Page 16 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Firefighter

“Sometimes we lie to protect the people we care about.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s right.”

“Maybe. But at least hear him out?” I glance over her shoulder, spotting Dean standing in the background like a beat down puppy. “And once you do, you need to tell me everything about your AI-generated family.”

I visibly shudder and Penny laughs.

Dean nods at the garage door.

“Fine. I’ll hear him out.”

10

DEAN

“If you tryto tell me I’m overreacting, I’ll throw something at you,” Heather says as soon as I close the door.

“I should’ve told you about the arrest sooner.”

Heather folds her arms over her chest, her glare so potent I half expect to burst into flames at any moment.

“I meant to tell you, the night I came home after the fire. And then again before we headed to the county fair. After that, I honestly just forgot. The guy was locked up, and you were safe. That was what mattered most to me.”

“But I stayed with you because you told me I wasn’t safe. You get that’s why I’m mad, right?”

“Yes.” I’ve never been one good at swallowing my pride, but it seems like the easiest price to pay to ensure this relationship isn’t over before it starts. “I was scared that if you went back home too soon that you’d pretend nothing happened between us. You’d call it a mistake again and shut me out.”

“So you took my choice away from me?”

“You didn’t exactly seem miserable, Heather.”

“That’s not the point. If you want a girlfriend you can control, you need to find someone else.”

My eyebrows draw in confusion. “You think I want to control you?”

“Don’t you?”

“No.” I dare to take a step closer, well aware she might smack me if I get too close. I take the risk anyway. “The last thing I would ever want to do is control you. But if you want to be withme, you’ll have to accept that I’m going to protect you. Even when it annoys you.”

“I don’t need saving.”

“You’re one of the strongest, most vivacious women I’ve ever met, Heather. I know you’re not some damsel in distress who needs rescuing. But when some creepy ass man creates a family photo on your first date, I’m not going to stand idly by and wait for him to kidnap you.”

She bites her bottom lip, and I can’t tell if she’s choosing her next words carefully or trying to hide the smile.

“In the twenty years I’ve known you, how many times have I overstepped?”

“You haven’t,” she admits.

“And I won’t, unless there’s a real threat. Considering this guy had a warrant out for his arrest related to stalking, I think I made the right call. Not to mention, you summoned me.”

“On accident.”

“Doesn’t matter. Still counts.”

She finally loses the battle with hiding her smile. “Okay, fine.”

I step closer, reaching my hands to her forearms. She doesn’t shake me away. “I’ve got one more confession, and I need you to promise me something before I tell you.”