Page 7 of Protect My Heart

After six months of living here, I know this move was the right one for me. If for no other reason than the fact that I met my future bride here. Yeah, I know and I haven’t done anything about it yet either. I’m getting there. Just waiting for the perfect time.

The truth is, she has me all wrong. She’s always calling me something quipping like Captain Safety or Roger Rule-follower. It’s not that she’s wrong; I do pride myself on being a responsible, rule-abiding adult. But somehow she’s missing the heat that I know I have to be giving off every time I’m near her.

Just one hit of her sultry grey eyes and I want to press myself against her. I want to kiss the words right out of her mouth and the clothes right off her body.

Fuck.

Her body.

Every night I see her standing in front of me, bare and perfect.

Every night I get myself off to the mental image of Daphne Whitmore’s pale, luscious curves.

“Hey, man.” A shoulder bumps into mine. “What’s up?”

It’s Garrett. Because of course it’s him. I’m standing here in the middle of town with a half chub thinking about his sister naked so why wouldn’t he walk up to me?

“Garrett, hello.” I nod and look out at the people milling about. I jam my hands into the pockets of my jeans in an effort to hide my semi. Seriously, what is wrong with me?

I should tell him my intentions towards his sister, but I figure I should probably tell Daphne first. Maybe I don’t even need to tell him. I’m sure it hasn’t escaped his notice that any time she’s nearby, my eyes are glued to her. He’s a smart guy.

He hasn’t pulled me aside and given me the “my sister is off limits” talk, so either he hasn’t noticed my interest, or he has and approves.

A couple walks past us, a toddler on the guy’s hip. He stops and smiles at Garrett.

“Hey man, it’s been a long time.” He holds a hand out to Garrett. “Have you met my wife, Rory?”

Garrett smiles and laughs. “Yes, Hayes, I have. Nice to see you again, Rory.”

Rory smacks her husband on the arm. “You know I lived here before you decided to move back. I know practically everyone.” Her eyes land on me and she gives me a friendly smile. “Except this one. You must be the new fire guy.”

“Yes ma’am,” I say, tipping my cowboy hat.

“Oh hell,” Hayes murmurs under his breath. “Not with the ma’am, dude.”

She rolls her eyes. “Would you stop. I know the difference between a southern ma’am out of manners and a ma’am because I forgot to put concealer on and I’m looking my age and more.”

“Darlin you are even more beautiful now than when we first met.” He leans over and kisses her forehead.

“I’m Fletcher, but most people call me Fletch,” I say. I wiggle the little boy’s foot. “And who’s this big guy?”

The doting parents both smile. “This is Noah,” Hayes says.

“Well, Noah, how would you like to be an honorary fire man?” I reach back to the counter of the booth behind me and grab one of the plastic red fireman hats. I hold it out to the little boy.

He squeals and grabs it and slams it on his head. Even though it’s made for kids it’s still too big for him, so it covers his face to his nose.

His parents laugh.

“Thank you,” Rory says. “It was really nice to meet you.”

“Welcome to Saddle Creek,” Hayes says. Then they walk off together.

“Hometown boy left here as soon as high school graduation and we never thought he’d move back. But then he met Rory and everything changed,” Garrett explains. “I guess sometimes all it takes is a single look.”

I nod knowing all too well what that’s like. “What about you?” I ask.

“You mean a woman? Do I have one?” Garrett asks with a grin. “Occasionally.”