Page 47 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

I forgot the show, the sense of time. I was lost in a haze of pure joy.

CHAPTER

FIFTEEN

SMACK

Standing in front of my team, home at our firehouse, I attempted to appear relaxed, even if my nerves weren’t quite steady. We were sitting at the morning meeting, Wyatt and Phin at one table and some probies and Caleb at the other. Kamira had the day off, and I wished she were here. She had a calming effect on the younger girls and guys. And me.

I glanced at Caleb, and for a minute, I got lost in his soft smile.

“Captain? You were about to tell us about the wildfire?” one of the probies—Jonas—prompted.

“Yes, sir, I want to hear about it,” Becky, another probie with good potential, added.

“It was a tough one, but I’m happy to report that we reached 30 percent containment as of last night. Only one area is at the level, and several of the worst areas have leveled off.”

A rush of excited chatter went through the group.

Caleb gave some more details to a rapt Jonas and Becky. Wyatt snuck a look at his phone. Phin’s eyes met mine. He seemed to be waiting for me to continue, so I did, briefingthem on the teams who took our place, reading some updates concerning our home base in Mesa.

I had arrived at the final thing on the morning meeting agenda—the most important item.

I cleared my throat. “As most of you know, each firehouse in Arizona has their own rules, and our station’s rules declare relatives or couples can remain at the same firehouse but should avoid too many shared shifts.”

“And you’re reminding us of this, why?” Phin drawled.

I kept my face calm and impartial, even as my heartbeat skipped. “It’s good to review our policies from time to time.” I drew a deep breath. “Also, since the wildfire, Caleb and I are seeing each other.”

“I won the bet?” Wyatt blurted.

Phin poked him in the ribs. “Shut it.”

“Of course, you guys had a wager.” Caleb rolled his eyes.

I was about to reprimand them for gambling, especially on people’s private affairs, when the siren went off, and we ended the meeting abruptly. After getting into our gear, I waved Caleb over to me.

“Are you upset about the wager?” I asked. “I can kick some butt.”

“Nah, they’re only playing.” He pushed some hair off his forehead. “And maybe I wasn’t too subtle about having a slight crush on you.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Only slight.”

“Okay, massive.” He grinned.

“Sit up front with me. I want you near.”

“Is that an order, sir?” he teased.

I fought a desire to kiss the teasing tone right out of him. “Yeah. Grab your helmet and get going.”

God, I wanted to fuck the rules and have that kiss. Press my lips to Caleb’s, stroke his tongue, make him moan for me while I devoured him.

He licked his lips, the flirt, before turning on his heels to get his stuff. I huffed out a long breath, my gaze glued to Caleb’s ass.

Shaking it off, I busied myself with the probies. Jonas needed some reminders about being neat with the supplies. I shifted some items around for him, glad for the distraction, and planted a scowl on my face. I shouldn’t have told Caleb to ride with me up front.

Should I take it back? Have Becky take his place?

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