---

 

Joe could tell Holly wasn’t happy that he’d maneuvered her into this outing, but he couldn’t help being pleased about it when she walked outside in her workout gear. A pink tank top, black shorts and with a pink and black tie holding her hair in a ponytail. On her feet were matching sneakers. She looked cute as hell.

“Hey,” he said when she got into the waiting car.

She’d fought riding with him, but he’d won. “Hi.”

“Glad to be going?”

“Yeah.” A gorgeous smile spread across her face. “Sorry I was so grumpy about this the other night. I’m actually looking forward to learning how to work out.”

She always surprised him. “Wow, I’m glad.” He nodded to the bag she carried. “What’s in there?”

“Clothes to change into. My mother asked me to meet her at a picnic. I’m not sure I’m going, though.”

“FAN?”

“The Family Assistance Network?”

“Yep.” Putting the car in reverse, he backed out and got on the road. “You’re in luck. I’m stopping over there, too, after we work out.”

“Honestly?”

“Look in the back seat.” Where he’d put his clothes to change into.

“Hmm.”

They drove a ways and he said, “So, you’re going to meet your mother?”

“Maybe. I told Grandma she asked me to come today and Grandma thought I should go. We didn’t tell Grandpa.”

“He’s angrier at your mother?”

“I guess. Though I have no idea why. He lost Doug Pierson, his best friend, in that whole thing, but I think that’s their fault and not hers.”

“Seems that way to me.”

“How come you’re going to the picnic?”

“It’s a firefighter event. All of us try to support the program. And I did come from a dysfunctional family.”

She snorted in a very unladylike manner. “Who didn’t?”

They arrived at The Weight Room in about ten minutes. The exterior was sided in a light yellow, with some landscaping but nothing fancy. They exited the Mustang and he held the front door for her. “I didn’t tell you, but I called ahead and asked Chelsea to schedule a trainer for you today.”

“Can’t you do it?”

“Not the right way. I hope she does it herself. She’s a doll.”

 Once they got inside, Joe gestured to the space. “There’s three main workout areas with side rooms for specialties like kick boxing and gymnastics.”

“Why? It isn’t exactly a girly gym.”

“They just added yoga. But you’re right, this is where lots of firefighters work out.”

The receptionist, Linda Grimes, gazed up at him. “Hi, Joey.”

“Linda.”

They went through the details of signing up, then Linda said, “Chelsea’s in the aerobic room already.”

“Okay.”

They walked through the weights area. Holly gawked at the machines they passed. “I’ll never be able—”

“Hush. Only positive affirmations here.”

She laughed as he meant her to.

They entered another room. “That’s her over there on the treadmill.” His friend was eight months pregnant and still going strong.

Chelsea waved. “Be right with you, Joe.”

Jake Scarlatta came up to them. “Hey, buddy. We miss you over at House 12.”

“Nice to hear.” He turned to Holly. “This is my former captain. He’s married to Chelsea.”

“Hi, Holly.” To Joe, he asked, “Things going well at Truck 8?”

“I’m happy with the transfer, Jake.” Joe motioned to Chelsea. “I’m surprised you’re letting her do that.”

He rolled his eyes. “Are you kidding? I’ve been restraining myself through the whole pregnancy, but this last month, I started to hover. We had a big row over it last night.”

“She won?”

“A truce is more like it. I promised to be better and she promised not to overdo.”

A buzzer sounded and Chelsea climbed off the machine. She came over with a towel around her neck. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She looked at Holly. “Chelsea Scarlatta. I’d shake your hand, but I’m all sweaty.”

“Glad to meet you.”

Chelsea socked Jake in the arm. “See, I told you I’d take it easy. I only stayed on that until I worked up a sweat, then I cooled down.”

Leaning over, he kissed her nose. “I see that, love.”

“So,” she said to Holly. “I’m not going to be able to show you around today. I have an appointment at ten. It was originally at nine, but the doula called and had to push it up.”

“What’s a doula?” Joe asked.

“A birthing coach.”

“Ah.” He took a bead on Jake. “You’re not going to be her coach?

