MIKE The Firefighters of Station 8 Page 15

  “I don’t normally do that.” She wiggled in the chair, uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

  “Shep said you were nice girls.”

  “Nice?”

  “He figured you didn’t normally drink yourselves stupid.”

  “Stupid?” Silently she agreed.

  “Do you own a parrot?”

  Cassie covered her forehead with the palm of her hand, wishing she could clear the fog in her brain. “I don’t drink a lot. I never get drunk.”

  “No harm done. Shep said we should let you have your fun. You were pretty funny.”

  “Shep said,” she mocked. “You were there, too.” She groaned in mortification. “If I did something I shouldn’t have, would you tell me?”

  “Nope.”

  “I’d rather find out now than be totally humiliated meeting someone who witnessed me making a jackass out of myself.”

  “Okay.” Mike shoved from the counter and placed his mug on the table. Then he spun a chair around and sat with his arms crossed over the back. “You didn’t do anything out of character. Or, that is, anything you’d be embarrassed about. You let your hair down. And I get the idea you don’t do that too often.”

  “Never.”

  “Everyone needs to let loose once in a while.”

  “Letting loose for me was drinking the shots I already had before you arrived.”

  He leaned forward, his eyes as big as her saucers. “You mean climbing on top of the table and doing a strip tease was out of line for you?”

  “Oh my God,” Cassie shrieked. When he belted out in laughter, she knew he’d been lying. The stinker.

  “Enjoying yourself at my expense?”

  “Couldn’t help it. You’re too easy when you’re hung over.”

  “Well, get your jollies now, because you will never see me like this again.”

  “Come on. Let me see a smile.” A corner of his sexy mouth lifted as he coaxed. Then he leaned his head to one side and peered into her face, delving into her eyes.

  She’d never seen a man with such beautiful, blue eyes. Oh sure, she’d seen plenty of blue, but his were a hint darker that sapphires, closer to Persian blue. And when he looked at her the way he was looking at her now, she wanted to dive into them, dive into him, and …

  He lifted his mug and leaned back, breaking their contact. As he stared into his cup, a puzzled expression crossed his face. The moment broken, she wondered if maybe he too, had been a little lost in her.

  Who was she kidding? He’d brought her home and made sure she, nor Tammy, had gotten into trouble. End of story.

  She should be more appreciative. Another man would have taken advantage.

  “Thank you,” she said. At his raised brow, she explained. “For looking out for us.”

  “My pleasure.” Again, he gave her a smile, hot enough to melt her bones.

  Trust me.

  Cassie studied Mike, probing beneath his good looks, penetrating his gentle eyes. There’s a saying—the eyes are the mirror to the soul.

  If she could trust any man, it would be Mike.

  Chapter 16

  Mike drove up the two-mile road and pulled his Ford pickup to a stop in front of Shep’s A-frame log house. Every time he journeyed up the tree-lined lane, the sight of Shep’s home took his breath. Huge logs defined every section, from the A-structured ends with oak framed windows large enough to walk through to the A-designed middle, which centered another window showing the upstairs foyer. Slated rock with cement housed the wood pillars on the front porch. Trees surrounded the structure, completing the rustic, cozy home. Someday Mike hoped to have an eighty-acre farm and a house as nice as this.

  Knowing Cap would probably be on the back deck, Mike made his way around the side, heading for the garden path and found Shep right where he knew the man would be. Hutch, his Alaskan Malamute, ears at attention, came loping to Mike’s side with his tail wagging. Mike scratched behind the big dog’s head.

  “Figured you’d be along.” Bare feet propped on the wooden railing, Shep leaned back with a steaming mug in one hand.

  “Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

  “Checking up on your girlfriend’s cohort.”

  “That’s one way to put it.” Mike chuckled as he climbed the steps. Hutch padded over to curl up beside Shep.

  “Want a cup of coffee? Help yourself.”

  “Nah. Had mine already. You sleep in?”

  Shep took a sip of his brew before he answered. “That your subtle way of asking what time I got home?”

  “The thought crossed my mind.”

