He laughed “I guess it might be inconvenient on the job.”
She shrugged one shoulder. “You think? Well… It’s your turn again.”
“Okay. When I’m home, I can be a slob. I leave my clothes in a disorganized pile,” he said.
“That’s ridiculous! You must have to keep your area at the fire station neat. Why not at home?”
He smirked. “Because I can. Your turn.”
One of the nearby firefighters interrupted before she had a chance to respond.
“Hey, Jayce. If you’re flirting, that’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”
He laughed and slung his arm around the other firefighter’s shoulder. “This is my brother Gabe, who should be minding his own business.”
“I was about to say the same thing as Gabe,” another firefighter chimed in.
“And that’s my brother Noah. Same goes for you, buddy.”
The family resemblance was hard to miss. Tall, dark, and good-looking, every one of them. But there was something special about the one they called “Jayce.” His brown eyes were darker—almost black, and full of mischief—and he had killer dimples. Suddenly she realized she and he hadn’t even introduced themselves.
“So, is Jayce short for Jason?”
“Nope. My given name is J-a-y-c-e. And who have I had the pleasure of breaking up with?”
“My name is Kristine. Kristine Scott. They call me Scotty.”
“Hey, Fierro!” a firefighter called to the group.
“Yeah?” the three men answered at once.
“Your dad and the chief are looking for you.”
“Wait,” Kristine said. “The firefighter we memorialized today was named Fierro. Are you related?”
“Yeah. He was my younger brother,” Jayce said. “A probie.”
“Holy fuck,” she muttered. “I’ve been joking and laughing with the deceased’s brother?”
“Guess so,” Jayce answered matter-of-factly.
“How can you be so callous?” The words were out before she could think about them.Oh well. Since we’re being totally honest…“It’s a good thing we’re breaking up before we even get started. That kind of insensitivity just blows.” She found a hole in the crowd and stomped off before he could object.
He called after her. “Hey, pride of Midtown.”
She stopped and turned around.
He sidled up next to her. “Do you know which is the oldest fire station in the country?”
She shook her head.
“You’ve been standing in it for the last fifteen minutes.”
“How do you know I’ve been here for fifteen minutes?”
“I noticed you the minute you walked in.” He grinned. “Can I get your phone number?”
Still miffed, she answered, “Yeah… It’s 911.”