“I am. Apparently, this is the newest addition to the team.”

“I’ve read about doulas,” Holly said. “Having a professional birthing coach is highly recommended.”

“So, who’s going to train her?”

“I am.”

Joe hadn’t seen Spike Lammon come up to them. He knew the guy well. He also knew Jake had been jealous of him at first. With reason. The man was Greek God material.

“Hi, Holly. I’m Spike Lammon.”

“Hi, Spike.”

“I thought we’d go into the conference room and discuss what you’re looking to do here. Then we’ll set up a workout and do a few exercises.”

“I’m coming,” Joe blurted out.

“No, you’re not.” Holly stood tall. “I’m here for myself, remember?”

“Don’t let him bully you, Holly.” Chelsea was all smiles. “Stand up for yourself.”

Damn, she was already doing that.

“Oh, man. This was a bad idea.” Chase stared over at his youngest granddaughter, about ten feet away in padded, protective clothing. Both wore the gear for the Bat-a-Man Cage that made them look like fat astronauts on the moon.

Colette’s tinkling laughter reached him even through her facemask. “It’s okay, Grandpa. I’ll take it easy on you.”

From the side, Kassie cupped her hands around her mouth. “No way, Colette. Coming here was his idea. We gotta make him pay.”

At least his relationship with his grandkids was going well—for now. The girls seemed to enjoy the FAN outings, particularly this one—a picnic on the grounds of the fire academy. In addition to catering a buffet, they’d brought in games for the little kids and teens like this fighting arena, a ball crawl, a fun house, and the common area was full of video games. The money hadn’t come from the city, though. It came from the trivia game O’Roarke had started years ago.

A blow hit him square on the jaw. He stumbled back. Colette giggled again.

He took a bead on her. “That’s it, kiddo. No more Mr. Nice Guy.”

After taking his turn with Kassie, who clobbered him—well, maybe he let her a little bit—their time was up in the fight cage. They divested themselves of clothing and went to the next room where the bells and whistles of video games, the slap of the ping pong paddle on the ball and laughter, beautiful honest laughter, rang out everywhere. The joy that brought to Chase’s heart was diminished when he saw the mayor walk in.

His fault. He’d invited her early in the week. At the elevator in their building. He’d been coming down and she’d gotten on at five...

Vanessa stepped into the elevator. She acknowledged him, then she looked straight ahead. “Hey, Chief.”

“Vanessa.” After a bit, “Fate’s a bitch.”

“You mean meeting up practically every day? I agree.”

“How are you?” His tone had softened. Good thing no one else was in the cab, because its tenderness was obvious.

She cleared her throat. “As well as can be expected.”

“Me, too. I wanna ask you something, though.”

Now she looked at him again. Her eyes were deep green today. “Okay.”

“FAN is having a picnic at the fire academy this weekend.”

“I know.”

“Why don’t you come? Ask Holly to go with you.”

“My communications manager said I should attend.” She gripped the strap on her purse. “But I don’t know, Chase. I’m not sure the regular firefighters would want me there.”

“It’ll be a fun thing for you and Holly to do together.”

“Maybe.”

“Well, think about it, anyway...”

And here she was, dressed in freakin’ jeans. Not too tight, but they fit her well enough to spike his blood pressure. With them she wore a pink, long-sleeved T-shirt with an Indian-print vest over it.

Hell, he knew what he was going to dream about tonight.

Kassie distracted him. “I’m going outside for a bit with Suzanne and Marcy.”

“Marcy Leone is here?” The girls she mentioned were the kids of firefighters, but Marcy had had a hell of a time when her father had a nervous breakdown after his brother died last year.

“Yeah, she came with Suzanne’s family.” Kassie’s eyes narrowed. “That’s okay, isn’t it?”

“Yep. Everybody’s welcome. Actually, I’m glad she came.”

Kassie kissed him on the cheek. One minefield avoided. He never knew what was going to set her off.

Reed and Delaney approached the mayor. Chase had to talk to her sometime. Maybe they’d give him cover. He crossed the room. “Hey, there.”

