Page 4 of High Seduction
Tim gave a rundown of his recent updates while Marcus shuffled through the papers. Not only his training but the things Tim did for entertainment. The mention of BASE jumping made Marcus blink once or twice, but pretty much he kept his opinion to himself. They shared a few stories regarding the head of the SAR based in St. John’s, a man whom Marcus knew somewhat from his previous missions.
Comfortable conversation. Tim enjoyed the discussion, at ease with the man he’d heard so much about over the years. The search-and-rescue community was small at times, names and stories shared. Outstanding rescues were discussed as inspiration and studied for training. What Marcus had accomplished with his team in the west had been noticed and admired across the country. Their work as an elite team in an area where the government resources were simply unable to handle the emergencies that arose was a godsend to the community.
Becoming a part of Lifeline would be a huge compliment, of that Tim was certain. The fact that it would allow him to get close to Erin was the icing on the cake.
Or maybe it was the other way around, in that he’d have an interesting job while he accomplished what had really brought him to Banff.
“Your certifications and skills are up to date.” Marcus nodded, then leaned forward with a stern expression. “Now tell me what you did that got Erin’s back up. Because while I’m interested in having you test with Lifeline, I admit to being stumped.”
“Because she recommended me while she also stopped short of offering to castrate me?”
Marcus chuckled. “I know Erin. If she were pissed enough she wouldn’t offer to do the deed, she’d reach out and use her bare hands. Does she have a reason for that attitude?”
Tim shrugged. “Maybe, or it might have been a misunderstanding. It was about seven years ago. We were a lot younger, and I, at least, was a lot stupider.”
Marcus didn’t say anything for a while, just looked thoughtful. He nodded slowly. “Yeah, we all had those days. So, if you end up on Lifeline, is this misunderstanding going to become an issue in terms of working as a team?”
“Not as far as I’m concerned, and I can’t imagine Erin being anything but professional.”
“You’re right there.” Marcus pulled a face. “Except for her language becoming more than a little colourful at times.”
Tim laughed. “That hasn’t changed, either, then. No, Marcus, I’m very interested in being considered for the position. I’ve got strengths you can use, and I’m a strong team player. You can trust me to deal with Erin.”
Marcus rose to his feet. “Let me make a couple calls to your references, then I’ll be in touch.”
They shook hands again, Tim pausing at the door of the office. He turned back. “You don’t have any rules about no fraternizing between teammates, do you?”
Marcus shook his head. “I’d have a revolt on my hands if I did. My lead climber is engaged to one of the team. And my girlfriend subs in at times.” He gave Tim a harder look. “You looking for a job, or using Lifeline as a dating service?”
“The job is key, but a balanced life involves more than hauling people out of trouble,” Tim said.
“Can’t argue with you on that one when I’ve been raked over the coals too many times lately by my brother, and my partner.” Marcus grinned. “With the little display of attitude I spotted earlier, if you persuade Erin to change her mind, then you’re a better man than most.”
“We’ll see what I can do.”
Tim tipped an imaginary hat, then left the Lifeline headquarters with a bounce to his step that hadn’t been there for a long time.
New job possibility, fresh start. And a second chance at making both Erin and himself very happy.
It was a good goal. It was time for the changes.
***
Erin held herself back as the door opened and Alisha’s surprised face appeared.
“Hi. What’s—?”
That was all Alisha got out before Erin pushed past her into the house. “I need to talk to you,” she snapped.
Alisha rocked on her heels and blinked hard. “Okay. Did I do something wrong?”
Dammit. Erin shook her head, pacing farther into the room as she ditched her boots and yanked off her coat. “No, not you, it’s that damn son of a bitch—”
Devon, one of the other Lifeline team members, rose from where he’d been sitting on the couch, a twist to his smile as he examined Erin too knowingly. “Which guy pissed you off this time?” he asked.
Erin jerked to a stop. “I thought you weren’t here.”
“I’m back.” He glanced between the two women, and comprehension flashed. “But... I was just leaving. Nice to have you drop in, Erin. Stay as long as you’d like. I’ll go...”