  “Hmm.”

  “You’re deliberately being evasive.” Mike crossed his arms and leaned against a sturdy post. A twelve-inch pillar matching the ones in front.

  “I took her home, put her to bed and left.”

  Mike glanced at Shep, then looked toward the mountains. “Didn’t think otherwise. Short and simple.”

  Shep dropped his feet and placed his mug on a small table to the side of his chair. “Nothing simple about it.”

  Curious, Mike raised his brow. Silence stretched and he thought Shep wouldn’t say any more. The man stared out into the pasture beside the barn.

  “Tammy is something else.”

  Mike smiled. So, the redhead had kindled Shep’s interest? About time someone did. “Think I’ll get that cup of coffee.”

  He shoved from the post and went inside. When he came back out to the deck, Shep had his feet resting on the railing again. Mike took the empty chair. “Looks like Tammy got your attention.”

  “She’s pretty. And fun.” Shep shook his head. “When she forgets about that asshole husband of hers.”

  “Ex,” Mike corrected.

  “I’d like to make him an ex. As in extinct.”

  “Cassie said he’s been giving Tammy some trouble. The latest is why they were in the bar last night.”

  “Trying to take her kids,” Shep added then took another gulp of coffee. “I don’t cotton with a man trying to take kids away from their mother. Especially when the dad is a parasite.”

  “You know him?”

  “Nope.”

  “She must have been pretty shaken up. She tell you about it?”

  “Yeah. She talked a lot on the way to her place. A regular chatter box.”

  “Alcohol will do that.” Mike snickered.

  “She talked about her boys, too. Sounds like a great mom. You can tell how a woman is with her kids by the way she talks.”

  Mike nodded, but had no idea since his mom had left when he was just a boy. He stared down his long legs at the toe of his boot. “Cassie said those boys were her life.”

  “I got that impression.”

  After another long silence, Mike asked, “Are you going to tell me or not?”

  Shep knew exactly what he was asking. Hell, if Mike had to admit it, he was damn curious of the answer. Shep hadn’t dated in a long time. If he did, he’d never mentioned anyone special. Maybe Tammy could change all that.

  “Not.”

  Mike gawked at Shep while he stared out toward the field. “So that’s the way it’s going to be?”

  “Are you asking for your girlfriend?”

  Mike thought about that. Girlfriend. The idea pleased him. Relationship. Could he have a relationship with Cassie? He wanted one. Guess Cassie could be his girlfriend.

  “One of the first things Cassie asked when she woke up was how Tammy got home.”

  “No need asking you the same question you asked me.”

  Mike glanced over to find Shep studying him. “Yes, I stayed the night. I slept on her couch. I gave her a tonic when she woke up.”

  Shep laughed. The first sign of emotion since Mike arrived. “Your hellish hangover cure?”

  “Don’t knock it. It works.”

  “I’ll take your word for it. Did she drink it?”

  “Yep.”

  “Without any coercion?”

  “No strong-arm tactics. Just told her it would cure w
hat ailed her.”

  “Pretty bad?”

  Mike chuckled remembering Cassie’s reaction when he’d said bottoms up. “Yeah, she was kind of green. She didn’t care much for the smell of the stuff, but she drank it.”

  “I’m sure Cassie has called Tammy by now. If I know women, she called the first chance she got. Either you were asleep or the minute you gave her some space.”

  Thinking back, Cassie had asked a lot of questions and had seemed a tad anxious when he’d mentioned Shep had taken Tammy home. Then in the kitchen, she’d been much calmer. Bet Shep was right.

  “Wonder if Tammy remembered last night? Cassie didn’t remember much.”

  “Those girls were pretty bombed.”

  “It didn’t help you kept ordering more drinks.”

  Shep shrugged. “Looked like they needed it. Besides, we were there to keep an eye on them.”

  “Thank God.”

  Shep took another gulp and let out a long heavy sigh. “I will admit I kind of liked the way Tammy clung to me. Felt good.”

  Mike’s jaw dropped. He turned in his seat giving Shep an I-knew-it stare.

