The remainder of the shift was uneventful, and after clocking out, we went to Drunken Destiny, as we usually did after a search-and-rescue mission. Connor and the volunteer searchers were already there, and I clapped him on the back as Asher and I passed on our way to the bar. Dad was working again tonight, and he filled a couple of glasses and pushed them across the bar.

“On the house.”

I grinned. “Thanks, Dad.”

“I’m just glad you found that tourist.”

I shrugged. “We might have been the ones to find her, but Connor organized the operation.”

“And I’ve already given him a free drink or three.” Dad winked. “Do me a favor and make sure he gets home in one piece.”

“We will.”

We took our drinks and joined Connor and the other members of the search party. We’d changed out of uniform before leaving the station, but I was still wearing a DFFD T-shirt, and as per usual, attracted a few interested looks from women because of it. I’d long ago discovered that women loved hooking up with a firefighter. Dating them, not so much. The hours and emotional toll the job took tended to put them off.

“Hey, bro,” I said, sinking onto a chair beside Connor. “Good work today.”

“Thanks.” He looked uncomfortable with the praise.

Asher pulled another chair over and sat opposite us. We made small talk for a few minutes, then I felt a hand land on my head and ruffle my hair. My eyes narrowed. Only one asshole would be dumb enough to do that.

“Toby,” I growled.

“What.” He scooted in beside me, smiling innocently. “Messy suits you. Plus, girls love it.”

“Oh, you’re an expert on women, are you?” Asher asked with a smirk. “Put your money where your mouth is, Tobes.”

Toby glanced at something behind me, then bared his teeth in a sharklike smile. “Wait and see, gentlemen. There’s a pretty blonde on her way to talk to us as we speak.”

I didn’t look over my shoulder, not wanting to make the poor girl think we were whispering about her behind her back.

There was a light touch on my shoulder, followed by a soft greeting.

“Hi.”

I looked up. The woman was indeed pretty. Blonde hair in a messy bun, a wide, warm smile, and a golden tan that spoke of long hours in the sun. She looked friendly and easygoing. I should want her. But I didn’t.

“I couldn’t help but notice you,” she said, fine lines crinkling the edges of her eyes. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Asher gave me a meaningful look. I knew he wanted me to go for it, but I just didn’t have the energy tonight. Especially not when it most likely wouldn’t go anywhere.

I nodded toward my beer. “I’m all set, thanks. But Toby just got here.”