never told me that she needed something.

Why the hell did that disappoint me so much?

The station had been busy with calls. We had a house fire caused by burning grease that took a while to put out. The owner panicked and threw water on it, which caused it to spread to the cupboards and then go wild as it hit the curtains on the patio doors. We’d spent many hours checking people’s smoke alarms as a community service. Assisted the paramedics with some medical emergencies. Rescued a cat from a tree. A kid from a brook he’d fallen into, grabbing a tree branch and managing to hang on until we got there. We’d washed the fire trucks, we’d cleaned the station, did the grocery shopping. Practiced emergency protocols. I made dinner once. Mark took a turn. So did the captain. No one was willing to let Sanders near the kitchen again.

And yet, the whole time I was busy, I had thought about Casey. Wondered if she was settling in. If she was nervous in the new space. How her back was feeling.

I finally gave in and asked.

And she, of course, was fine.

Still, I was looking forward to heading home later that afternoon. More ready to be there than usual.

I missed Miller. That was all it was, I told myself.

I finished my workout and took a fast shower, grateful today was quiet. Mark came in, smiling. “Hey.”

I lifted my chin in acknowledgment. He grabbed his sneakers from the locker.

“Where you off to?” I asked.

“Your place.”

“My place?” I asked mystified. “Why?”

He chuckled. “Well, your tenant’s. One of Linda’s delivery guys is out sick, and she asked me to help.”

I was on my feet in a second. “I could do it.”

He looked up from lacing his sneakers. “No, it’s fine. I help out all the time.”

I fisted my hands, knowing I had no reason to argue with him. Still, I didn’t want him alone with Casey.

Which was stupid. He was a very happily married man. But still a man.

Mark frowned, looking at me. “We’ll be in and out. I have a few deliveries to make. Relax, man.” He clapped my arm. “Your face, Jesse. You should see it.” He shook his head as he walked away. “This is gonna be fun.”

I had no idea what he was talking about.

I was only trying to help and save him a trip. Plus, I could see Miller.

And Casey, a voice whispered.

I ignored it.

Chief sent me home early, and I pulled into the driveway, frowning at the delivery truck still out front. It wasn’t Mark’s Ford. I jumped from the vehicle and headed to Casey’s front door, noticing a few broken-down boxes on the porch and the addition of a new wreath on the front door. It was flowers and greenery. Very girly.