Sage followed Jamie and sat. She saw Cam grab Porky by the arm and pull him around the corner to a back room. Cam’s deep voice carried to where she was sitting, unfortunately in the closest booth to the back room. She wondered if the rest of the restaurant could hear.
“You’ll treat my girl with respect, or I’ll smear your face across the parking lot. Got it?”
“Sorry, Cap. I didn’t mean anything by it. I mean, come on, she is tall.”
“Never call someone a derogatory name, JFK. Especially a woman. It hurts them.”
“Got it. Sorry, Cap. She is hot though. Good job landing her.”
“Don’t, JFK.”
“Okay, yeah.”
Sage busied herself looking at the menu as JFK sauntered past her booth, pausing to give her an obnoxious wink like he hadn’t just been reamed. Cam appeared a few seconds later. He sat and gave her a forced smile. “Pineapple’s burgers are amazing.”
“Not feeling the red meat draw today. How about the grilled chicken skewers?”
“Really good.”
She nodded then couldn’t help herself. “‘My girl?’”
Cam’s face went a little red. “Sorry. I was trying to get a point across.”
“I don’t mind.”
Cam’s dark blue eyes focused completely on her. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, and they were lost in their own silent conversation when Jamie returned to take their order.
The rest of dinner went great. Emily, Jake, Tyler, and some other firefighters came over and introduced themselves. Cam was fun to talk to, sharing some hilarious firefighter stories with her then laughing loudly at her stories of Levi teaching her how to make dry ice bombs and him getting in trouble when she blew up their parent’s mailbox. They both were a lot more relaxed throughout the meal than they had been in all their previous interactions.
After dinner, she drove him back to his house and parked her Jeep. She really wanted to kiss him again, but how did she get in a position for that? Walk him to the door? Lean over the gear shift? Every idea seemed awkward.
“Your house is beautiful,” she said.
“Thanks. I did all of the framing and finish work.”
“Nice.” He was handy. Another item to add to the list of impressive Cam qualities.
“So, tomorrow afternoon about one? The big, adventurous date?” He grinned.
Sage tilted her head to the side. “I’ll be ready.”
“See that you are, and no backing out this time.” He commanded.
“Aye-aye, Cap.”
He laughed then swung his door open and climbed out.
“Thanks for dinner,” she said.
“I owe you at least one more for feeding me last weekend.”
“Sounds good.” They stayed there smiling at each other for a few seconds. When it started to get awkward, he slapped his hand on the Jeep then stepped back. Sage took that as her cue to leave. She slipped it into reverse and flipped around. As she drove out of his driveway, she glanced back. He was standing there watching her go. She could really see herself liking this guy.
Chapter Fourteen
Cam rapped on Sage’s door and waited. He’d coached a game down in the Salt Lake Valley this morning, but the entire afternoon, evening, and hopefully into the night was planned for Sage. She swung open the door, wearing those fitted running clothes that got his blood pumping and a large smile. Her blonde hair was up in a ponytail, but its shiny length spilled over her shoulder.
Cam reached up and touched her hair. It felt as smooth as he’d imagined it would. “You do realize when you dress like this I can’t concentrate?” Cam couldn’t believe those words had leaked out.
“What do you need to concentrate on Coach Captain Compton?” She winked at him. “Your lacrosse game is over, and you aren’t on call today.”
“Good point.” He didn’t want to get all cheesy and clarify that all he wanted to concentrate on was her.
He walked her to his truck, opened her door, and helped her inside. They drove up the mountain to Olympic Park.
“This is your adventurous date?”
Cam smiled. “I know it’s not true adventure if you’re safe, but the buddy I usually get climbing gear from had already rented it all out today. I’m hoping we can go on a hike from your cabin tomorrow afternoon. I’m sure you’d love to take me Jeeping, but I don’t think I’m brave enough to sit shotgun for you.”
“Oh, I think you’re plenty brave.” She winked. “So we’re spending tomorrow together too?”
