Page 14 of Rekindle My Heart

“Good. You done for now? I’m hungry.”

Ryan closed his laptop and locked his desk. “How about the new Vietnamese place?”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You mean the one next to the fire station?”

“Never mind. How about Mexican?” Ryan grabbed his blazer off the back of the chair.

She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Oh, relax. I get it, but someday you’ll tell Aunty Amy all about this mysterious firefighter from your past.”

“Aunty Amy?” He rolled his eyes. “First of all, I’m older than you. And secondly, we aren’t related.”

His friend cocked her head. “You know what I mean.”

Ryan’s eyes scrunched as he assessed Larson. She wasn’t the type to be put off with a “maybe later.”

“Fine, soon, but not today.” That seemed to appease her for now.

She nodded, then led the way to the door.

They climbed into his Jeep. He’d ridden with Amy behind the wheel once. One time was all it took, and he made sure to volunteer to drive from then on.

Knowing Larson, she purposely drove like a wild woman just so she didn’t have to use her fuel.

It didn’t matter. Ryan wasn’t about to chance it.

He pulled his vehicle out onto the main road. “Have you and Trey had any hits on the old cases?”

“Not yet. It might be a waste of time, but if there is any chance of finding a link to the corruption, we’ll search the files all night.”

“That would put a dent into your extra-curricular activities.”

“Don’t worry, we take breaks.” She grinned. “What about you? Last I heard you were dating Millie from the bar.”

“We had a couple dates.” Exactly two. She was fun, but Ryan could tell she was getting those marry-me eyes. While she was sweet, he wasn’t ready to marry anyone right now.

Hell, most nights, he played video games. When the women he dated found out he played regularly, their impression of him changed. It’s like he went from hard-ass cop to silly kid in their eyes.

“Are you bringing a date to Jim and Liz’s wedding?”

“Why? Did you want to set me up with someone?” It wouldn’t be the first time.

At one point, he’d thought Amy might be someone he could settle down with. She got him, but when Trey stepped into the picture, it was clear Ryan and Larson were meant to only be friends. Now, Ryan was glad it never moved beyond the friend zone. It would be weird if they had done the deed.

“Nope, just curious.” She bit her lower lip.

He knew that look. “Spit it out, Larson.”

She bounced in her seat, turning to face him. “Okay, you know how Liz invited half of Ashwood to this wedding.”

“Makes sense being she’s related to the Whittiers, who own one of the largest transport companies in the state if not the nation. They know everyone.”

“Yeah, well and the Swensons know the rest being a law enforcement family for generations.”

“So?” he prompted as he pulled the SUV into the restaurant parking lot.

“Almost all of the firefighters are invited.” Her voice sounded bubblier than usual.

He didn’t need to turn his head to know her eyes were sparkling with excitement. He could feel those blue orbs probing his temple, waiting for a reaction.