  Shep ignored him. “Didn’t have to help with her clothes much. Not sure she was aware of what she was doing. When she started pulling off her clothes, I put her in bed and pulled the covers to her chin.” A chuckle escaped.

  The sound surprised Mike. Shep kept his personal life private. Mike was pretty sure there had been no woman in Shep’s life for a long time. Not since Mike had known him, anyway. It was nice to see Shep interested in someone.

  “And then, like the gentleman you are, you left.” Mike teased in a droll tone and waited for Shep to confirm it.

  “Naturally. Don’t need a remorseful mamma out for blood.”

  The smell of country air filled Mike’s lungs as he watched leaves dancing in the breeze. As far as the eye could see, lush green trees. Acres of it. Once again, a longing for pastures and a wooded area of his own invaded his thoughts. Away from the city’s noise and flashing lights. Away from smoke filling his lungs every time he entered a burning building.

  Peace.

  Contentment.

  Thoughts to dwell on another day.

  “So, what do you think?” Mike raised his mug and watched Shep over the rim.

  “Of what?”

  “Haven’t seen you show much interest in a woman.”

  A long time passed before Shep answered. “She’s got something. A zest for life. A kind nature. I hate to think of her menacing hus—ex … bullying her.”

  “Cassie tried to get Tammy’s mind off the custody threat. That’s why the girls got hammered.” Mike crossed his boots over at his ankles.

  “I might be able to help her with that.”

  Mike choked down his mouthful of coffee. His attention caught, he asked, “How?”

  “My brother.”

  Oh yeah. One of Shep’s brothers was a lawyer.

  “I think I’ll give Eddie a call. Maybe do some checking into this … ex of hers.” His salt and pepper brows drew together in a frown.

  “That’s a good idea. I don’t think Tammy has a lawyer. Cassie didn’t mention one.”

  “I’ll call Eddie anyway,” Shep said and tilted up his mug.

  “You know, if you help get her a lawyer, it might get you in her good graces,” Mike jabbed. “Especially if she gets pissed about last night.”

  Shep cringed. “Women. And their damn sensibilities. She doesn’t have anything to get upset about. She didn’t molest me, no matter how much I wished she had.”

  Mike smiled. Yep. His buddy was most definitely interested. And he’d bet Tammy was, too. “The woman doesn’t give me the impression she is timid.”

  The sound of hearty laughter flowed from Shep. “No. She’s bold, no mistake about that. Brazen even. I haven’t had that much fun, real fun, since I can remember.”

  Hutch raised his head as if he too, enjoyed the sound of his master’s laughter. Shep ruffled the dog’s fur and stroked his back. The image sent another emotion through Mike. One that he couldn’t ignore.

  Damn. He was too emotionally drawn in. Cassie threatened his very existence. Made him think of what he wanted in his future. In a perfect world, he could feed his need and she would never leave. She would surrender herself to him and they both could be happy.

  In his dreams.

  That was a guarantee in which he had no control. Women were fickle. Yet Cassie was one temptation he’d willingly contemplate making permanent in his life.

  “Do you know her ex’s name? Any other information you can give me.”

  Who?

  Lost in his own deliberation, Mike tried to focus on Shep’s question and recall his last conscious thought before falling into the chasm of Cassie. Oh yeah. Tammy. “I’ll ask Cassie.”

  “Enough data to make sure I have the right guy. Eddie will get any dirt the man has to hide.”

  “Sure thing. Cassie will give me the lowdown.” And maybe they would get down to a little business of their own.

  God, the woman had a body and she knew how to use it. Sex with no emotion? Not anymore. Not since he’d tangled with Cassie.

  He was in deep shit, and he knew it.

  ***

  Mike finished his coffee and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. He liked his caffeine, but he needed water to keep his body hydrated. Between the workouts, lack of sleep and fighting fires, he drank several bottles a day.

  He took in the rigs as he headed down the steps. Usually, Laredo had the bay doors open and at least one truck parked outside. Mike glanced at his watch and realized it was early yet.

