I leaned against the inside of the garage bay door at the front of the fire station and dragged my sleeve across my face. I’d spent the last few hours tuning up my old favorite motorcycle.

“See you got your old bike ready to roll again.”

I glanced up to find Beck entering the garage from a side door. “Yup. My dad pulled it out of the back of my parents’ garage over the weekend and dropped it off here for me to tune up.”

Beck came to lean beside me, casting an approving gaze over the bike. I loved this motorcycle. It was an old Indian and couldn’t be purchased new anymore. Just finding one used cost an arm and a leg and then some. When I’d moved to California, I left this bike behind, figuring I wouldn’t have time to ride. I’d found time, but I hadn’t wanted to bring this baby there. At the time, I’d hated the fact I thought of Amelia whenever I thought of this bike, but that’s how it was. I’d logged more miles on it with her than without. Now I could enjoy it and enjoy thinking about her. Win, win.

Beck rolled his head to the side with a slow grin. “Damn fine bike. Didn’t know you’d left this thing in storage up here the whole time. I’d have been happy to ride her for you.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Dude, you can use my other bike, but not this one.”

Beck shrugged. “Oh well. You’d best not leave it here. Too tempting for someone else to ride.”

“No worries. I planned to take it out to Amelia’s place tonight. Figured today was a good day to tune it up, seeing as the weather sucks. Rain’s finally stopped though, so I can enjoy the ride without rain.”

Beck nodded and slipped his hands in his pockets. “I popped in to let you know Shannon’s out front asking to see you. This is when it’s nice Maisie’s so cranky. I happened to be passing by, and she told Shannon you hadn’t mentioned anyone stopping in for a meeting with that stone cold don’t give a damn look she throws around,” Beck said with a low laugh.

“What the fuck is Shannon doing here?” I asked, running a hand through my hair and kicking my heel against the garage door behind me. The sound of my boot hitting the heavy-duty steel door sent an echo through the cavernous garage. Not only did I not want to deal with Shannon, but now I had to worry about how Amelia might react.

Beck shrugged. “Hell if I know. She sat herself down and said she’d wait. Want me to chase her off?”

I shook my head. “Nah. I’ll deal with it. Dude, I haven’t seen Shannon since she pulled that shit trying to hook up with me. Fuck, I’d better tell Amelia.”

I slipped my phone out of my pocket and punched in a text.

No idea what’s up. Shannon’s here. Figured you might want to know.

I looked to Beck and rolled my eyes. “Any suggestions on how to get her to get a fucking clue?”

Beck shrugged. “Dude, you are way more experienced with relationships than me.”

I threw a faux glare Beck’s way. “Man, the only relationship I’ve ever had was and is with Amelia. I’d say you’re way more experienced at chasing off women than me.”

Beck started laughing, and my phone beeped.

I glanced down to see Amelia’s response.

Ugh. Forgot to tell you last night. Lucy heard she’s back.

I tapped out a swift reply.

Uh, coulda told me. Heads up would’ve been nice.

Uh, we were busy. With much better things.

I grinned and could practically see her grin. So true. We’d been quite busy with each other.

Right. Things we’ll be busy with later. Meantime, she showed up here at the station. Beck’s not so helpful telling me how to chase her off.

Tell her to go to hell.

I glanced up at Beck. “Amelia says to tell her to go to hell.”

Beck grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”

I looked back at my phone screen.

On it. Where are you?

Firehouse Café. What time will you be home?

Damn. A simple question, and my heart kicked so hard, my chest ached. I loved this woman so damn much. Home was Amelia, and she wanted to know when I’d be there.

Just have to tell Shannon to go to hell. Then I’m taking my bike home. Ride tonight?

YES! 

Grinning, I slipped my phone back in my pocket to find Beck’s perceptive gaze on me.

“What?” I asked.

“Dude, you are whipped. Damn good thing you came home,” Beck said.

