The Fire Inside (22 page)

“I was in the throes of passion.”

“This is fun, too.” Back and forth, back and
forth. Higher and higher. Tess relished the air on her face and the
increasing speed. She felt young again, and…happy.

“You’re high enough. When you slow down,
don’t jump off the swing. You might hurt your ankle again.”

“Yes, sir.” Her speed decreased and she let
her feet drag in the little rut in the grass others had created, to
stop her motion. Off to the side, Jack seemed pensive. “What is
it?”

“I miss the kids. And I worry about
Sara.”

“Why is she such a risk taker?”

“Genetics, maybe. You have to have that in
your blood to be a firefighter.”

Still seated on the swing, she asked, “Do you
think you were strict enough with her while she was growing
up?”

“Maybe I wasn’t. Elizabeth was gone. My
grandmother was fair, but everybody felt sorry for them because
they never had a mother.”

“What was Elizabeth like? I saw a picture of
her on the fireplace. She was beautiful.”

“Very. Too elegant for me. She was loving and
kind, too. A bit spoiled by her parents, sometimes stubborn because
of that. But mostly agreeable.”

“Huh. So what are you doing with me?” Tess
was only half joking.

Turning, Jack walked to the set and tugged
her up from the swing. “First off, I like the fact that you can be
so tough, but vulnerable and sweet, too.”

“Me?” she said. “Hardly.”

“You are. I also value your energy, your
enthusiasm for the fire department. Then, there’s your willingness
to help others like Sabina.”

“Wow!” She didn’t expect all that.

He drew her closer, his hands pressing on her
hips. “Is that enough?”

“More than.”

He kissed her soundly.

“You make me feel good about myself.” She
arched a brow. “Want to go back to bed?”

“Nope, we’re eating first. Maybe later…”

She smiled.

He smiled.

They walked hand in hand to the patio.

o0o

That night, as they lay in bed, Jack couldn’t
sleep. Tess was at his side, her head fitting into the crook of his
arm. She’d taken a shower and washed her hair, and lotion and some
lemony-shampoo scent filled his head. He held her to him, feeling
guilty. He knew some things about her work and he couldn’t tell
her. That led to a thought that had been trying to surface for
days. If he’d implemented Tom Senate’s request and set up the RC
class in a way to let the instructors know how the kids were
feeling, would this with Tess be easier? Information could have
been transmitted anonymously, in general terms, with no name
attached.

She’s a bitch
, one card had read.

Because I think our trainers have a ton of
ego. Captain Righetti, especially. What the hell’s wrong with
her?

After Mauro made the comment, some of the
others had agreed but spoke of her more gently. Still, the
consensus was critical. Even a young woman named Sally spoke then.
Why is she so strict, Dr. Harrison?

His responses had to be carefully worded. He
couldn’t slander Tess, but he couldn’t let these kids down,
either.

People have different philosophies on
teaching…you need tough instructors and more laid-back ones. She
has the best intentions.

Mauro scowled.
Do
you
think she’s
too tough?

He never lied when asked to give his opinion
and he couldn’t now.
Yeah, I do, but I’m a softy, so what do I
know?

The entire class had upset him. Now he
wondered if he’d betrayed Tess. At the very least, he was keeping
things from her. He had no choice, though. He’d just have to handle
it. Cuddling her closer, kissing her hair, he tried to blank his
mind and will himself to sleep.

o0o

Sunday came all too soon, if you asked Jack.
He stood at the door to the sprawling three-story brick house that
was home to his favorite people, ready to be interrogated. Or maybe
intimidated. Though he knew the guys had to show some bravado
simply out of principle, he also sensed they were concerned about
Tess and him. And they were right to worry. He and Tess had had a
rocky beginning.

Taking a deep breath, he refused to let in
the other worry that still plagued him. He’d drive himself crazy
thinking about the recruits’ attitude toward Tess on top of dealing
with her family. And since firefighters were good at
compartmentalizing, he stuffed his guilt and rang the bell.

Tess pulled open the door right away. She
looked cute today, in jeans rolled up to her calves and a gauzy
blouse. Young. Like a freaking little sister.

“Waiting for me, babe?” He mustered some of
his own bravado.

“Yeah. I want to see your face again before
it’s broken and bleeding.”

