Mmm, carry me.”I laughed, reaching for my sweatpants. “I carry girls, boys, and women, not fully grown capable men.”“Slacker.” He grinned, shoving me.

You know, we can still put that suit to use, though.” I glanced toward the truck and Lock’s face lit up as I closed the distance between us. “What happened to needing a shower?” “Showers are overrated,” I whispered, holding his gaze through the visor. “Plus,” I turned my head to look down the hall, “Jay is down there now.” “That’d be right. Let me just hang up my hat.” He was pulling away when I caught his wrist. “Nuh-uh. Keep the helmet. I want to be with my firefighter.

A smile curved the corners of his mouth under the dust-and soot-covered visor. “You’re crying? I answered his question with my tear-stricken gaze.“I’m not going anywhere.” He reached his hand out and I grasped it tightly.

I’ll see you later,” I murmured.“Yeah.” Our foreheads pressed together. Our lips lingered half an inch apart. Thin ropes of dark hair hung over his forehead as sweat glistened across his face in the streetlights. “Love you.”“Love you more,” he murmured.

I’m not leaving him, Sam! And I’m not waiting for the others to help.