Page 10 of The Blaze Between Us

The casual reference to her past relationships shouldn't bother me, but I feel an unmistakable twinge of... something. Jealousy? Ridiculous. I have no right to that emotion, no claim to this woman.

"Grant's a good man," I say, pouring my own coffee once she's had a sip. "But he should know better than to monopolize all of Ellie's time when she has a guest."

"To be fair, I think it's mutual," Tasha laughs. "Ellie's been just as clingy. Yesterday she texted me four times to apologize for bailing on our lunch plans, then ended up not coming anyway because Grant surprised her with tickets to some local band."

I shake my head, though there's no real annoyance behind it. "I raised her better than that."

"You did," she agrees, her tone softening. "She's the most considerate person I know—usually. This is just... new territory for her."

"And what about you?" The question slips out before I can consider its implications. "Is this new territory?"

She looks at me quizzically. "Cedar Falls?"

"No," I clarify, though I should probably stop right here. "Being the third wheel. You mentioned remembering what first lovefeels like. Are you..." I hesitate, knowing I'm crossing into personal territory. "Is there someone back in Chicago?"

Tasha's laugh is short and self-deprecating. "No, definitely not. My last relationship ended about a year ago. He was an investment banker, a few years older, who thought my career ambitions were 'cute' until they started requiring as much time as his."

I frown. "Sounds like an ass."

"He was," she confirms with another small laugh. "But a valuable lesson in recognizing what I don't want."

"Which is?"

"Someone who sees my passion as competition rather than something to celebrate." She takes another sip of coffee, her eyes fixed on the waterfall. "What about you? Ellie doesn't talk much about your... social life."

I nearly choke on my coffee. "That's because there's not much to talk about."

"Sorry, that was too personal," she says quickly.

"No, it's fine," I assure her, though this conversation is veering into dangerous territory. "There have been a few relationships over the years, nothing serious. Cedar Falls is a small town—limited dating pool."

"I can imagine."

We lapse into a brief silence, the only sound being the constant rush of the waterfall. I use the moment to pull myself together and remember why this line of conversation is inappropriate. She's Ellie's friend. She's young—too young for me. She's a visitor who will be gone in less than two weeks.

But as I steal a glance at her profile, at the way she's completely absorbed in the natural beauty surrounding us, another thought intrudes: she fits here, in a way I didn't expect. Not just in the setting, but in the quiet moments between us. The conversation flows naturally, without the awkward pauses or forced pleasantries I've grown accustomed to on the few dates I've had in recent years.

"What are you thinking about?" she asks, catching me watching her again.

The truth isn't an option. "Just that we should probably start heading back soon if we want to beat the crowds on the trail."

Her face falls slightly. "Already? We just got here."

"We can stay a bit longer," I concede immediately, unable to deny the simple request. "The view is worth it."

Her smile returns, bright and genuine, and I'm struck by how easily she expresses her emotions and how openly she responds to the world around her. It makes me feel ancient by comparison—too accustomed to keeping my thoughts guarded, my feelings checked.

"Tell me about the fire department," she says, shifting to face me more directly. "Ellie says you have a tight-knit crew."

Safer territory, thankfully. "We do. Small department—just five of us total. You get close fast when you're trusting each other with your lives."

"Grant is one of your firefighters, right? That must be interesting, having him date your daughter."

I snort. "Interesting is one word for it. He asked my permission first, which I respected."

"Very old-fashioned of him."

"Less about old-fashioned, more about respect, and the chain of command," I explain. "He wanted to make sure I wouldn't have a problem with it."

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