by Posey Parks
“Wait, is it the woman who walks past the firehouse?” She pointed at me.
“Yeah.” My smile rose and fell.
Her eyes dimmed. “Oh, best of luck to you.” She hopped out of her seat.
“Breanna.” I darted after her.
She turned to me in the middle of the small bar. “Why her? You don’t even know if you’d have anything in common.” Her arms crossed her chest.
“You’re right. But I look forward to getting to know her.”
“Whenever you assist me on a Paramedics call, we work well together. And you always joke around. So, I felt we had more in common.”
“You’re a beautiful woman, Breanna.” I gripped my brow. “You’re just not the woman for me.”
Her bottom lip trembled and her eyes glassed over.
I gingerly grabbed her arms and stared into her big brown eyes. “I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”
“Chandler, I need to leave. I’ll see you at work.”
She stormed out of the bar.
CHAPTER TWO
GABRIELLE
Lately, I’ve focused on my passion. Baking. The corporate rat race was getting old. Living out my dream as a successful baker was what I desired. Sometimes I felt defeated, but I kept pushing. My thoughts consumed me until I reached the firehouse, I walked past the building often, leaving the Marta station. It was a scorcher today. I peered at him as he hosed down the firetruck. I wondered what he looked like shirtless with sweat glistening down his sun kissed skin.
Blink, Gabrielle.
The back of his hand slid across his forehead, wiping away a layer of sweat. His eyes met mine from the roof of the truck. He smiled wider this time. Before I knew it, he was walking toward me. My heart beat so fast, I wanted to grip my chest to keep it locked inside.
“I’ve seen you walk by sometimes. I felt it was time I introduced myself. Chandler Cassady.” He extended his hand.
“Gabrielle Marcus.”
His huge calloused hand swallowed mine. I didn’t want him to turn me loose. I meant turn my hand loose. I laughed inside. My nerves were getting the best of me.
“Your beauty is breathtaking.”
I blushed. “Thank you.” God was he serious? The tall, muscled man carved from stone towered over me. His eyes were a beautiful light blue with gray specks. I could get lost in them forever. Chandler’s brows weren’t bushy, but thick. His nose wasn’t exactly slender, yet perfect for his face. His angular jawline was something of perfection. When we kissed, that would be the first part of his body I would touch besides his pink, pouty lips.
“Are you single?”
“Yes, and you?”
“Hopefully not much longer.” He winked.
I cocked my head to the side, smiling from ear-to-ear. My body vibrated. I wished there was another excuse for us to touch each other.
“May I have your phone number?”
“Yes.”
He retrieved his cell from his pocket. The siren sounded inside the firehouse.
“Shit, I have to go.”
“See you tomorrow.” I waved.
“You bet your pretty ass I will.”
I couldn’t stop smiling. I hoped our first date would be full of laughter.
There was another route I could’ve walked, but it would’ve added fifteen-minutes to my trip. My dream commercial space was also on this route. A large space wasn’t needed. I’d rather have space big enough to appear crowded all the time.
I’ve filled a few baking orders lately. Mainly for friends and family. The more orders I could fill, the closer I’d come to leasing the gorgeous space on Peachtree.
Dark clouds of smoke rose toward the sky from the luxury high rise across the street from my tiny apartment building. I fell in line with onlookers pouring out of our building, gawking at the high-rise tower engulfed in orange flames.
Sirens roared as first responders halted across the street.
The firefighters jumped out of the truck. Chandler’s beautiful side profile came into view. I slipped my hand across the back of my neck and shifted my weight between my legs. I wondered what his muscles felt like under his uniform. The second he disappeared inside the building my heart raced. Watching him run into a burning building scared the shit out of me.
We’ve just officially met and now watching Chandler in action terrified me. Could I fall in love with a man who works a dangerous job? Push past your commitment phobia. He’s the only guy you’ve been interested in as of late.
I fidgeted a thousand times, peering across the street wondering if and when he’d walk out of the building. Tenants staggered out of the building and two firefighters followed. One firefighter was carrying a woman. He peeled off his mask and hat and my heart beat pounded my chest. It was Chandler, and he was ok. I exhaled and our eyes locked. He watched for cars as he crossed the street. Next thing I knew, my neighbors were cheering for him.
“Are you ok?”
“Now that I’ve seen your beautiful face twice in one day, absolutely.”
His blue eyes sparkled. Fuck he was absolutely gorgeous in his firefighter gear.
I felt my cheeks heat up.
I loved his name. Chandler Cassady. His voice was like velvet. I could listen to him talk all day.
“We were so worried about all the people making it out of the building safely. Thank you for your hard work.”
“You’re welcome. That’s my number one goal on the job; to save lives.”
“It has turned out to be a great day.” I nervously slipped my hair behind my ear.
“We met. Then you and your team saved the people from the burning building.” My face hurt from smiling so hard.
Chandler managed to retrieve his cell while juggling all of his gear.
“Now for your phone number.”
I spelled out my name and told him my phone number.
Chandler smiled wide.
My neighbors stared at us, whispering.
