Page 72 of Rescued Heart

Eddie stopped at a red light. He should have brought her a coffee with her milkshake. Or maybe just a coffee milkshake. Did they make those? “You sure you’re up for this?”

She rested her hands in her lap and kept her eyes closed. “Waiting on my pain meds to kick in. Just a headache. Probably from lack of sleep last night. But the good news is, at least my stitches are healing well.”

She’d more than likely been up after his fire run. He should have called, since they’d exchanged numbers, and been there for her.

Eddie turned the radio to classical music and dialed down the volume. He figured that was more appropriate than offering for her to slide across the middle and use him as a pillow. His phone rang from its spot on the dash. Bianca stirred, and he hurried and silenced the ringer.

With a quick glance, he saw “Mary” as the caller.

His mother was as stubborn as he was.

He adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. It wasn’t like her to call and text him so much in such a short time. But she knew the rules. She could text. Which she hadn’t since the other day about his location change.

He flipped the phone over and put on his turn signal.

The street in front of the fire station was lined with cars, and the parking lot was near capacity. Once he parked his truck between two white passenger vans, he laid his hand on her arm. “Hey, we’re here.”

She released a little moan.

He traced his fingers up her arm. “Bianca…”

Her eyes fluttered opened, and a smile hit her lips until she sat up straight. “How long was I out?”

“Probably not long enough.”

She stared at the fire station. “I can sleep once the movie’s done filming. This place is bigger than I expected. Is the smoke house right there?”

He pointed to the back side of the truck bays. “No, that’s for the fire trucks. You can’t see the smoke house from the parking lot.”

Eddie led her around the back of the building, and Zack met up with them.

Zack hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “Too bad we couldn’t have charged for parking today. The youth center would finish out what you need in donations for the down payment in no time.”

Eddie shifted the fire suit in his arms and peeked at Bianca. They hadn’t exactly discussed who did or didn’t know about their deal.

But Bianca simply nodded. “I think it’s an excellent idea, Coach Zack.”

“Coach Bianca, it seems you’re wearing your acting hat today.” Zack flicked the helmet in Eddie’s hands. “What’s this for?”

Her smile vanished. “Eddie’s going to do a scene with me.”

Even without her expression change, her tone let him know how she really felt about his volunteering for the job.

“Huh,” was all that Zack said, but his gaze appeared to be calculating something.

Truck’s Lieutenant Amelia Patterson and Izan were inside the smoke house control shed, while Bryce and Ridge spoke with Leo and the mayor.

Gregory really did want the movie to finish.

Grace appeared beside a camera set outside the entrance to the smoke house. She waved at Bianca. “Riley needs to check your makeup.”

“Be right there.” Then to Eddie she said, “I guess I’ll see you in a few. Any other questions?”

Eddie took in the smoke house that now had a wreath on the door and a pair of old tennis shoes beside the entrance. “This is like one of my homes. I think I’m good.”

As she walked away, she glanced over her shoulder. “After this, I’d like a tour of that home.” She pointed to the fire station.

He gave her a thumbs-up. “That can be arranged.”

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