Vanessa looked up. He noticed her hair had some curl, and almost asked her about it. “Hi, Chief.”

“Glad you came.”

“I invited her,” Reed said. “We should have the brass, like you two, here.”

Chase didn’t say he’d asked her first. Or that her PR person thought it would be good for her image.

Delaney put her hand on her belly. She wore a red T-shirt that had an arrow pointed down that said, baby. “Do you have any kids, Vanessa?”

“One. Holly’s in her late twenties.” She glanced around, and frowned. “I, um, asked her if she wanted to come with me today, but she had an appointment at ten, and didn’t know if she could get away.”

Poor Vanessa. Chase said, “She might still make it. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.”

The mayor gave him an askance look. He smiled. She liked when he used Southern phrases.

“You know the mayor’s daughter, Chief?” Delaney asked.

“Um, yeah. I met her at the hospital after her grandparents’ house burned down.”

“Oh, Ms. Mayor, I was sorry to hear all that.”

“Yes, me too, Dr. Shaw.”

Reed linked Delaney’s arm with his. “Let’s go do something safe. Like play cards.”

“Okay, buddy. But I’m still holding out for the relay race.”

Vanessa watched them leave. “What was that all about?”

“Reed worries about her safety.”

“Because she’s pregnant?”

“Yeah. A long and rocky road got them to where they are.”

“I guess no relationship is easy.”

They locked gazes.

“No,” she said, gripping the strap of her purse. “Don’t say anything. Today has to be purely professional or I’ll leave.”

“You can’t leave,” he said smiling. “Holly might still come. Have you seen her in the last week?”

“Yes, she actually met me for lunch last Saturday.”

“That’s progress.”

“Even better that we talked about common things mothers and daughters would discuss.”

“You got me there.”

“Movie stars we liked. The latest national politics. Books.”

“Sounds calm. Sane. Which male movie stars do you like, Vanessa?”

“I can’t answer that.”

“Why?”

“You look like my favorite one. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to mingle.”

Chase stared after her. Those damn jeans looked great on her firm buns. Which he knew intimately.

A few feet away, she stopped and turned back. “If you see Holly, let me know, okay?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Holly met up with Joe in the front of the locker rooms. Her hair felt wet and sweat caked her body. “I look like something the cat dragged in.”

“My grandparents always say that.” He ran his knuckles down her cheek. “You look like you’re supposed to.”

“I barely kept up.”

“If you were too tired, or too sore, you should have told Spike to slow down.”

“No way.” Every time he asked her if she wanted to quit, she said no. “My chart said I was still way below what he decided I could get up to and consider myself fit.”

“You’ll get there. Besides, you have a healthy glow.”

She left him to shower and wash her hair. Using the blow dryer only a few minutes to get the water out, she braided it and dressed. She walked into the reception area, but Joe wasn’t there yet. Hmm, she beat him out. She got a kick out of that!

She read the bulletin board listing some of the classes. Ballet and yoga appealed to her more than this kind of strength training. She’d have to think about that.

“Would you like some water?” Linda from reception asked her.

She accepted the bottle. “Thanks.” After unscrewing the cap, she took a long swig.

Linda stayed. “Have you known Joey long?”

“No. But I do live in the condo next to him.”

“Lucky you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve dated Joe in the past. He’s not...easy to pin down.”

“I have no intention of pinning him down. We’re only friends.”

“Well, that’d be a first for him.”

Joe approached them. “Ready to go?”

“Sure. Thanks for the chat, Linda.”

They walked to the car and it wasn’t until they got inside that he asked, “What were you and Linda chatting about?”

“How good you are in bed.”

His jaw dropped and his complexion, already rosy, turned scarlet.

“Gotcha!” she said.

“Hell.”

“She did say I was lucky to live next to you.”

“You should listen to that.”

“And I quote, ‘you’re hard to pin down.’”

“Not that though.” He started the engine. “FAN?” he asked raising a brow.

“Sure. I feel energized all of a sudden.”

