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Dinner was perfect. The food was delicious, and the conversation flowed naturally. Afterward, I took her to Eightball, the billiards bar my brothers and I frequent when we have boys’ nights. At first, she was a bit hesitant, clearly out of her element, but once the alcohol was flowing through her veins, she started to let loose.
“Admit it,” she says, tugging on the front of my shirt so our bodies collide with one another. “Admit you’re a pool shark.”
I chuckle at her dramatics and palm her cheek. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I joke.
Before she can argue, my mouth descends on hers and my tongue delves between her parted lips. When her body leans against mine and she moans into my mouth, I know I’ve successfully distracted her.
“I might’ve played a time or two,” I murmur against her lips.
“Is there anything you’re not good at?” she whispers, pecking my lips. “You’re like the perfect man, Pierce.”
“I’m not perfect,” I mutter, shaking my head and kissing her again. “Nobody’s perfect.”
“Maybe not.” She sighs. “But I’m starting to think you’re perfect for me.”
“Adler!”
“What?” I glance up from where I’m lifting weights.
“I called your name three times. You didn’t hear me?” Wade asks, quirking a brow.
“Sorry, man. Guess I have a lot on my mind.”
“More like you have someone on your mind.” Wade smirks. “How’s it going with Kelsie, anyway?”
“Good.”
I can’t help but grin as I remember our date. I don’t recall the last time I enjoyed myself the way I did last night. We laughed, ate, drank, and flirted. It was one of the best dates I’ve been on, and at the end of the night, I hated having to kiss her good night and walk away. She’d let loose and had a good amount to drink, so the last thing I wanted was for her to regret spending the night with me. I also knew I had to get up early this morning to go to work.
My phone dings with a text from Kelsie. I smile at the beginning of her message, then sigh at the second half:
Kelsie
Morning! Last night was so much fun. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself like that. Dorothy asked if I could come in to cover a shift for someone who called out sick, so if you text and I don’t answer, that’s why.
I consider telling her that she already worked five days this week and she deserves a break, but I know she’ll hit me with, ‘I need the money.’ Instead, I text back:
Pierce
I had a great time too. Have a good day at work. Dinner Monday? I can come over and we can order in.
Kelsie
Sure! Sounds good.
“Look at you, all doe-eyed and shit,” Wade says, grinning wide. “Let me guess, you’re texting with—”
His words are cut off as the tone sounds through the station. I grab the receiver, take down the information from dispatch, then relay it to my team. Because of my position, I don’t always go out on runs, but since we’re a small unit in a small town, and I have a guy out unexpectedly, I head out with my team.
By the time we arrive, the fire is out of control. The Inn at Christmas Valley is a two-story bed-and-breakfast that’s been around for several generations. As we assess the situation, we quickly realize that it’s worse than expected. Unfortunately, older homes often mean the fire spreads quicker and causes more damage. I grab the radio and rattle off commands. When I learn just how many people are there and that several are elderly, I put a call in to our neighboring station and start gearing up, preparing to help my team once they arrive.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
KELSIE
Sara
The girls are having a blast and begging for Jordan to spend the night again. They want to do a Disney Princess movie night and play dress-up. I told them I had to ask you first. I’m okay with it if you are.
I stare at my screen, unsure how to respond. Sure, I’d love to have another night to myself—any single mom, or mom in general, who tells you otherwise is full of shit—but I’m also missing my little girl.
Rather than texting Sara back, I call her.
“Hey,” she says. “Did you see my text?”
“I did. Are you sure it’s not too much?”
“Your daughter is an angel. It’s definitely not too much.”
I smile at the compliment. “Could I talk to her to make sure she’s okay with it?”
“Of course!”
A few seconds later, Jordan comes onto the phone. “Hey, Mommy! Can I sleep at Tilly’s again, please?”
“Well, hello to you, too.”
“Sorry.” She giggles. “Hello, I love you. Can I spend the night, pleeeeasssse?”
I chuckle softly. “I love you too. And yes, if you want to, you can. But tomorrow you have to come home. I miss you, Ladybug.”