“Not funny.”

“They’ll be fine.”

He stepped inside, glanced around, then
kissed her in the foyer. “You’re worth it.”

“Is that him?” someone yelled out from the
kitchen.

“Yeah,” Tess called back. “We’re coming
in.”

“No hanky-panky out there.” The voice was
Zach’s.

Hell, they were waiting for him.

When he arrived at the kitchen entrance, he
saw he was right. They each leaned against the wall, or the door,
insolently. Zach’s chin was raised, Connie was glaring at him, and
Paulie’s face was stern.

Biting back a smile, Jack studied them. “I
can’t believe you’re a part of this, Paulie.”

“Family’s family,” he said, trying to scowl
but not quite getting there.

“Where’s Sabina? I was hoping she’d
referee.”

“No such luck.” This from Mitch. “Grady and I
are cooking.”

Jenn pushed away from the wall and signaled
Connie to do the same. They crossed to Tess. “You gotta leave,
girl.”

“No way.”

“Seriously.” This from Connie.

Tess frowned. “I don’t believe this.”

“The kids are in the family room with Mama,”
she said more gently. “Go say hi.”

She shot a quick glance to Jack. He
nodded.

As soon as Tess left, Zach jammed his hands
in his jeans pockets and took a bead on Jack. “So, you’re bangin’
our cousin?”

“Hell, Zach. That’s no way to talk about
her.”

He and Mitch exchanged a glance.

Jack straightened. “We have a caring
relationship. That led to the physical side of things. I’m not
going to apologize for being attracted to Tess. We’re grownups,
guys.”

Grady, of all people, stepped forward. “You
think tellin’ us our cousin is hot will help?”

Stalling and because he was frustrated, Jack
ran a hand through his hair. “What do you want to hear?”

“I, for one, want to know why you left her in
Rockland and never called again.” This from Jenn.

“I told Mitch, and I’m sure he informed you.
Sara got in trouble and I had to deal with her.”

“Why didn’t you go back later to explain
things to her?” Jenn was serious. She meant what she was saying.
“If it was me, I would’ve been hurt.”

“Right now, the answer isn’t going to
help.”

“Try us.” From Paulie.

Patiently, Jack explained about Mitch and
finding out he was Tess’s cousin.

“Chickenshit.” This from Zach.

“Maybe. But when I got a second chance with
her, I took it.”

Mitch’s turn. “Where do you plan to go from
here?”

“I don’t know, Mitch. I care about her. I
want to be with her. We’ll just have to wait and see where this
leads.”

“All right.” The man who was his best friend
smiled as they broke ranks.

“Want a beer?” Grady asked.

“I’d like something stronger if you have
it.”

Jenn got out the scotch. Poured him one. Then
they formed a circle around him. “This is to you and Tess,” Jenny
announced sweetly, lifting her can of beer. “Good luck, buddy.”

Connie kissed him on the cheek. Grady patted
him on the back. Paulie poked him in the arm.

Zach gave him a bear hug, then drew back. “I
love you, man. But if you hurt Tess, I’ll break your legs.”

Jack couldn’t help but smile.

o0o

Tess was assigned to help Larissa James in
the classroom today. The pretty woman who Jack had dated resembled
Elizabeth. The notion made Tess uncomfortable. Sometimes, she
wasn’t sure she was right for him, despite his compliments Friday
night.

“Turn to page twenty-nine in your book and
look at the traits of a good EMT.” Larissa’s voice was strong, and
the recruits seemed to take to her. Of course, she was ridiculously
attractive with her slim blond appearance. Tess liked her.

As the kids opened their books, Tess flipped
the pages of hers and read. She rolled her eyes at the list:
pleasant, sincere, cooperative, resourceful, self-starter,
emotionally stable, in control of personal habits, able to lead,
able to listen and good moral character. Who the hell could fit
that bill?

When they’d had time to finish reading,
Larissa gave instructions. “Get into groups of five and discuss
these traits. Try to come up with examples of each.”

Dragging their chairs around the tables, the
recruits formed groups. Tess’s job was to wander among them and
participate in each discussion. She wanted to know what Anita Cruz
thought, because the girl was struggling. When Tess reached her,
she saw Mauro sitting next to her. Tess didn’t leave, though.