“That’s what exercise will do for you.” He winked at her. “And sex.”

“We aren’t going there, remember?”

“Did I agree to that?”

She had to laugh at his tone. “Just drive.”

Heartsick, Vanessa walked outside. It was tough being here, seeing families play together, because she’d asked her daughter to come and Holly hadn’t shown up.

It was also tough knowing that FAN had been developed to help first responders get through the difficulties of their relationships and the dangerous professions. Briefly, she wondered if she’d originally objected to the program a year ago because of her own family’s dysfunctionality. Oh, Lord, she hoped that wasn’t the reason. In any case, she was glad they’d outvoted her.

And then there was Chase, looking sexy as hell in jeans and fire department navy blue T-shirt. She never thought she was a sucker for pecs and abs, but a jolt of desire sliced through her at his appearance. Or maybe it was more. Of course it was more. She was attracted to her professional subordinate because of his body, yeah, but also his mind, his demeanor, his fatherhood. None of that mattered, though. She couldn’t compromise her job, because, outside of Holly and her parents, it was all she wanted, all she needed in her life.

Vanessa sat on the top of a picnic table and scanned the area. Parents played with their children on the various outdoor equipment the department had brought in. Closer to the building, about thirty feet away, three teens gathered. One held a cup. No, it wasn’t a cup, it was a flask. The girl took a sip and handed it back to another, then another who did the same. Hell, these kids were drinking at a fire department function?

As the mayor, she could close FAN down for this breach. As a mother, she wanted to stop them. As an adult, Vanessa had to do something. So she walked over to them; they had their backs to her. “Hand it over, ladies.”

They whirled around.

“Shit.”

“Hell.”

“Damn it.”

“Look,” one said, reluctantly giving her the flask. “This was our first time. We won’t do it again. We promise.”

“Names?”

“What?”

“Give me your names, please.”

Silence.

“I’m the mayor of this town, girls. I could cause a lot of trouble for you.”

“Marcy Leone.”

“Suzanne Roncone.”

“Kassie Talbot.”

For now, Vanessa had to ignore that one of them was Chase’s granddaughter. She took a second to find a solution to this incident. Finally she said, “Here’s what we’re going to do. I suggest you go back in and tell your parents/guardians or grandparents what you did out here. If you don’t, I will.”

“It’ll spoil today for them,” Suzanne put in.

That was true. And it was apparent by their actions that the girls needed their parents’ love and supervision. Vanessa made a split-second decision which was very uncharacteristic of her. “All right, you have until tomorrow morning to inform them. Then I call each of your houses.”

“Shit.” The one named Marcy stormed off.

Suzanne said, “Come on, Kassie.”

“Go in without me.” When they left, the young girl turned to Vanessa. Her eyes were browner than chocolate and her dark hair hung down her back almost to her hips. Her expression mutinous, she raised her chin. “I already knew who you were.”

“I know who you are, too.”

She bit her lip. “Don’t do this to hurt my grandfather, please.”

Shock shot through Vanessa. “I would never do that, Kassie. Actually, I’d never intentionally do anything to hurt your grandfather.” Not now at least. “But I’m the adult here, and I have to deal with this.”

“Do you know who Marcy Leone is?”

“The name rings a bell. But no.”

“Her dad’s the firefighter who went cray-cray last year and tried to burn down his cabin with their aunt in it.”

“I didn’t make the connection.”

“You could take it easy on her.”

“I’ll do whatever I can to help. But Kassie, I can’t let this go. With her or you.”

“I can take it on the chin.” Unsaid, she heard, like everything else. The kid had had a rough time. “But Marcy’s still hurting.”

“What would you suggest?”

“You really want to know? I heard  all you do is give people a hard time.”

“Insulting me is no way to get my help.”

A small smile. Then, “Maybe you could find a way to get her to open up more to her counselor. She’s still seeing Dr. Shaw, but she told me she doesn’t tell her the truth.”

“Hmm. Maybe I can talk to her mother when I call, without giving away what you told me.” She focused on the girl. Briefly, she wondered if the clothes she had on were bought with Chase. “What about you, Kassie? You’ve had a horrendous year.”

