Page 4 of Burned By Love

“You should ask for his number.”

West blinked at Austin.“What’re you talking about?”

“You’re not on dating apps because you think that love will find you when it’s time.Maybe this is it.Maybe you and the cute tattoo artist will get married and have ten babies.”

The cute tattoo artist in question made a strangled sound.When West glanced at him, the man was staring at him and Austin, a sure sign that he’d heard what Austin had said.

“Are you trying to kill me of embarrassment?”West asked his best friend.

“Sorry about that.I’m pretty sure he would’ve realized you were interested in him even if I hadn’t said anything, though.You’re still staring.”

West was, but how could he not?The tattoo artist was cute and seemed approachable.West never dated people he met on calls because it always ended in a disaster, but technically, the call wasn’t about the cutie.“I don’t date patients,” West said, trying to convince himself as much as Austin.

“It’s a good thing he’s not our patient, then.Besides, I suggested asking for his number, not dating him.Unless you actually want those ten babies?”

“Don’t you have anything better to do or anyone else to harass?”

Austin crossed his arms over his chest.“Nope.This is way too muchfun.I’m not going anywhere.”

“Can you tell us what happened?”Lisa asked, thankfully distracting Austin.

The tattoo artist blinked.“Not much.This was Billy’s first tattoo, but as soon as I touched him with the needle, he fainted.He was very nervous when he arrived.”

Lisa nodded.“That would do it.I’m sorry, but I don’t thinkit’s a good idea for him to finish getting the tattoo today.”

From the looks of it, it’d be better if the guy never got tattooed at all.He’d always have that line on his shoulder, but better that than making a fool of himself again.

“Oh, I wasn’t planning on finishing anything.”

The guy’s gaze flickered to West.Would it really be such a bad thing to talk to him?Brad, their captain, wouldn’t appreciate it if West flirted now, but since the tattoo artist wasn’t their patient, there was nothing he could do to stop West from asking for his number.West wouldn’t do anything stupid.He just wanted a chance to talk to the guy.

* * * *

JONATHAN SHOULD PROBABLYbe more focused on Billy than on the hot firefighter standing on the other side of the room.The guy was a walking stereotype—tall, with thick dark blond hair, a hint of stubble, and muscles so big that Jonathan thought the man could probably lift him without breaking a sweat.He was tempted to ask just to feel the man’s hands on him, but now wasn’t the time or place.

The firefighter looked like he belonged in a romance novel.If they were in a book, this would be their meet-cute, but they weren’t in a romance novel, and Billy was still groaning on the ground.Jonathan hoped he wouldn’t puke.He wouldn’t get paid for Billy’s failed appointment.He also didn’t want to have to clean up after him.

“Will he be okay?”Christy asked.

“I don’t believe he hit his head,” one of the paramedics said.“As long as he’s coherent, he should be fine.”

Christy’s shoulders relaxed.She leaned against Jonathan’s side, and Jonathan quickly wrapped an arm around her shoulders for a squeeze.He flicked his gaze upward, not surprised to see that the hot firefighter was staring.

He wasn’t the only one who noticed.Christy sucked in a breath, and Jonathan justknewshe was about to do something he wouldn’t be happy with.

“That’s a relief,” she said.“It’s not the first time someone’s fainted in here, but it’s always an experience.I don’t understand how you guys do this every day.”

“It’s the job,” the same paramedic said.Her focus was on Billy, who was thankfully coming back to consciousness.

Jonathan couldn’t wait to get the guy out of the shop.He felt sorry for the guy, but there was nothing he could do about it.

“I’m Christy,” Christy said.“And this is Jonathan.What can we do to thank you?”

The hot firefighter cleared his throat.“As Lisa said, it’s our job.You and your boyfriend don’t have to worry about thanking us.”

Christy made a face and stepped away from Jonathan.“Oh my God, no.He’s not my boyfriend.”

Jonathan huffed.“Maybe you could try not to look so horrified at the thought of being with me.”

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