Page 5 of Safety Hazard

As I slipped my arms into my jacket, trying to restore some semblance of professional appearance, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly I’d gotten myself into. One thing was certain: this inspection had just become a lot more complicated.

Chapter 2

“This is completely unnecessary,” I insisted as Shep’s massive truck bounced along what could only generously be called a road. “I can assess the fireworks launch site from the maps you provided.”

Shep’s hands were relaxed on the steering wheel, those strong forearms on full display where he’d rolled up his sleeves. After our… incident… in his office yesterday, I’d been doing my best to maintain professional distance. He’d been doing his best to make that impossible.

“Maps don’t show wind patterns,” he replied, glancing at me with that infuriating half-smile. “Besides, the view from the lookout tower gives you the best perspective on exactly how far the display will be from the treeline.”

I clutched my clipboard tighter, using it as a shield against both the rough ride and my inappropriate thoughts about the man beside me. “The weather report mentioned possible thunderstorms this afternoon. We should make this quick.”

“Worried about getting wet, Inspector?” The suggestive note in his voice made my cheeks heat.

“Worried about safety hazards,” I corrected primly. “Lightning strikes, flash flooding—”

“I know my woods,” he interrupted, that same certainty in his voice I’d heard before. “If a storm’s coming, I’ll know well before it hits.”

I rolled my eyes. “Ah yes, your supernatural weather-predicting abilities. How could I forget?”

Instead of being offended, he laughed. “You’re cute when you’re skeptical.”

Cute? I’m a state safety inspector with two master’s degrees. I am not “cute.”

The truck lurched over a particularly deep rut, sending me sliding across the bench seat until my thigh pressed against his. I tried to move away, but his hand landed on my knee, keeping me in place.

“Seatbelt’s broken on that side,” he explained, though his innocent expression didn’t fool me for a second. “Safer if you stay put.”

“Driving with a broken seatbelt is a violation of—”

“State traffic code, section 12, paragraph 3.” He finished my sentence with a grin. “I know. Write me a ticket.”

His hand remained on my knee, warm and heavy, as we continued up the winding forest road. I told myself I should remove it. I didn’t.

Twenty minutes later, we pulled into a small clearing at the base of what appeared to be an ancient fire lookout tower. The wooden structure rose above the treetops, a small cabin perched at the top. Rough wooden steps zigzagged up the side, making my stomach clench nervously.

“Please tell me that thing has been safety inspected,” I said as Shep killed the engine.

He jumped out of the truck and came around to my side, opening the door with an exaggerated bow. “Every spring. By me.”

“That’s not reassuring,” I muttered, taking his offered hand without thinking. His fingers closed around mine, warm and strong.

He didn’t release my hand after I’d stepped down, instead using it to tug me closer. “You don’t trust me yet,” he observed, his amber eyes searching my face. “You will.”

The certainty in his voice sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with fear. I pulled my hand free and adjusted my windbreaker. “I trust data and documentation, Chief Blackwood. Not charm.”

“I’m charming now?” His smile widened. “That’s progress.”

Before I could formulate a suitably cutting response, he gestured toward the tower. “After you, Inspector.”

I eyed the stairs dubiously. “Are you sure this is stable?”

“Positive.” He placed a hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward. “I’ve carried full equipment loads up there during fire season.”

The mental image of him in full firefighting gear, ascending these stairs with muscles straining, was not helpful to my concentration. I gripped the railing tightly and began to climb, acutely aware of him right behind me.

“Nice view,” he commented halfway up.

I turned my head to see him openly staring at my backside. “Chief Blackwood!”