Page 70 of Heat Advisory

We had both just entered our thirties, and while I couldn’t answer for her, I knew I was ready to settle down. I wanted someone to come home to after work, someone to share my day with, plan vacations with, and I wanted that someone to be Cora.

Now I just needed to show her tonight that this engagement didn’t have to be just for show.

I grabbed my suit jacket and put it on a hanger to leave in my car—it was way too damn hot outside to wear it unless I absolutely had to. Then I put on my shoes before making my way out the door.

I smiled the whole way to my car, thinking about having Cora on my arm and spending the time with her.

I would prefer it if it were alone time, especially after all the fun alone time we’d had at my sister’s wedding and since then.

However, I was finding I was addicted to spending any time with Cora, no matter what it included.

22

“‘Controlled burn’ is when I finally speak my mind.”

—It’s science

Cora

The knock on my door startled me.

It was the weekend after I returned from Vegas, and I was in my bathroom getting ready for the Firefighters’ Ball. Jay wasn’t supposed to be here for another thirty minutes, but I also wasn’t expecting anyone else.

Meow.

“Who do you think it is, Frizzle?” I asked my cat, even though she ignored me and sauntered away, likely to hide somewhere.

I walked out to my apartment door in just my bathrobe. It was pink with white polka dots and came down to mid-thigh. It was also super cute, which I was thankful for in that moment since my peephole showed Jay on the other side of my door.

Worried that I had gotten the time wrong, I swung the door open quickly. “Are you early, or am I late?”

He chose not to answer right away but rather pushed his way in and closed the door for me.

“I was ready and figured I could just sit on my couch by myself until it was time to leave, or I could come over and sit on your couch until it was time to leave,” he said, smiling. “The latter option included a pretty girl.”

I shook my head at his ridiculousness but threw my hand out toward my couch as permission to have a seat. “I have to finish getting ready, but you’re welcome to hang out on my couch.”

I turned to head back to my bathroom, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me into him for a kiss.

It was a quick kiss, but no less wonderful than all the others.

With his mouth still pressed against mine, he spoke softly. “Definitely better than my couch.”

I smiled but pulled back, trying to take a very serious stance. “Let me go so I can get ready.”

“Do you need help getting dressed? I volunteer as tribute to help you with that daunting task.”

I chuckled and shook my head some more. “I am perfectly capable of getting dressed.”

“I know, but it would probably be more fun if I helped you.”

His grin told me there would likely be help in getting this robe off, not necessarily in putting other clothes on.

I pointed my finger at his face and gave him my best stern look. “Go sit on the couch. I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.”

“Party pooper.” His cunning smile told me I had won…for now.

Ten minutes later, I was standing next to my dresser, where I had set out my jewelry and sparkly hair clip that I was about to add now that my hair was all finished.