Just a few shorts months ago, I’d have glared at anyone who even proposed the idea I might be whipped by any woman. Hell, I’d been so bitter, I didn’t even give myself many opportunities for even casual sex. Here and there, I’d caved because I was a man and I had needs. But it had always come up short because no one, absolutely no one, could live up to what I had with Amelia. I was so fucking relieved we were back together.

I met Beck’s amused gaze with a shrug. “Sure am.” I pushed away from the door. “I’m gonna go tell Shannon to go to hell and then head home.”

Beck walked alongside me. “You sound downright cheerful about it.”

I paused at the door into the front area and clapped Beck on the shoulder. “You just haven’t met the right woman. You will and then you’ll get it.”

At that, I pushed through the door, Beck muttering behind me. “Whatever dude.”

I strode past Maisie’s desk. She managed not to glare at me, which I considered progress on her part. Shannon sat in one of the chairs in the waiting area. She stood quickly when she saw me. “Cade! I can’t believe you’re home.”

Shannon started to walk toward me, stopping when I held a hand up. I knew Shannon was used to catching attention from men. Objectively speaking, she was beautiful with her long dark hair, bright blue eyes, and curvy figure. She didn’t do a thing for me, but I wasn’t blind. I’d never mentioned it to Amelia way back when, but I’d never quite understood her friendship with Shannon. Shannon was too competitive, too pushy.

Shannon’s over-the-top smile faded when I held my hand up like a damn stop sign. She stood where she was and clasped her hands together. I could practically see the gears shifting in her brain.

“Hey Shannon. Just came out here to tell you to go to hell.”

I spun on my heel, ignoring her gasp as I strode back to the door.

Footsteps sounded rapidly behind me, and she grabbed my arm. “Cade! I can’t believe…”

I spun back. Now I was pissed. “Don’t fucking touch me. There was never anything with us and never will be. I’m home, and I’m back with Amelia. You won’t be able to pull a stunt like the one you did before with your bullshit.”

I shook her hand off of my arm and stepped to the door. Shannon was silent with two bright spots of color high on her cheeks. Resignation was evident on her face. I glanced to Maisie. “Maisie, there will never be a circumstance when Shannon would have my permission to be here unless it’s an actual emergency. Please don’t allow her in the back under any circumstance.”

Maisie held my gaze, her wide brown eyes firm. She nodded emphatically. “Of course. I already told her today she couldn’t go back, but now I know for sure.”

Shannon’s eyes darkened. “Fuck you, Cade. You can’t…”

“Don’t even try it. I don’t know what your deal is, and frankly, I don’t give a shit. If you upset Amelia in any way, you’ll regret it.”

I walked past her and opened the entry door, gesturing for her to leave. She flounced past me, but didn’t say another word. I let the door fall closed and turned back. Maisie was studiously looking at something on her computer screen.

I walked to the reception desk and glanced over the counter at her. “Thanks Maisie.”

She looked up, and for the first time, I saw a hint, just the barest glimmer, of uncertainty under her prickly bravado. “You’re welcome. You’re really good about letting me know your schedule, so when she showed up I figured you didn’t have an appointment with her.” She paused and chewed on the inside of her cheek, her gaze considering. “I really want to do a good job. I’m sorry you guys had to tell me to be nicer,” she blurted out.

“Maisie, you already do a good job. You’re responsible, on time and you haven’t missed a single day of work. We’re all appreciative that you’re trying to be a little friendlier. Trust me, we all have our days.” I paused and threw her a grin. “If you want to be cranky with Shannon, have at it.”

“I won’t be too bitchy, but you tell me if she bothers Amelia, and I’ll kick her ass. I can actually fight,” Maisie said with a sly grin.

I laughed so hard, I got tears in my eyes. When I caught my breath, Beck was walking through the door from the garage, glancing between us as if we were aliens.

“What the hell? You smile?” Beck asked, his startled gaze swinging to Maisie.

Maisie immediately flushed and looked back down at her computer. I looked to Beck. “Maisie offered to kick Shannon’s ass.”

It was Beck’s turn to laugh, and I was relieved to see Maisie’s small smile reappear.