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“Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s the Cap’s way of telling me he dislikes me. The station dogs usually stay at the station, not go home with one of us.”
She stopped walking, and I wanted to punch myself.
“What? Why doesn’t he like you? What did you do?”
Trying to play it off, I shrugged. “It’s nothing. He thinks I’m something I’m not.”
Following close behind me, she asked, “What does he think? Tell me.”
I stopped in front of the bowls. What in the hell? Why are there so many bowls? Which one do I get?
“So it didn’t take me long to find out you’re the daughter of my captain, Rory. And I’m guessing by the way you reacted when you saw what station I’m assigned to, you figured out I worked under your dad.”
She swallowed hard. “You’re with Engine 33.”
Smiling, I nodded in reply. “I am.”
She pointed between us. “So you understand why this…could never work.”
“Shopping for dog supplies?”
Her smile about blew me off my feet. Hitting me on the chest, she shook her head. “No, Finn. I’m starting to get a bit of a clear picture here. My father’s been bringing Flash home from time to time to let him run around his and my mom’s yard. Flash has a lot of energy, so he needs to be exercised. My dad’s telling you to take him home seems like more of a punishment than anything else. So I’m going to guess you’ve gotten on the wrong side of my father. Since he already forbids me to date firefighters, imagine his surprise if he finds out I’ve kissed a firefighter I’m attracted to who’s in his company. One he already had a beef with.”
I grinned from ear to ear. “You’re attracted to me?”
She rolled her eyes and punched my arm. “Will you be serious?”
“Rory, I’m not asking you to marry me. We’re shopping for the stupid dog’s supplies.”
With her hands on her hips and a cute pout, she said, “Don’t call him that. He’s a sweetheart.”
“He’s a maniac who tried to pull my arm out of my socket today. And back to you being attracted to me.”
Rory let out a groan. “Ugh! I regret saying that.”
I took her hands in mine, and couldn’t help but notice her breathing pick up when I lightly ran my thumbs across the back of them. I hoped like hell she didn’t see mine do the same in reaction to simply touching her.
“All I’m asking for is dinner.”
Pondering what I said, she finally answered me. “Let’s see how our doggy shopping trip goes first. Then we’ll take it from there.”
I nodded. “I can live with that. Now what in the hell does that mutt need?”
—
“Why did I let you talk me into all this shit?” I said as we walked back to my place. Rory just giggled. When we got to my door, I juggled the four bags I had in my hands and the large dog bed stuffed under my arm.
Four bags filled with useless stuff, if you asked me.
“Oh, you have to have training treats. He needs a bed. Snacks are a must. That bowl isn’t cute enough. He needs lots of toys.”
“He’s going to love it. Besides, it’s important for him to have chew toys to keep him occupied,” Rory said with a cute smile.
Unlocking the door, I motioned for Rory to go first.
“That way when you leave him alone he doesn’t—Oh. My. God.”
“What’s wrong?” I asked, coming around to her side.
