A large tent had been set up in the parking lot of the church as part of the command post for the fire. She’d come to debrief with the fire incident commander and find out how the battle was progressing overall. To her surprise and delight, Oliver was still there waiting for her. He stepped forward and grabbed her in a hug, lifting her off her feet.

A tidal wave of emotions swirled through her exhausted soul. She and Oliver had been an unofficial item for a couple of months. And she was happy with the way things were going. But this was the first public display of affection on either of their parts. Tess closed her eyes and relished the hug and Oliver’s comforting strength. Would this take their relationship to another level?

After a minute, he set her down and she opened her eyes, recognizing they were creating a spectacle in front of volunteers and the other emergency personnel hydrating and debriefing after a tough couple of days.

Stepping back, she smiled. “Hey, I’m a mess, and I just got you all dirty.”

“Doesn’t bother me at all. I’m just glad you’re okay.” He leaned back and looked her over, his eyes warm and full of sparkle, and for a minute Tess thought he’d kiss her. A combination of fear, embarrassment, and excitement twisted up inside her like a tornado. Then he said, “Things got a little close out there, didn’t they?”

“Yes and no.” She pushed back some hair that had fallen over what she was certain was a sooty forehead, disappointed and relieved at the same time that the moment had passed. “Livie Harp is stubborn and completely prepared for any and all contingencies.”

“I bet. And I want to hear all about it. But first, there’s sandwiches and drinks over here.”

“Great. I’m famished.” Tess followed him to a large table set up with food and drinks for all the first responders. She washed her hands and then grabbed a sandwich, some chips, and a drink. Firefighters, cops, and volunteers ringed the tables, and Oliver found them a place to sit.

Tess munched her food and between bites told him about her interaction with Livie Harp, in the back of her mind wondering about the forward movement of their relationship. It was a good thing, right?

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