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CHAPTER SIX
PIERCE
When I told Kelsie I had to go help out with a brush fire that was out of control, thanks to some teenagers fucking around in the woods and the lack of rain, which leaves everything dry, something changed in her demeanor. A wall of sorts erected right before my eyes. I didn’t understand why, and unfortunately, I didn’t have time to ask.
My priority had to be getting to the station so I could get changed. When I suit up, everything else has to be pushed aside. My only thoughts on what I’m doing. Every time we get on the engine, we have to be focused. Sometimes it’s something simple, like an oven catching fire, but other times, lives are on the line. I could never forgive myself if someone’s life was taken because I wasn’t on my game and instead thinking about how Kelsie’s face went from happy to freaked out, to utterly devoid of all emotion in a matter of seconds.
It’s been a long night, but the fire has been contained, and there were no injuries. Thankfully, the kids who were trying to have a bonfire reported it as soon as it got out of control. Had they not, it would’ve spread closer to the town, and several homes could’ve been damaged.
After showering the night off, I should lie down and get some shut-eye, but instead, I get dressed and head to the bakery to pick up breakfast and coffee for Kelsie and Jordan. I’d call first, but I never got her number. I hope that since it’s Sunday, the girls are home—and I also went by The Busy Bean, and Dorothy told me Kelsie doesn’t work weekends.
I knock on the door, nervous and excited to see Kelsie. There’s movement in the window, and a second later, the door opens, Jordan smiling up at me.
“Hi, Mr. Fireman.”
“You can call me Pierce,” I tell her with a chuckle. “Is your mom home?”
“Duh. I can’t be alone. She’s—”
“Jordan Penelope Monroe, did you open the door?” Kelsie appears, dressed in a cute pajama shirt that reads: If you really love me, let me sleep, and matching plaid shorts that are extra short, showing off her creamy, toned legs.
Jordan’s eyes go wide. “I looked first! It’s Mr. Fireman… I mean Pierce.”
“I don’t care who it is. You don’t answer the door without me. Got it?”
Kelsie raises a brow, and Jordan mumbles back, “Got it.”
“Hey,” she says, turning her attention to me, her smile sweet but guarded.
“I would’ve called first, but I never got your number.” I wait a moment for her to say something like, ‘Oh, yeah, I need to give it to you!’ but when she remains silent, I continue. “I brought breakfast and coffee.”
I hold up the bags and Jordan squeals. “Oh! The Busy Bean,” she says, recognizing the logo.
“Thank you,” Kelsie says, her voice less enthusiastic.
We stare at each other for several awkward seconds. I’m about to hand over the food and drinks because she clearly doesn’t want me here, but before I can do so, she widens the door and says, “Please, come in.”
It feels a little forced. I should probably decline, give her the food and drinks and let them enjoy their morning, but I need to know what happened, what changed. We’ve only known each other for a hot second, but before I told her I had to go, she seemed interested and open to spending more time with me.
So, instead, I take her up on her offer and step inside her house. I’ve been in here before, when Mrs. Jenson needed help moving some stuff she was taking to the assisted living home.
The living room furniture is still the same, so she must’ve rented it out furnished. But added to the walls are adorable pictures that Jordan’s drawn. They’re framed, making them look professional, even though they’re filled with stick figures and finger paintings.
I set the food and drinks on the table, and Kelsie grabs some plates and napkins. Jordan opens the bags and hands out the coffees to Kelsie and me, keeping the milk for herself.
“Did you have a good time at the party?” I ask Jordan, making conversation.
“Yeah! I had so much fun. Tilly is my new best friend. She gave me this.” She pulls a necklace out of her shirt and shows off a silver chain with a jagged heart that reads: st ends
“It’s the second half of best friends,” Kelsie says with a smile. “Tilly gave it to her last night at the party.”
“That’s awesome,” I tell her, taking a bite of my croissant.
While we eat, Jordan steers the conversation, talking about the party and the upcoming Christmas show they’re putting on at school. The entire time, Kelsie focuses her attention on her daughter, avoiding making eye contact with me. It confirms what I thought—something happened last night to make her distance herself from me. My only thought is that she’s upset I had to leave unexpectedly for work. Tanya hated the hours I used to put in, but I was trying to move up through the ranks back then. Now, I’m comfortable with my position, and aside from occasionally being on call, I stick to my scheduled shifts.