“I’m up front with Dr. S. Stupid not to be.” She glanced at the building. “And I’m trying not to do anything to hurt him. He’s sad alotta time.” She lifted her palms. “This was stupid.”

“Why did you do it?”

She rolled her eyes. “Because when Marcy started talking about her dad not being here, I got mad that my dad isn’t. We were supposed to move back to Rockford, then he died.”

“I’m sorry. But if you’re honest with your grandfather, I’m sure you can work this out.”

“I hate disappointing him.”

“Parents and kids disappoint each other all the time. The lucky ones get to kiss and make up.”

Kassie must have noticed something in her tone. “You got kids?”

“Yes, one daughter.”

“Have you disappointed her?”

“More than you could ever imagine.”

Kassie whistled. “Wow. Did you make up?”

“I’m trying now. But she isn’t as willing I am. I guess I hurt her too much.”

“I wish I’d been better with my dad.” Tears glistened in her eyes. “Now I don’t have a chance.”

“Then let’s both learn from that. Seize the moment now with your grandfather. And I’ll try harder with my daughter.”

Her dark brows knitted together. “I don’t get it. Grandpa thinks you’re a bitch.”

For some reason, that made her laugh. “I guess I can be. I’m working on that, too.”

Kassie said, “I’ll tell him. I promise. You can call and check tomorrow.”

“I will, Kassie.”

“Okay. ’Bye.”

When Holly and Joe walked into the fire academy, Joe scanned the area. “I don’t see your mother.”

“I hope I’m not too late.”

“Let’s at least ask.”

They headed to the other side of the room where Chief Talbot was talking to a group of men. “Hey, Chief.”

“Joe.” He smiled at Holly. “I’m glad to see you here.”

“Thanks. I was hoping to find my mother.”

“She’s here, but I don’t see her inside.”

“See who?” Kassie came up to them.

“Joe, Holly, this is my granddaughter.”

“Hello, Kassie.”

“Who are you looking for?”

“The mayor.”

Kassie flushed but said, “She’s outside. At least she was when I came in.”

“I’ll go check.” Holly walked toward the door, glad to be away from Joe. Every second with him was tempting her to go back on her refusal to have a relationship with him.

The mid-May day was bright and beautiful, but not quite as beautiful as the way her mother’s face lit up when she saw Holly. Suddenly, Holly and was very glad she came to this picnic. It was another baby step in forging a better relationship between them. Crossing the grass, she came up close to her mom. Impulsively, Holly leaned forward and hugged her. When was the last time she’d done that?

When they drew back, her mother’s eyes were moist. Geez!

“I wasn’t sure you’d make it,” Vanessa said in a hoarse voice.

“I almost didn’t come. I’m sore all over.”

“Let’s sit over here.” She touched the top of the picnic table. They took benches opposite each other. “Did you get hurt, Holly?”

“No, I went to a gym this morning.” She rubbed a knotted shoulder. “I’m trying to get into better shape.”

“I should do that, too. What made you delve into exercise?”

“It’s a long story. You know Joe Santori?”

“Yes, he’s the firefighter who helped get Mom and Dad out of the house and then was with you at the hospital.”

“He also lives next door.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“I bumped into him last week and got to talking to him about building up my stamina and strength. He offered to take me to his gym. He was coming over here, too, so we rode together.”

“Did you have fun at the gym?”

“Only in that it will make me feel better, eventually.” She smiled, remembering the bulletin board. “But truthfully, they have classes in ballet and yoga there too, and I think I might be happier doing those things. I can’t decide.”

“Hmm. Give it some thought. You took ballet when you were little, remember?”

“Yes. You had a heck of a time getting all my hair in a bun.”

Her mother’s eyes turned bleak. “Those years were more precious than I knew.”

Reaching out, Holly took her hand. “Mom, let’s not dredge up the past. We’re starting over now.”

“Then I guess it would be all right if I asked you about the idea that popped into my mind.”

“Of course.”

“Would you want to take a yoga class with me?”