“I think it’s easy to be pleasant and
sincere,” Anita said.

Mauro captured Tess’s gaze. “Not for
everybody.”

Anita put down her pen and rounded on Mauro.
Her dark curly hair was long, and she had it pulled back, setting
her features in sharp relief. “What
is
it with you? It seems
like you’re being intentionally rude all the time. Do you wanna get
kicked out of here?”

For a second, Mauro’s face fell; he looked
sad and confused. Then his smirk came back. “Nah. They won’t kick
me out. I’m really good. What about you, Cruz? You good?”

Tess thought Cruz would back down, but the
girl leveled Mauro with a glare that could cut glass. “I don’t know
how good I am. I don’t have natural talent like you. But I’m
working a lot harder than you are. And I’m not such a jerk.” She
stood and turned to Tess. “Can I go in another group?”

“Sure.”

When Cruz walked away, Tess said, “Go on
without her” and left them alone. She approached a second group by
the big open windows. Murphy couldn’t see her, as she was behind
him.

He said, “Man, if EMTs and firefighters have
to be emotionally stable and pleasant, half the department would be
ousted.”

They all laughed. Until they noticed
Tess.

The kid asked, “Geez, she’s behind me, isn’t
she?”

“Yes.” Tess moved so she was in his line of
vision.

“You heard me didn’t you?” Murphy’s freckled
face was as red as the cover of the training manual.

“I did, recruit.” She folded her arms over
her chest. “And I happen to agree.”

They were surprised by her joking. Hmm, maybe
she
should
try to lighten up a bit. But it was only the end
of the second week, and traditionally, it wasn’t until halfway
through that the teachers became less strict. More friendly. But
her levity put them at ease. And made them more participative.
She’d have to think about that. Maybe talk it over with Jack.

When class ended, she went to the front of
the room. “How do you think that went, Larissa?”


“Pretty good. I hate this lesson, though. I
overheard Murphy. He’s right.”

“I know. And not just for the emotionally
stable and pleasant characteristics.”

They laughed together.

Larissa stacked up her things on a bookshelf
off to the side. “My turn to eat with the recruits, today.”

“Mine, too. Let’s go.”

The recruits had planned a cookout, so they
crossed through the gym to the outside and headed down to the
pavilion. Jack stood before a large grill, flipping hot dogs and
hamburgers. He was dressed in an apron, and when she got close, she
saw the inscription: I’m a Firefighter. What’s Your Super
Power?

“Boy, he’s attractive,” Larissa whispered.
“Don’t you think?”

“Can’t say that I’ve noticed.” She and Jack
still weren’t making their relationship public. “I don’t like that
gray in his hair.” Which was so not true. She loved it.

When they reached him, he gave them both a
sexy smile. “Hello, ladies. What’ll you have?”

You
, Tess thought.

The meal was uneventful, and afterward, as
everyone was heading back to the Academy, Jack touched her arm as
she passed by. “Captain Righetti, a word?”

Larissa went on.

“How’d the EMS class go?”

“I think it was kind of foolish. The material
covered the traits of a good firefighter or EMT.” She filled him on
the details. “I agreed with Murphy.”

“Good for you.”

“And Cruz took a bite out of Mauro’s
ass.”

“What do you mean?”

“She told him he was rude and asked him if he
wanted to get kicked out of the Academy. He insulted her and she
snapped back.”

The sun was high and slanted over Jack’s
face. She caught his frown. “We don’t want tension like that among
them. Did you talk to her about it?”

“No, she was right.”

“Try to go easy on Mauro, Tess.”

“Jack, we’ve been through this. I’ll do
things my way; you do yours.” Then she remembered the bleak
expression in Mauro’s eyes. And how her levity made the other group
more at ease. “Look, I’m trying to be a little less rigid. But
Mauro was way out of line and I wasn’t about to punish Cruz for
doing the right thing.”

“Okay.”

“I have to go.”

Grasping her arm, he held her back. Now his
expression was very male. “My car’s in the shop. I need a ride
home.”

Since everybody had gone inside the building,
she placed her hand on his hip, close to his ass, and squeezed. “I
think I can do that. And maybe more, if you’re lucky.”