  Cooper had already checked the air tanks, but Mike had a habit of striding down the line, making sure the hoses and connections were in their designed locations. The kid did a pretty good job.

  “Hey Hoss.” At the top of the steps, Cooper waved his arm toward Shep’s office. “Cap’s looking for you.”

  Wonder what that’s about?

  Mike gave a nod and grabbed the water bottle he’d sat on a bench. He made short work of getting upstairs.

  “Cap doesn’t look too happy,” Cooper said with a straight face.

  “I don’t get excited when the Captain calls me to his office.” Mike gave the kid a mock glare.

  “Just saying.” Cooper shrugged.

  “Give it up, pup.” All the guys goaded each other now and again. Being the newest, not to mention the youngest member of their squad, Cooper caught most of the taunts. So, he tried every chance he got to pay them back. Couldn’t blame the kid for trying.

  Mike gave two raps, then opened the door to Shep’s office. “You looking for me, Cap?”

  “Come in and close the door.”

  Shit. Maybe Shep did have a bone to pick.

  He took the chair in front of Shep’s desk, right in the line of fire.

  “I just got a call from a Mr. Williams.”

  Mike racked his brain and couldn’t remember a man by that name. “Who’s he?”

  “Apparently the father of a boy you met at the hospital.”

  “Todd?”

  “Todd Williams. The boy who fell on a saw in his back yard.”

  “Well, yeah,” Mike rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “The boy was waiting in ER. Blood oozing down his leg. He hadn’t been seen and I asked Tracey to look at him.”

  “Tracey,” Shep repeated.

  “Yeah. I know most of the nurses there. She recognized me and took him into the examining room.” Actually, he’d carried the boy. “Is this because I carried the boy to the examining room?”

  “Why’d you do that?”

  “Hell, Cap. He hadn’t been seen yet. The place was full. He was bleeding.”

  “Doesn’t explain why you carried him. How old is he?”

  “Ten, I guess. And it was faster. By the time Tracey had to go looking for a wheelchair, I had him on the table.”

  “I see.” Shep gave a nod. His voice remained steady, but it alw
ays did. Unless Cap wanted to hand you your ass.

  “His father mad ’cause I touched his kid?”

  “No. Evidently the boy is singing your praises.”

  “He’s a sharp kid.” Seeing the look on Shep’s face, Mike quickly explained, “What I meant was, the kid is intelligent. He talks like an adult. He’s tough. Not squeamish. Hell, he had a gash in his leg. Didn’t even cry. His mom said he came walking in the house with blood running down his leg. I think she was about to have a heart attack.”

  “His mother the one who brought him to the hospital?”

  “Yeah. And I remember her telling the kid her father wouldn’t be happy.”

  “Would you like to hear why Mr. Williams called?”

  Mike knew that tone of voice. Time for him to shut up. “Yes, sir.”

  “Like I said, it appears the boy, Todd, has been pestering his dad to come to the firehouse. Station eight. He was very specific about that.”

  Shep took a breather and Mike figured he better remain quiet until the Captain was done.

  “Mr. Williams wanted to make sure it was all right for his son to pay us a visit. He said his son doesn’t lie. But since Mr. Williams was not part of the conversation, he wanted to know our policy on children coming to the fire station, or if it was even allowed.”

  “That’s it?”

  “What did you think? He was suing you for manhandling his son?”

  “Well, you never know.”

  “Seems you made an impression on the kid. His father’s work takes him out of town a lot. He can bring the boy by next week. I explained we might get a call, or if there was an emergency you’d be gone. Mr. Williams said they’d work that out.”

  “That’s great, Cap. Wait till you meet this kid. You’ll see what I mean.”

  “I’ve got to handle something else, so that’s all for now.”

  “Sure thing, Cap.” Taking his cue, Mike closed the door as he left.

  Shit. He left his water in Shep’s office. He went to the main room to get another one.

  “Cooper made a grand gesture of looking at Mike’s ass.”

  “I don’t fly that way, pup.”

  “Just checking to see how much the Cap chewed off.”