ERIKA’S HASTY EXIT had him stressing all day as he worked at the station, organizing the new gear that had arrived. Reed accepted the fact that she was busy, but there was something different in her demeanor when he’d returned from walking Diva. He wasn’t sure what he’d done, and he was trying his best not to be paranoid, but something was definitely different in her gaze, her kiss and her goodbye.

“Hey, man, I thought you were taking the day off,” Tyler said, entering the station.

“I was going to, but there’s a lot to do around here...” He glanced past him to see a flatbed pull up into the garage. He frowned. “What’s that?”

“For the float.”

He’d forgotten the station was entering a float into the town’s Christmas parade the following weekend. They usually joined forces with the fire department, but this year they had a friendly rivalry going on for most creative display. The parade was one of the highlights of the season in Wild River. As kids, Reed and Cassie’s dad used to take them every year. Reed had stopped going after his dad disappeared, the tradition just not the same without him. He’d probably opt out of the float construction. Hopefully, Erika would help keep his extra time occupied...

“You okay?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He suppressed a yawn.

“Late night?” Tyler asked with a knowing grin.

“What do you know about it?” He could blame his mood on lack of sleep the night before, but he knew that wasn’t it. Though, he probably should call it a day and get some rest. He’d be useless if he was needed on a call or at the bar that evening. He was hoping to avoid both. The snow had picked up throughout the morning and the howling wind made it a great opportunity to stay inside under the covers all evening with Erika. He’d had her three times the night before and just the thought of her made him instantly hard again.

He hadn’t known his body capable of coming so many times in one night, but his need for Erika had surprised him.

Cassie’s reaction to them together was still a concern, but he knew despite her annoyance, she’d be happy that they were happy. And he hoped his sister didn’t mind PDAs because keeping his hands and lips off Erika, no matter who was around, just wasn’t happening.

Same went for his crew at the station. Tyler in particular.

The guy shrugged. “Nothing, man...just fucking with you. Someone’s in a shitty mood,” he said to Tiffany, the crew member in charge of the Christmas float.

She frowned and tossed an armful of tangled lights onto the desk. “I thought you were finally getting some.”