“Getting a little ahead of yourself, Miss Turner. Let’s see how today goes.”
Sage laughed at him using her line as he grinned broadly at her.
Cam paid for their adventure tickets, and they started with a ride up the ski lift for the alpine slide. They caught an occasional glimpse through the pine trees of the metal slide and the little sleds that raced down.
“Ladies first,” Cam gestured with his hands when they disembarked from the lift and walked to the top of the slide.
“No way. You go first and see if I can catch you.”
Cam scoffed. “You can’t catch me. I’m double your weight. You’re not that good of a driver.”
“Let’s see,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Cam looked at the young male attendant who was eyeing Sage like she was Miss America. “Good luck, man. My money’s on her.”
Cam climbed onto the little sled with a handle that was his brake. He suddenly worried if he was too big for this contraption. He didn’t have any time to stew about it as he took off, gaining speed quickly and wheeling around the corners. He had to pull on the brake a few times or he would’ve flown off the track. He was a few turns from the bottom when he heard a loud whoop and whipped around to see Sage bearing down on him. Her hair floated behind her and her face was lit up. Cam was a goner on the challenge, but in even worse danger of losing his heart completely.
She rammed into him as they pulled into the stop. The attendant scowled at them, but didn’t say anything. Sage laughed and laughed.
They went to the zip line next and just hearing her light laughter as they swooped down the mountainside was pure joy to Cam. The lush green valley spread below them. He didn’t know that he’d ever felt this way. Being with Sage made him happy and then some. He felt more alive than when he dragged a hose line into a burning building, never completely sure if it would be the last time he saw daylight or not.
They plunged off the drop tower, and Cam cracked up when Sage screamed the entire way down. She even conned him into climbing around the adventure ropes course with a bunch of eight-year olds, laughing at him when Cam got stuck between some ropes because he was too big.
It was so carefree and fun. Cam loved every second of it.
“Okay, last thing,” he said. “Can you handle the tubes?”
She glanced up the green mountainside. It looked like a turf lacrosse field, even though it was definitely some other kind of material. She grinned. “Where do I sign up for that?”
“This way.”
They climbed into a four-wheel drive utility vehicle, and their guide, Kayden, joked with them as they drove to the top. They got situated together on a huge tube, and before Cam knew it, they were off. Sage was laughing, but Cam was gripping the tube and half-terrified as they plunged down the mountainside. They reached the bottom, and he felt a little disoriented, like he was floating or something. He stood and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her close. “You are crazy.”
“Crazy fun.”
“Yes, that too.” He’d never had so much crazy fun.
Cam leaned down, fully intent on kissing her.
“Hey, friends.” Kayden yelled as he pulled to a stop next to them and jumped out of the side by side. “Did you love it?”
“It was exhilarating,” Sage said.
Cam wondered if he was imagining how breathless her voice sounded and the implication of her words. Was he exhilarating to her? Oh,
how he hoped. Tonight, he was taking her to dinner, and she had better plan on being kissed good and long when he took her home. He grinned to himself.
Chapter Fifteen
Sage opened her door and about had a heart attack. “Wow. You look … wow.”
Cam grinned, and it didn’t help her pulse slow down at all. He was wearing a suit so deep blue it was almost black. It matched his eyes and looked like it was tailor made to showcase his large, fit body.
“Look at you.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “You’re so beautiful.”
Sage smiled and did a little curtsy. Her knee-length red shift dress floated up. She was wearing heels. Heels! She’d never dared wear them, but Cam claimed he loved her height, and he was tall enough she could wear a two-inch stiletto, and he still had her by several inches. “I dress to please.”
“I’m definitely pleased.” He chuckled and escorted her onto the porch. She teetered a little bit on the stairs.
“Sorry. Not used to wearing these shoes.”
“You should always wear them. Your legs are …” He looked away and cleared his throat. “Perfect.”
