by Xyla Turner
Trecia started walking toward them, but I held up my hand and said, “I got this.”
She raised an eyebrow to me and remained where she was. Then I pulled up a chair, straddled it and faced the two men before saying, “Now gentlemen. The first thing you two must do is to remain calm, then you must listen to understand. Step three is to focus on the positive, then state your case tactfully. Leave out opinions but give facts. Okay?” I look at them both and waited for them to shake their heads. “Step five is to attack the problem and not the person. Then we need to avoid the blame game. Then there are four more steps.”
“What are they, Hazard?” Toad asked mockingly.
I was hoping the smirk on my face did not show.
“Glad you asked. Number seven is, focus on the future and not the past. Eight is, ask the right kind of questions. Then you need to pick your battles, be confident and celebrate agreement.” I bent the top half of my body in a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards and said, “Namaste.”
A hush went over the group because if they didn’t know before, they knew something was changing about the man they knew as Hazard.
“Haz, how do you know all this?” Cheeto asked right as scheduled.
“Ha,” I nodded and turned to look at Trecia but answering Cheeto. “Because this mediator came into my life and fucked me up. Had me doing things I never thought I would do, and she means something to me. But, I wasn’t doing the things she was suggesting in order for me to be a better man. Then I lost her and started doing the things she was telling me all along. Even took some time to learn the art of mediation, problem solving and even enrolled in an anger management course. That’s all thanks to her but I just wish she’d hear me, see me, let me show her how good we could be.”
“Damn, boss.” Cheeto said off script. “You whipped like that?”
“Yeah, she had me at Lenny’s.” I shook my head. “Prettiest woman I’ve seen on this side of the New York.”
A tear fell down Trecia’s cheek, and in front of everyone, she took one leap and crashed into me. I kissed her like it was my last day on earth. There were cheers, hoots and some other crazy noises but we barely registered them until we came down from our own private cloud.
When we finally pulled apart, Trecia looked at me and asked, “You really went to mediation?”
“Yup, and I meant what I said up there.” I told her again. “I want you in my life. In every way. I’m so sorry about that day. I thought something had happened and for once in my life, I wanted to protect you more than I wanted to do my job. I called and called to make sure you were alright. I panicked and fucked up.”
She arched a brow, smiling, and I continued. “I was worried sick about you because I’m falling in love. You are the first woman who has ever seen that side of me. Protective, open and willing to try.” I kissed the side of her mouth. “You’re feisty, smart and sexy. I want so much more with you. That’s what I should have said.”
“I wish you would have.” Trecia laughed.
“I didn’t know what it all meant but after some reflection and meditation, I realize how my life was before you and I wasn’t happy. Now, I am.”
“What kind of Hazard are you?” she asked him.
“The good kind, baby,” I laughed. “Let me show you.”
…
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed Hazard! He’s my first official firefighter, which I plan to continue. Did you notice some things were left unanswered? Who is Sub’s phantom wife? Who will Synergy going to connect with? Will it be public or private school for Rex’s child? Is the Chief going to retire sooner rather than later? Will the probie, Toad himself, find love?
Stay tuned! If you’re interested in staying current with all the happenings with my writing, previews, and giveaways, sign up for my monthly newsletter by clicking here.
Check out other books in the Dallas Fire & Rescue Kindle World Here!
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About the Author
Xyla Turner is a USA Today Bestselling and multiple award-winning romance author. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and is a dedicated educator. Outside of reading, Xyla likes to spend time with her family and travel as much as her schedule permits.
Xyla is a proud member of Romance Writers of America, the New York and Cultural, Interracial, Multicultural Chapter. She is also the founder of Author Go. Join the movement: www.author-go.com
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Other Titles
10:80: Line of Duty Series
10-99: Line of Duty Series
10-24: Line of Duty Series (Coming Soon)
March: In Her Shoes
Strut: In Her Shoes
Just Ride: Legion of Guardians MC (eBook & Audio)
Let’s Ride: Legion of Guardians MC
Just Right: Legion of Guardians MC
Just Dream: Legion of Guardians MC
Dream Ride: Legion of Guardians MC (Coming Soon)
F Student: FRU Series
D Student: FRU Series (Coming Soon)
Undertones
Take A Knee (Coming Soon)
Cole (Coming Soon)
By Chance, No Choice: Stetson Series
Meet Me Halfway: Stetson Series
Love at all Cost: Stetson Series (Coming Soon)
BOMBSHELL
Across the Tracks
Power of the Pen
Extraction
Under Further Review: The Pro Series
The Chase, Part I & II: The Double XX Series
Back Court: The Pro Series
Love Under Attack: FRCC Series
Bookstore Chronicles I, II, III
https://amazon.com/author/xylaturner
