Page 7 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Yeah, that’s bullshit. The wind is about to change,” Phin said.

“It was on the Weather Channel.” Wyatt flushed.

“Are we talking about helping?” Kamira asked. “And for what amount of time do they need us?”

Up until her question, Smack had simply let the others talk. He tended to do that. We could ask questions, make comments. No matter how guarded he could be, Smack was fair.

“I think it’s worse in Northern California,” a probie offered, which I was sure the captain knew.

But he simply nodded at the probie. Captain Smack had a way of listening, like he was going to remember every word and file it away—a rare trait.

“How long is unclear. I’m going for sure and need one other person. It might be a longer trip, depending on how bad the fire gets.”

“What about Erin?” Kamira asked. “Won’t it be easier to just send two of us than you going?”

“Erin is spending part of the summer with Dan’s family in Seattle. They’ve been asking a long time now, and she seems finally old enough…” Smack paused, blinking as if processing that his kid wouldn’t be with him for a little while. “So, going away to San Bernardino County for a few weeks—if it comes to that—isn’t an issue for me.”

Despite his matter-of-fact tone, Captain Smack looked a little lonely at the idea of Erin gone. I itched to put my arms around him. To tell him that while Erin was gone, all of his firefighters would step up and be his family.

“So, here’s the deal. Cal Fire has asked us to join their Strike Team. And Emergency Services has already arranged transportation for us.”

“A tent? That’s what we had last time.” Phin made a face. “Mine ripped on day two.”

“Actually, we have converted fifty-three-foot trucking trailers into sleeping facilities, and they are air-conditioned while being kept dark.”

“Sweet.” Phin whistled. “Damn, I wish I could go with ya, Smack, but James has this event with his folks?—”

“Yeah, you are on vacation in a week, it’s fine. I approved it.” He looked around at the rest of us. “The fire looks like a quick, hot mess. Our Strike Team anticipates a stay of up to twenty-one days before being rotated out, depending on how bad this becomes. You all might want to consider that?—”

“I’ll go,” I blurted out.

A week or more in close quarters with Smack.

Twist my arm.

He met my gaze with his piercing stare. “It’s gonna be a long one.”

I nodded, goose bumps tingling along my skin. I didn’t want to appear too eager and add to the teasing I already got about stalking the captain. But damn, I wanted this. Not that anything would actually happen. But I could still be near him. Obeying his commands. Sleeping beside him in the trailer.

It wasn’t only the chance to indulge in some up-close and personal Fantasy Smack daydreams. I wanted to serve.

“I’m ready to go. I’m pumped to go,” I added, then flushed. That sounded weird. Who was pumped to go to a wildfire?

Other firefighters, apparently. Because they all murmured in agreement, some with jealousy at not having the time to get free and volunteer.

God, I loved being among them. My people. They got me in ways those not on the job could ever totally understand. We firefighters needed to help. It was something my family didn’t get. My folks and sisters supported me, but they didn’t understand me. Especially after the accident, the burns.Why return to that?my mom had pleaded.Can’t you be done with it?But I wasn’t done. I had wanted to be a firefighter more than anything. I hated hurting my mom and making her worry about me, but like being a teacher or a priest or something, firefighting was a calling. To quit was unthinkable. I’d cried in relief when I was cleared to return.

“Hmm.” Smack still studied me. “If we go, I’ll need you to stick with me through it all.”

“I can stick with you. I’ll be like glue,” I vowed. “You won’t be able to get rid of me.”

Captain Smack opened his mouth a second, but he didn’t say anything. Beside me, I felt Phin shaking with laughter.

I grinned. I might be acting foolish, but I really did want to go and battle this one.

“Okay…” Smack hesitated, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “Unless Kamira objects? You do have seniority.”

“I might be able to go,” said Kamira slowly. “But, uh…I forgot my kid has a thing. He’s in a school show. He’s in the back row as a dancer, but it matters. Sorry, Smack—Caleb is the better choice for this one.” Kamira slid me a wink.

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