It felt good to give him my number sooner than Monday. I couldn’t wait to talk to him. My baking order was aggressive for this evening. I hoped he’d call while I was taking a break.
“I wish I could talk to you longer.” He pointed over his shoulder. “I need to get back to work. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Sounds good. Be safe, Chandler.” I scurried into my building.
MY WEEKEND WAS CONSUMED with filling cake orders.
Friday night, I passed out on the sofa and missed Chandler’s call. He left a voicemail.
“Hey, Gabrielle. It’s Chandler. I hate I didn’t get a chance to talk to you tonight. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow. Sleep tight.”
I texted Chandler Saturday afternoon.
Me- Hey, I hate I missed your call too. This weekend is crazy. I have several cakes to bake. My sister normally helps me, but she had a crafting catastrophe of her own. Lol
Anyway, I hope you are having a good weekend. Next week, my orders are spaced out. I hope to talk to you Monday if that’s ok.
He responded an hour later, but I didn’t see his text until after six in the evening.
Chandler- I wish I would have known you needed help, I could’ve assisted you. Get some rest. Talk to you Monday.
Sunday night, I gathered all the ingredients needed to bake a red velvet cake, and two German chocolate cakes. I was meticulous about how long my cakes cooled before icing them. The square kitchen table was my work space. The tiny space was a challenge, but I made do with what I had.
At two thirty in the morning, I fell against my queen sized-bed, yawning.
The thunder and lightning jolted me out of my sleep at five thirty. After my exhilarating steam shower, I boxed up the cakes, then dressed for work. I ordered a car service to drive me to work. Couldn’t risk damaging Justine and Kathy’s cakes. They were good friends of mine since I began working for the company three years ago. I was an intern first, then I was hired full time. My job paid a decent wage. I lived comfortably. Mainly, be
cause I didn’t have a car. Also, because I didn’t know how to drive. Dad offered to teach me. I told him that wasn’t necessary. My father lived in Raleigh, NC. No way I’d fly there to learn how to drive. It was all an excuse. I didn’t want to learn how to drive. I was afraid I’d be killed on the road by another driver the moment I learned because of something I did wrong. Maybe I drove the wrong way down a street or made a left turn when traffic wasn’t clear. It was another stupid phobia of mine. One I hoped to get over. Luckily, my shift ended before it was dark in the evening. In the winter, I changed my hours. I’d arrive by car service at seven in the morning and end my shift at four in the afternoon. I’d take the Metro. Going out at night with friends wasn’t a problem. We often met for dinner or at the club in downtown Atlanta not far from home. I ordered a car service whenever I’d gone out. No offense to my friends, I didn’t ride with them either. I liked to leave when I was ready. And definitely didn’t enjoy depending on others.
I teetered out of the car, holding the oversized pink cake boxes tight.
Joel darted out of the door toward me, carrying an umbrella. “Gabrielle, I’ll take those boxes for you.”
I grabbed the umbrella, held it over our heads as we ran toward the building. “Thanks, Joel.”
A minute later, I shook the access water off the umbrella in the corner of the lobby near the elevators.
“How did you know I’d need help?”
Joel’s pale cheeks turned dark red. It was cute. He tapped the up button. “I was walking to my desk and overheard Justine say she was on her way down to help you with the cakes. I told her I would help.” His brown eyes smiled behind his dark frame glasses.
His glasses made him look smart not dorky.
“That was sweet.”
Joel swept his fingers through his damp, red spiky hair.
We strolled out of the elevator. “Did you have any help baking last night?”
“No. It was a busy weekend. My sister was supposed to assist, but something came up.”
He glanced down at me. “You should’ve called. I’d be happy to help.”
Joel gave me his phone number months ago.
We worked on the same floor. He worked in accounting down the hall. Joel had asked me out for months.
So did another guy in my office, Patrick. He was attractive too. Deep chocolate skin, about six one in height, and a shortcut black afro. Joel stood about five-ten. They both bid for my affection, but only one man held my attention. Chandler.
Chandler pulled me to him with just a quick gaze. I couldn’t wait to talk to him tonight. I often wondered what our conversations would be like. Would we find the same movies funny?
My ex-boyfriend from college was a play it safe option like Joel. Alvin loved to spend time with me as long as it didn’t involve baking. I ended our relationship. He never had to bake with me, but he needed to respect my decision to become a baker. Joel understood my passion. I liked that he cared. Patrick and I never talked about my love of baking. He dated quite a few ladies in the office. I felt I was just next on his radar.
“Did you hear me, Gabrielle?”
I popped back to reality. “Yes, I’m sorry. My thoughts are a little all over the place this morning.” The truth was, I couldn’t get my mind off of the man I wanted. All roads led back to Chandler. The way he stood over my five-five frame in his firefighter uniform. My core heated just thinking about our interaction Friday. Mr. Save lives sparked my interest more than any other man. Which made him dangerous. Shit that reminds me, I better check my emails to see if I received any new orders from my website.
“Joel, I’m not interested in dating right now,” I lied.
He nodded.
“Can you place the top two boxes on Justine’s desk?”
“Sure.”
Justine jogged toward us. “Good morning, Gabby.”
She pulled me into her embrace. “How are you doing, chica?”
