Page 85 of Until We Come Home

Before long, I pull Mateo out to join me, his arm sliding around my waist as we find a rhythm. For a guy who claims he can’t dance, he moves with a natural ease, his dark eyes holding mine with a tenderness I still haven’t gotten used to, as if he can’t quite believe I’m his.

The band shifts into a slow ballad, and I tuck my head against his chest. Half the station crew is tracking our every move from the table, but I couldn’t care less if the whole world is watching.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve said it enough today,” I say, tipping my head back to look up at him. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mia,” he says, and his arm tightens around my waist as we sway.

CHAPTER 25

Mateo

Ollie and I sit shoulder to shoulder on the bench in the bay, filling the downtime between calls by taking inventory of the medical kits and sorting through expired supplies while he throws out an occasional question about the job.

Wildfire season is winding down, though the ground is still drier than it should be for late September. Rain’s in the forecast for most of October, which will be a relief if we can make it through these last few weeks without another major blaze.

I glance at Ollie as he checks dates and tosses a handful of alcohol wipes into the expired pile. He’s done solid work all week, though I’m not crazy about his streak of recklessness out on the line. The thought that my own habit of pushing limits might be rubbing off on him makes my stomach turn, but there’s still time to shape his instincts before he gets himself hurt.

Lainey strolls past in an oversized plaid sweater, her Kindle tucked under one arm and a mug of tea in her other hand, and the second he spots her, Ollie sits up straight as a board, knocking a box of nitrile gloves off the bench.

“Hi... uh, morning, Lainey,” he stammers, his freckles standing out as his face flushes red.

I bend down and scoop up the gloves, then look over at Lainey, who is just as flustered.

“Morning... yeah, morning, Ollie,” she says, pushing her glasses up her nose with one knuckle. “Um, how are you doing today?”

“Really good,” he tells her quickly. “You know that book you recommended? Wuthering Heights? I picked up a copy, and I’m loving it so far.”

I bow my head over the kit to hide my grin. I’ve never known Ollie to be much of a reader, so I suspect this literary interest is entirely about making an impression. It’s sweet, though.

Lainey brightens, hugging the Kindle a little closer. “Really? Well, I’m so glad you like it. That one’s really special to me.”

They stand there holding each other’s gaze, locked in their own little world. I look back and forth between them while I restock the medical kit Ollie has forgotten in his trance.

“Well,” Lainey says, clearing her throat and pushing her glasses up again. “I should probably head up to the front desk. Lots of administrative work waiting.”

“Right, of course,” Ollie says, nodding fast. “I mean, you’re so good at that. Wouldn’t want the whole station to fall apart without you. Not that it would. I mean, it might. I’ll... see you around.”

“Thanks. Um, maybe I’ll see you later today, yeah?” She gives him a small smile, he nods back, and she starts backing down the corridor, nearly clipping the doorframe with her mug.

“Morning, Lainey,” I say.

She jumps, looking over as if she hadn’t noticed me sitting four feet away the entire time.

“Oh! Mateo,” she says, going even more pink. “Right, morning! I didn’t catch you sitting there.”

I chuckle as she scurries back toward the front desk.

Ollie lets out a massive breath the second she’s out of earshot. “Man, she’s just incredible. I mean, completely out of my league.”

“Have you actually asked her out yet?” I ask, turning a fresh box of gauze over in my hands.

He gapes at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“Are you crazy? No way. She’s way too cool for me,” he says, digging into his pocket and pulling out a small knitted coaster with a little red fire truck stitched in the middle. “Look, she actually made this for me the other day. Isn’t that amazing? Just for my coffee mug at the station.”

I laugh. “Dude, just ask her out. Jesus, is this what everyone went through watching Mia and me? Trust me. She’s into you, you’re clearly nuts about her, so make a move.”

“You really think she’d say yes?” he asks, looking hopeful.