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Elyssa
Two days had passed since I last saw Scott and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. It was ridiculous. I fully realized that. Yet it didn’t stop me from glancing at my phone every other minute or jumping up to peek out my window when I heard the slightest sound.
The man didn’t have my number or my address. I have no idea why I was acting this way. Even if my phone did buzz with a text it wouldn’t be from him.
It also didn’t help that I was now back on shift at the station and the day was dragging by. Which, normally, would be a good thing. It meant no one was hurt or in danger. But it was torture for my overthinking brain. I needed something new to focus on other than my reignited crush on Scott.
“Why do you look like that?”
My head swivels to look over my shoulder, and I spot Bayramov. At the interruption I realize I’ve been standing still, staring out the big bay window. “Look like what?”
“Like you’ve just sent your long-lost love off to war.”
I scoff, rolling my eyes at Bayramov’s dramatics. Though, to hand it to him, he’s scarily close to the mark. I am thinking about an almost-love.
“I’m fine,” I reply, leaving my spot by the window and collapsing on the couch across from him.
“I didn’t ask if you were fine. I asked why you looked like that.”
“This is just my face.”
“Not your normal face. Which makes me think something is up. Or maybe it’s finally a someone.” He lifts a brow, his voice taking on a high-pitched squeak.
My first instinct is to deny anything is wrong or different. While my dating life is usually open for all to know—my string of horrible first dates shared with everybody at the station—I find myself wanting to keep my feelings for Scott close to my chest.
I want to keep whatever is blooming between us to myself for a while. Until I know what is happening at least.
I couldn’t do that though if I kept thinking about him but not putting anything into action. Maybe after this week of shift work is over, I’ll track him down and ask him…oh God. Was I really going to ask Scott Aldridge out?
What multiverse had I crashed through to make this my reality? Never in my wildest dreams did I ever—
“Okay, seriously. Who’s the guy? You never space out like this.”
My cheeks instantly heat with embarrassment. Crap. It wasn’t like me to zone out, especially in the presence of others. I was definitely caught.
With a deep breath, I steel myself to tell my friend what’s going on. My mouth has just opened, words on the tip of my tongue, when my name is hollered down the hall.
“Laidlaw! You’ve got company.” Undistinguishable murmurs follow.
Bayramov chuckles at the intrusion, and I’m just about to call back that I’ll be there in a second, when a figure appears in the doorway, stealing my voice.
Scott grins over at me as he leans against the doorframe.
“Hi.”
The silence stretches between us. I’m in shock. That he’s here. In the fire station. In front of me looking like a hiking model straight out of a magazine. His long-sleeved white Henley is stretched across his hard chest and he has a red plaid shirt tied around his waist. My eyes continue to journey down, taking in his dirty jeans and even muddier boots. Maybe he really has been out hiking.
Scott pulls the beanie off his head and runs a hand through his dark, disheveled hair.
“Hey,” I’m finally able to get out. My voice sounds a little breathy and shy, but I’m hoping that’s only to my ears. I’m honestly stunned that he’s here.
“Hi!” Bayramov pipes in, slapping his hands down on his thighs and standing up. He gives me a knowing grin before walking to Scott and shaking his hand. “Nice to meet the person who El has been swooning over the last couple of days.”
“Bayramov!” I snap, my eyes widening in both embarrassment and disbelief. He just threw me under the goddamn bus!
“What? It’s true. I’m helping you break the ice so you can get to the good stuff.” He has the audacity to wink before disappearing down the hallway. Leaving Scott and me alone.
“You’re a polar bear, you big buffoon!” I shout at his retreating back, needing to get the last word in. Crossing my arms over my chest, feeling suddenly vulnerable, I give Scott a strained smile. “Sorry about him.”
