Page 10 of Bewitching the Firefighter

When Ryder takes the document from me, his eyes are immediately transfixed. Everyone in the room is quiet, understanding the significance of the find.

“This is amazing, right?” I point to the document’s section that was blurred out. “Any idea what this section might be?”

He studies it for a second. “I think it’s the original company name, but I will want to show the chief. May I take a picture?” The look on his face is earnest, a reminder of why I love working with historical documents.

“Absolutely. Just please don’t post it on social media until after the library has cataloged it.”

“Of course not.” He takes the photo without a flash, likely sending the image to his fire chief dad.

As he does this, my eyes scan the table, looking each of the firefighters in the eye before landing on Lincoln. “Want to see it?”

They crowd around us at the end of the table, viewing the old floor plan as if it’s a sacred relic. One guy points out where the horse stalls used to be, while another jokes that the rookie would have been trampled on day one. The entire time, I’m fully aware of Lincoln’s presence, his woody scent teasing me.

When they return to their seats, I lock the document and gloves inside the box, fastening it closed.

Ryder holds my gaze, a crinkle at the corner of his eyes. “Thank you for sharing that with us Isla. The chief is going to love it.”

I nod. He doesn’t know this, but the Historical Foundation will commission a replica for the fire department, as they do with any government building.

“You know,” I say, taking a deep breath, “I find it interesting that a hundred and something years later, the women in Indigo Hills are still being treated like property.” As I speak, I use an old speech class trick and look just above each firefighter’s head to fake eye contact.

Lincoln’s jaw ticks while the youngest guy looks around, baffled. The other two sink into their chairs, obviously understanding what I’m referring to.

It’s Ryder who sits back with his arms crossed, his expression blank. “Care to elaborate, Isla?”

I nod, pointing at the four men who were on call the day of the library alarm. “Shame on all of you, placing a dating bet as if the woman involved has no agency… like women are property or chattel. How dare you?”

Ryder’s expression turns dangerous. “What are you talking about, Isla?”

“Sir, it was just silly rousing among us guys.”

I finally look Lincoln in the eye, holding his gaze. I refuse to be the one who breaks first, so I concentrate on the tiny scar above his left eyebrow. Wonder how it got there?

He blinks, his voice low. “I’m sorry, Isla. It was a stupid mistake that’s not like it sounds.”

“So you didn’t place a bet with your co-workers?”

Ryder stands, his voice eerily calm. “Somebody better explain what the hell is going on right now.”

“The rookie bet Lincoln that he couldn’t get a date with Isla.” This is from a guy whose name tag says Tucker Angelo.

“You did what?!”

“It was just—”

“Shut it.” He flings up his hand to silence the man I’m assuming is the rookie. “How did this bet even come about, Lieutenant?”

The oldest of the four purses his lips, takes a deep breath, and looks at me. “We were teasing Lincoln about Ms. Sutton not giving him the time of day at a call.”

“So because she remained professional, you imbeciles decided to make a bet.” It’s a statement, not a question.

“It wasn’t a huge bet, sir. It was just Lincoln wearing neon spandex to teach the exercise class if he lost.”

Ryder scrubs his hand over his face. “So not only do you damage the station’s reputation, you put my personal business at risk too? You four are something else.” The captain turns to me. “Isla, I assure you that this is not how the Cobalt County Fire Department treats the citizens of Indigo Hills or Cobalt County. I also assure you that on their next day off, these four dimwits will show up at the library and offer free car washes to raise funds for the library.”

“This isn’t necessary, Ryder, really.”

His gaze softens. “My wife is one of your cousin’s best friends, and I’ll be damned if this is how you think the citizens of Indigo Hills operate.”