Page 11 of Hot For You

Leigh had a hair appointment scheduled later in the afternoon, so they planned to take the cookies to the fire station and then go to the salon and spa. Carilyn had made an appointment to have a pedicure while Leigh was getting her hair cut.

They grabbed the containers filled with the freshly baked cookies and left. It was a short drive to the firehouse, which did turn out to be close to the location where Carilyn’s car had caught fire.

Or was deliberately set on fire, she thought with a frown as they passed by the businesses along the street that hid the parking lot from view.

Leigh parked her Mitsubishi near the fire station and they each grabbed a container of cookies before climbing out of the car. Carilyn’s stomach flip-flopped as they walked toward the station. She had no reason to be nervous, but for some reason the thought of seeing Cody again made her feel jittery inside.

The bay was open and the red fire truck gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. A firefighter was polishing the chrome bumper, his back to them. She would know that muscular back anywhere, not to mention that nice ass. Cody’s backside was the first thing she’d seen of him yesterday, and she didn’t mind getting another look at him from behind.

“Hi, Cody,” Leigh called out.

He turned to face them and flashed a grin. “Hey. Good to see both of you.” Carilyn’s belly flipped again as his gaze met hers. “How are you doing, Carilyn?”

“Good.” She managed a smile. “Went shopping earlier so I’ll be back in business in no time.”

He was holding the rag he’d been using to polish the fire truck and he set it on the big chrome bumper. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“We made chocolate chip cookies.” Leigh held up the large plastic container she was holding. “Carilyn made some for you with no nuts.”

Carilyn wanted to elbow Leigh but she extended the smaller container to Cody.

He smiled at Carilyn and she swore she was going to melt as he took the container from her. “That was really nice of you.”

Carilyn returned his smile. “Leigh said you don’t like nuts, so it’s pure chocolate chips for you.”

“Thank you.” His gaze held Carilyn’s a moment before he nodded toward a door leading into the firehouse. “Come on in. The guys are gonna be happy to see what you’ve brought.”

They headed inside and into the kitchen. Soon Carilyn and Leigh were surrounded by some of the best looking, sexiest men that any woman would feel blessed to be around. There was definitely something hot about a man in uniform, even if the uniform was simply a T-shirt and pants.

“Cari,” Leigh called out. She was standing next to an exceptionally handsome sandy-haired man who was just over six feet and had an athletic build. Leigh gestured to Carilyn to come to her. When Carilyn reached her, Leigh said, “Mike, this is my best friend, Carilyn Thompson.” She turned to Carilyn. “This is Mike Lawson.”

Mike held out his hand and Carilyn took it. “Great to finally meet you,” Mike said, a spark in his blue eyes. “Leigh has told me some stories.” He shook his head as he released Carilyn’s hand. “Hard to believe someone as cute as you could have gotten into so much trouble.”

Leigh gave an impish grin as Carilyn put her hands on her hips. “Just what did you tell him, Leigh?”

“I didn’t give away too many of our secrets.” Leigh said with a laugh. “Just enough to make him wonder.”

“Uh-huh.” Carilyn gave a look of mock disapproval. “You know the code.”

“Code?” Mike wore an amused expression. “You two have a code?”

Carilyn and Leigh both nodded solemnly. “The girlfriend code,” Carilyn said.

Mike laughed. “I’m not sure that’s a code I’d want to break.”

“Good,” Leigh said. “’Cause there’s no breaking ours.”

Mike put his arm around Leigh’s shoulders. “Why don’t you two join me and the boys for drinks Friday at the Highlander?”

“Sounds great.” Leigh tilted her head and smiled at Mike. She glanced at Carilyn. “Are you up for a little fun tomorrow night?”

Carilyn nodded. “Sure. Why not?” She met Cody’s gaze and he smiled at her. As she looked into his warm brown eyes she felt a flutter in her midsection and she wondered if spending time in his company was smart. She could fall for a guy like him and that was not a good idea.

In a matter of moments, she found herself alone with Cody, separate from Leigh and Mike. The other firefighters had polished off the cookies, and after thanking Leigh and Carilyn again, they went back to what they’d been doing.

Carilyn looked at the empty container. “The two dozen cookies sure went fast.”

“They always do.” Cody inclined his head toward the cabinets. “That’s why I put away the cookies you gave me after eating a couple. I’ll break them out and share with the guys later.”

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