Page 32 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“I get it. That’s important.”

Sean bit his lip. “There was a place closer to us in Phoenix, but Mom had a friend who already lived here. And when she visited, she loved the amenities. Still, I wanted her closer to me…”

I squeezed his hand lightly, and Sean smiled at me. We sat in the plastic lounge chairs until her class was over.

The class ended on a Bee Gees song. The instructor demonstrated with her arms high in the air, the ladies imitating her. The ladies got out of the pool in small groups, chatting as they tugged their bodies onto the ladders. A few used the bigger steps. One lady made her way to a walker.

I removed my baseball cap and ran a hand through my hair.

“Does your mother know why I have these scars?”

“Yes, I told her about you long ago. Back when you got hurt and fought so hard to recover.” He met my eyes. “How I admired your strength back then and wanted you at my firehouse. So, I’m sure she remembers. And I also told her that we were going to the wildfire together.”

I swallowed hard. “I hope she likes me.””

“She will.”

“How do you know?” I whispered.

“Because you’re amazing,” he said simply.

I looked away, staring at the bright pool water, unable to answer.

Sean opened his mouth to say something else, but we were interrupted as the women all came to the lounge area, dripping in their suits.

“Girls, meet my son,” his mom said, smiling broadly. “And his firefighter friend.”

“Oh, firefighters!” one woman squealed, pulling Sean into a hug he didn’t ask for. He politely returned her wet embrace.

“Do you know how to work an Apple Watch?” the wet hugger demanded. “My daughter bought me this thing, but I have trouble with it.”

“Let me see.” He took the watch off her wrist to check it.

“How many calories did I burn?” she demanded.

“Can you check my phone app?” Another lady approached him, holding out her cell.

Sean nodded. “Sure.”

I smothered a grin. He was really so sweet.

As Sean patiently checked, his mother turned to me with a broad smile.

“You must be Caleb.”

“I am. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Smack.”

“Let me dry off and give you a hug.” She picked up a striped towel. “And please call me Marge.”

Unlike the other woman, Sean’s mother dried her skin and put on a flowered cover-up before giving me an embrace.

“One hundred and five calories!” chirped the Apple Watch lady in delight. “Thanks, doll.” She squeezed Sean into her again.

“Should we rescue him?” his mother asked. She put the question to me, but her eager eyes were on her son.

“Soon. He’s still checking that phone.”

“Another five minutes?” she suggested.

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