“Thank you.” Sage smiled, wishing she dared tell him it was only because of his confidence boost that she’d been brave enough to don the funky black and white swirled stilettos.
He helped her into his truck, and they drove down to the Redstone shopping area by the outlet stores. “Do you like Italian?” he asked.
“It’s a personal favorite.”
“My sister loves Ghidotti’s, so we come here every time she’s in town.”
“I’ve never been.”
“Good.” He gave her a quick glance and a warm smile. “I like introducing you to new things.”
Something about that smile and those words had her tingling.
The young man running the valet service got her door and helped her out. He handed her off to Cam with a smile that grew when Cam palmed him a twenty-dollar bill.
“Whoa. You tip the valet that much?” Sage asked as the young man jumped into Cam’s truck.
Cam shrugged, looking embarrassed. Sage reddened too. “Sorry.”
“No, it’s okay. I like rewarding young people who are willing to work, but I don’t want you to think I show off my money.”
Sage’s eyebrows dipped. What was he talking about? She hoped firefighters made a fabulous wage for the expertise they had and risks they took, but she doubted they were super wealthy. They probably didn’t make much more than she did working as a public servant. Cam’s truck and house were both really nice, but she assumed that was because he was single and could sink all his money into them. Plus, he’d said he had done some of the work on the house.
The maître d’ escorted them to a corner table. The restaurant was gorgeous with decorative wrought iron along the banisters and over each archway, tan-colored walls, marble pillars, a huge fireplace, and green plants decorating the surfaces.
The Italian waiter was fun and flirtatious. Sage had to hide a smile when Cam scowled at the man complimenting Sage and beaming when she said she’d have whatever he suggested. He returned quickly with their drinks and a calamari fritti appetizer.
Sage dipped some calamari in the sauce and savored the creamy texture and spicy flavors.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.” Cam focused in on her, and she thought how incredibly lucky she was at this moment to be with this hard-working, kind, and handsome man. She hoped her question didn’t mess anything up, but he’d already dropped a couple hundred dollars at the Olympic Park without batting an eye.
“Do you have a side job I don’t know about?”
He shifted in his seat and glanced down. “No.”
“I hope I don’t make this awkward, but your comment about not trying to show off your money. I didn’t know firefighter captains were … wealthy?”
Cam shook his head. “You’re right. The pay is fine, some complain about it, but it’s fine. I, um.” He cleared his throat. “When my parents were killed, I got a lot of insurance money, and the money from their estate and investments was substantial.”
Sage’s eyes widened, and her heart seemed to falter. “Your parents were killed?”
He nodded shortly and took a quick drink of his Italian soda.
“I’m so sorry.” Sage managed. She felt like she knew Cam, but obviously she didn’t.
“It was a long time ago,” he said dismissively.
Sage could tell he was trying to act like he was okay, but he obviously wasn’t. She didn’t know if it was the time or place to try to open him up.
The waiter brought her shrimp ravioli and his chicken parmigiana. Cam started telling her about the lacrosse game from this morning and how Braden knocked some kid down with his stick then did a warrior yell. He got a penalty, but Cam couldn’t help laughing about it.
The mood lightened, and they enjoyed talking about her students, his sister, her brother, and her parents throughout the meal, but she still wanted to know what had happened to his parents.
The night went too quickly, and before she knew it, they were on her porch.
“I hate to say goodnight. I could sit and stare at you in your suit for hours.”
Cam’s grin was her favorite. His cheeks crinkled, and his eyes seemed to sparkle at her. He gently ran his hands down her arms. “Maybe we should dress up for dinner every night.”
“You’re saying we’re going to be eating dinner together every night?” She took a bold step closer.
“I’m game.” He lowered his head, and his warm breath brushed her cheek.
“Cam?” she whispered, encircling her arms around his neck.
“Yeah?” His low voice rumbled over her.
“I’m falling for you pretty hard.”
