And then it was like the clouds had cleared and he realized his mistake. He inwardly groaned. He was usually better around women, but he was a bit out of practice.

He cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean that as in you and I…that we would, uh…what I meant was that if you don’t have plans, we could go to an estate sale.”

Her stunned expression turned into one of puzzlement. “And why would we go there?”

“Because you would be surprised at the history you can find at estate sales.”

“And you would know this how? For some reason, I just don’t see you as the antique collecting type.”

“It’s my mother’s fault.”

“Your mother?” The confused look remained.

“Yes, when I was young, she would drag me along on her outings. It didn’t matter if it was a yard sale, an estate sale, or any other sale you can imagine. I bet even as we’re talking that she’s negotiating a better price on an antique in France.”

“But what does she do with all of the stuff?”

“She says she finds them new homes where they’ll have someone to appreciate them. I think she loves the hunt. She gets so excited when she finds a nice piece that’s been lost in the clutter of estate sales.”

“Interesting. And your father, he’s a firefighter, like you?”

“Yes. But he’s higher up in the chain of command. He’s the chief of department. And he wants me to follow in his footsteps.” And then he admitted something he’d never told anyone before. “Not only that but he wants me to become the fire commissioner.” This time Ethan did rake his fingers through his hair without thinking of the mess it might make.

“That’s a lot to live up to.”

“Tell me about it. And the worst part is I don’t want to do it. I don’t want to keep climbing the chain of command. I don’t want to fight politicians over the budget and push paperwork. I’m happy being out in the community helping people.”

He didn’t know why he’d dumped all of that out there in the open. What was it about Hannah that had him peeling back the layers of his life and letting her see what was inside him?

“Then don’t do it.” She made it sound so easy.

“I can’t.”

“Sure, you can. Just tell your father. He’ll understand.”

Ethan shook his head. “No, he won’t. His father’s father was a fire chief. His father was a borough commander. And he’s chief of department. I’m expected to continue the Walker tradition.”

“But if it doesn’t make you happy—”

“Never mind. I shouldn’t have brought it up.” He didn’t know whom he was more upset with: her for making it all sound so simple or himself for even entertaining the notion. “I know it sounds silly that a man of my age is worried about disappointing my parents, but we’ve always been close. They’ve done their best by me. And I’m not sure what I want to do with my future.” His gaze met hers. “Sorry. I’m sure that’s more than you wanted to know.”