“Tired, but well.”
She stepped back and her tan cheeks rose. “My little baker needs help.”
Joel quirked a brow. “I tried offering my assistance, but she wouldn’t take it.”
We laughed.
“As long as I pace my orders, I will be fine.” I ran my hand along my arm.
Justine’s brown hair was pulled up into a short ponytail. “If you say so,” she said, with a slight Spanish accent.
“I’ll talk to you at lunch. We need to give Kathy her cake.”
“All right, see you then.” She sat behind the computer at her desk.
Joel walked a few cubicles down.
“Kathy, your cake is here,” I sang.
She hopped up from her chair, squeezing me tight. We were about the same height. Joel placed the cake on her desk.
“I can’t wait to surprise the kids with this delicious cake.”
“What about Michael?”
“Girl, my husband is serious about the diet he’s on this time. He will not touch the cake. I told him I’d work out with him, so I am only allowed a sliver of this goodness. If I open that box right now, I might eat the entire red velvet cake.”
I laughed. “Girl, I hope the kids enjoy the cake. I need to high-tail it to my desk. Talk to you later.”
She waved. Joel fell instep beside me. “Gabrielle, I am not in a rush. Allow me a chance to take you out to lunch sometime.”
I halted at my cubicle. “We’ll see. Thanks again for assisting me this morning.”
Joel smoothed his hand over his blue plaid shirt. “Anytime.” He darted off.
CHAPTER THREE
GABRIELLE
Sitting in my chair, I powered on my computer to start my mundane routine. Payroll and timekeeping was pretty easy. My thoughts continued to sway to the sexy firefighter, who stood before me Friday evening smelling of smoke. I wondered what he smelled like when he was off duty. Those blue eyes haunted me. The kind you stare into until you doze off into a deep slumber. I knew he could keep me safe in those big strong arms.
Tap, tap.
“Gabby.”
I gripped my chest as I whipped my head around.
“Didn’t mean to startle you. Where were you?”
“Um, nowhere.” My brow wrinkled.
“Lies. Come on. We can discuss this nothing over lunch,” Justine urged.
I didn’t realize my morning flew by.
Kathy, Justine, and I sat at our usual four top table in the center of the spacious lunchroom.
I raked my fork over my salad, not eating a bite.
Kathy nudged Justine’s arm. “What’s up with her?”
“Really?” I dropped my fork. “I’m right here.” I glanced across the table between them.
Justine dipped her spoon into her soup. “Well, stop keeping us in suspense. Spill.”
Justine was thirty-four. She and her husband had one four-year-old child. Her husband was a construction worker.
Kathy was twenty-nine. She had two kids; a boy and a girl, ages five and eight. Her husband Michael was a police officer. He was only thirty-six and had a heart attack a few months back. Michael had been on a health kick since his second chance at life. She had high blood pressure and felt she was a little overweight. So, she joined her husband on his health kick.
Our lunch was always interesting. All the stories she told us kept us laughing or in shock. Kathy wore her dark hair in braids often or natural. She loved low maintenance hairstyles. I was the only one of our little crew who was single without children.
“Remember the firefighter I told you guys about?”
They nodded.
“He spoke to me Friday evening in front of the firehouse.” I smirked.
Their mouths dropped open.
“Yeah, I saw him again. The apartment across from mine caught on fire. This time, I watched him rescue a woman from the burning building. Afterwards, we talked for a little while. He asked for my number. He called me later, but I was asleep. Anyway, I am supposed to talk to him on the phone tonigh
t.” I leaned my elbow against the table, resting my palm against my forehead.
“Guys, he was even more handsome up close.” Heat surged through my body. My legs clamped together just talking about him.
Kathy’s eyes lit up. “I can’t wait to hear about your first date?”
“I’m trying to remain positive.”
Justine stretched her hand out. “And that’s all you’ll get from us, positive vibes. We want you to find happiness.”
“We can tell Chandler’s really the guy you are interested in, because you shoot Joel and Patrick down all the time. Chandler comes along and you consider dating him.”
“It’s different with Chandler.” I pulled my lower lip into my mouth. “I’ve been attracted to him for months. The magnetic pull between us yesterday was scary. I don’t know if he felt it. The feeling was overpowering.”
I don’t want to think about him breaking my heart.
Justine placed her hand over mine. “You have to give a guy a chance or you’ll never experience love.”
I pulled back and gripped the sweating glass. I chugged the ice-cold water. “You’re right.”
“I work with two men who like me. I believe Joel would do anything for me. But I don’t get butterflies when we are next to each other. Patrick is handsome too, but again, my palms don’t sweat. My heart doesn’t skip a beat. All those emotions struck my body Friday evening. Every day I approach that firehouse I tell myself to calm down. Don’t get worked up when I see him. Don’t smile uncontrollably for the next two miles during the walk to my apartment.
My brows rose. “Oh, we established we don’t have a significant other in our lives.”
Kathy ran around the table and embraced me. “I see good things to come. Keep us posted.”
“Thank you.” I held Justine’s hand and leaned into Kathy. “I love you, guys.”
“We love you too, Mommie.”
