Page 34 of From Air

“Did you have a good day?”

“Training. Procedural review. We’ll be jumping again in no time.” He sets his sandwich and a pile of fries on a plate.

“How do your parents feel about your job?” I glance at him as he sits at the counter.

He inspects his sandwich before taking a bite and chewing it slowly. “It’s fair to say they’re probably indifferent.”

“I doubt that. I can’t imagine a mother feeling indifferent about her child jumping out of a plane just to trek to an out-of-control fire.”

He appraises me for a few silent seconds without offering a comment.

“Where do they live?”

“California.”

“Is that where you grew up?”

Fitz nods before taking a drink of water.

“Siblings?”

“You’re full of questions tonight.”

“Just making conversation.”

“I have a sister.”

“Older or younger?”

When he gives me another look, I return a tiny cringe. “Sorry. It’s a natural follow-up question.”

“Younger.”

I nod several times. There’s a line he doesn’t want me to cross. I can’t see it, but I feel it. But I also feel his patience with me. “Do you want to ask me anything?”

“Where’s Maren?”

That’s not what I meant. “She has a date. And Will’s working.”

“And you’re drinking hot chocolate and playing on your phone.” He pops a wad of fries into his mouth.

“I’m working on my profile for this dating app. What would you say are my best qualities?”

He stops midchew and lifts a brow at me.

“Fine. I’ll go first. If I were helping you with a dating profile, I’d say you’re adventurous, funny, and loyal.”

“Sounds like a profile for a dog,” he murmurs behind a brown paper napkin.

“News flash. Most women love dogs. If you could channel your inner canine, you’d be an immediate swipe right.”

He slides his plate aside and rests his arms on the counter. “You’re a good baker. You have straight teeth. And you’re inquisitive.”

I bite back my smile. “I see. Those are good things, right?” I type them into my profile. “Maybe I can add some hobbies that will be betterclickbait. Like ... surfing. Diving. Fishing. Skateboarding. Stargazing. Concerts.” When I peer up at Fitz, he has a pleasant smile.

It’s not his normal expression around me, which makes it a little creepy yet still satisfying.

“What?”

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