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As soon as she sent it, she started laughing. She laughed harder when she saw his response. Damn you.
She was going to have to go back and pull that email she’d gotten last week about sexting. She’d type up a response today and post it on the online extras. She had a whole new attitude now.
If you can’t wait that long,she wrote, I need a date tonight. Charity thing at a gallery. Interested?
Her phone stayed silent for a while. This time she didn’t doubt herself. He might have more experience, but she wasn’t powerless. His hands had been shaking last night. He’d wanted it so badly.
Finally, she got her answer. Yes.
Veronica took a deep breath, trying to steady her thundering heart. Yes. She’d see him tonight. She texted the details and said goodbye. Then she very carefully set her phone down on the table, opened her laptop and got back to work.
***
CHAPTER TWELVE
GABEWASRUNNINGLATE. He hated being late. He especially hated being late when he knew that Veronica was waiting for him.
He’d warned her that he wouldn’t be there before eight and it was only seven fifty, but he had to get home to shower and change before he could meet her at the gallery.
Still, instead of rushing out of the training room of the fire station, he slapped Benton on the back. “You’d better work on that overhand bend,” he said.
“Fuck you,” Benton returned with a smile as he unraveled the climbing knots he’d been working on.
“I’m just saying. That knot took you three tries.”
“It took two tries, asshole.”
“Fine, but I should definitely take the lead next Sunday.”
“Ha!” Benton grabbed his pack. “I’m sure I’ll be safe in your arms. I’ve gotta get to my shift. See you next weekend.”
Before following Benton out the door, Gabe headed over to shake William’s hand. “Thanks for the refresher, man.”
William shrugged. “You didn’t seem to need it. You probably know more knots than I do.”
“I practiced a lot during the winters in Cincinnati. Not much climbing there.” Gabe helped William recoil the last ropes that were piled on the table.
“I have to admit,” William said, “I was surprised to see you. I don’t think we’ve ever had a librarian on the technical rescue team.”
“Yeah, well we don’t get many firefighters in the library, either.”
“Touché.”
“Actually, I know you guys read all the time. The Cincy firefighters seemed big on ebooks. We’re working on getting ebook lending set up, so I’ll let you know when it’s up and running.”
“Sounds good,” William said with a wink. “But then we won’t have an excuse to come flirt with the librarians. Present company excepted, of course.”
“Now my feelings are hurt,” Gabe said, dropping a coil in the box of rope William had brought to educate the rescue team on rope safety.
William dropped the last rope in. “Thanks for the help. If you want to hang out a minute, we’re picking up a game out back.”
“Another time, thanks. I’ve got plans tonight.”
“Book club?” William asked.
“Something like that.”
Gabe hit the door and practically jogged toward his street, wishing he’d been smart enough to drive to work today. His phone rang when he was almost to his place. “Hi,” he said as soon as he answered. “I’ll be there in fifteen.”