Cam studied her with an intensity that left her breathless. “Don’t worry. I can catch you.”
He pressed his lips to hers, and the world exploded in light and color. Tucking her against him, he took the kiss from unreal to the stuff of poetry as he caressed her lips with his own. Luckily, he was holding her against him or she would’ve fallen over on the unfamiliar heels. It didn’t matter if everyone else in the world thought she was too tall or too big, she was the right size for Cam. With how strong and capable he was, she knew he could catch her no matter how hard she fell for him.
Chapter Sixteen
Cam went to church with Sage and her parents the next day. He liked her dad and felt instant sympathy for the big, tough guy who couldn’t move very well anymore. Her mom was fun—average height, thin, and very capable. Cam could see where Sage got her beauty and her sparkling personality. He’d hoped to have dinner with her alone at her cabin Sunday afternoon, cook for her and prove that food could still be good when following a recipe, but her mom insisted they have dinner with them at their house. Although he’d have liked to get her alone, he didn’t mind too much. It was nice to be part of a family like this.
“I don’t know why you think you have to drive,” Sage complained as he got her door. Taking her hand, they sauntered together up her parent’s sidewalk. She looked as fabulous as she had last night. Today she was wearing a knee-length pencil skirt and a pink blousy thing.
“I the man. I must drive.” Cam grunted out.
Sage patted his hand. “I hate to tell you, dear, but it’s the twenty-first century. The cave man act isn’t as sexy as it was in the nineteen-fifties.”
“Shoot.” Cam grinned at her. “Sorry, I just like to drive.”
“Me too, and my Jeep is a lot more fun.”
“I freeze in that thing.”
“You are such a wimp.” Sage winked and then poked a finger at him and laughed teasingly.
Cam whipped her off her feet, holding her against his chest.
“Put me down.” She commanded.
“Not until you admit that I’m a tough guy.” He really just wanted to hold her in his arms, loving that they were at a spot where he could tease and hold her without feeli
ng awkward.
Sage shook her head resolutely, her eyes full of laughter. “Scrawny wimp who can’t handle a little cold.”
Cam let go of her upper body with his right arm. Her head swooped down, and she let out a squeal. Cam caught her and lifted her back up and into his chest. “I’ll really drop you this time.” He warned.
Her cheeks were pink, and she was laughing. “You wouldn’t dare.”
He threw her up into the air then caught her a little bit lower. “Say that I’m tough.”
She wrapped her arms tight around his neck and shook her head stubbornly. Cam didn’t know that he’d ever been this carefree and happy with anyone. “Say I’m tough, or I’m going to …” He couldn’t think what to threaten besides dropping her, and he really didn’t want to let her go. “Kiss you on the face.”
“On the face?” She chuckled. “Oh, the threats.”
“Say it.” He commanded, pulling her up and in tighter.
Sage brushed her nose against his cheek. “No way, I’m waiting for you to kiss me on the face. Never had that happen before.”
Cam smiled, anticipation surging through him. “You’ve got to the count of five to say I’m the toughest man you’ve ever met, or I’ll kiss you in ways you’ve never been kissed.”
“Ooh. Lucky, lucky me.” She winked.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” Cam counted fast and hoped her parents weren’t anywhere close to the front door as he lowered his head and kissed her until she let out the cutest moan and they were both short of breath. Feeling a little unsteady from the heady sensation of kissing and holding her, Cam set her on her feet, trailed his hands through her silky hair, and kept right on kissing her.
“Church in the morning, making out by afternoon.” The teasing voice came from behind Cam.
Cam and Sage broke guiltily apart.
Her dad was leaning against the doorjamb, smiling. “Your mother says you need to come eat and stop smooching or the rolls are going to be cold and the butter won’t melt properly.”
Sage rolled her eyes and took Cam’s hand. “First she demands we eat dinner here. Then she ruins a good kiss.”
Rescued By Love: Park City Firefighter Romance Page 8
