The fine hairs on the back of Cam’s neck stand on end. He knows Stella is here.
Turning his head, he sees her with a little boy and his parents. Cam smiles.
Cam
Stella, I’m so glad you were able to make it.
He loves hearing her use his name instead of the initials she uses in their text conversations.
Stella
This is Andy and these are his parents, Joe and Linnea.
After shaking hands with the adults, Cam crouches down and holds his hand out to Andy.
Cam
Hey there, little man. I guess it was lucky you missed school yesterday, huh?
Cam
Well, you don’t see any of your other classmates here, do you?
Cam
That’s right. This tour is special just for you.
Andy
Do I get to go on the trucks too?!
Cam
But first, my friend Firefighter Chris is going to show you around the station.
Cam
You’ll get to meet all the other firefighters. How’s that sound?
Andy
GREAT! Miss Torres, are you coming, too?
Before Stella can reply, Cam jumps in.
Cam
I need Miss Torres to help me make sure the trucks are ready in the bay.
Cam
It’s the big garage where we keep the trucks.
Cam
You go on with your mom and dad and we’ll meet you there, deal?
After Chris ushers the trio out to the main area, Cam takes Stella’s hand.
He leads her in the opposite direction.
He knows the bay will be empty…
And that gives him some privacy to charm Stella into a date.
Stella
Cam, what are we doing?
Stella
Why aren’t we going on the tour with Andy?
Cam
I just want a chance to talk to you alone for a minute.
Cam
Don’t worry, they’ll catch up with us soon.
Cam pulls her around the front of his rig, Engine 17, and maneuvers her back against the door.
Smiling down at her, he keeps his hands in his pockets to prevent himself from reaching out to touch her…for now.
Cam
So was it my imagination yesterday or were my Stop, Drop, and Roll rhymes getting you a little hot and bothered?
Stella bursts into laughter, that husky melody making Cam’s gut clench with need.
Stella
You got me. I’m a closet nursery rhyme fetishist.
Stella
You should see what happens when I read Dr. Seuss.
Cam
If I actually thought that was the least bit true…
Cam
I’d recite The Lorax to you right here and now.
Stella
If that was honestly the case, that would be a horrible idea.
Stella
Because this is hardly the time or place to get turned on.
Cam pulls one hand out and places it by her head on the rig, leaning in closer.
He drops his voice to a low rumble.
Cam
Does that mean you’re interested in me turning you on at a different time and place, Stella?
Her lips part and cheeks flush, and her breaths grow shallow.
Her big eyes lock onto his.
Stella
I…uh…I’m not sure what I mean or even how I’m feeling right now.
Cam can’t hold back his chuckle. She’s so damn adorable and sexy at the same time.
A knot of nervous tension in his chest starts to unravel.
He knows their chemistry doesn’t only exist over texts.
Cam
Then let me to show you how I’m feeling.
He leans in farther, dipping his head and holding her mesmerizing gaze the whole way.
Their lips are a breath away from touching…
When they hear Andy’s excited chatter, breaking the spell.
They pull away from each other a split second before the little boy rounds the front of the rig.
Andy runs up and hugs her legs. He starts talking a mile a minute about everything he’s seen.
For the next twenty minutes, Andy explores the rig while Cam and Chris answer all his questions.
And at every chance he gets, Cam makes a point to give Stella a sly grin…
A grin that tells her he’s still thinking about that almost-kiss,
And shows her how badly he can’t wait to make it happen.
She blushes, making Cam think she’s into him too.
Andy’s parents announce that they need to get going, and Cam panics.
He hasn’t gotten enough time with Stella.
Reaching out for her hand, he says the first thing that comes to mind.
Cam
Stella, if you have a few minutes, I’d like to talk to you about the summer safety program.
Cam
I can give you the information to pass on to the kids’ parents.
Stella looks between him and Andy’s parents before finally speaking.
Stella
Um, sure. That would be great.
Stella
Andy, I’ll see you on Monday at school, okay?
Andy
Yeah okay. I can’t wait to tell Carlos and Danny about this!
Andy’s parents make sure that he thanks everyone properly, and then the trio leaves.
Cam gives Chris a look that tells him to make himself scarce. His friend smirks but ducks away.
Finally alone, Cam knows he has to work fast. The guys could walk into the bay at any time.
Stella
So…is there a pamphlet on the safety program I can take with me or something?
Stella
What about the safety program?
Cam
Forget that for now —
Cam
The information is on the department’s website. I’ll send you the link.
Cam
Dinner, Stella. Please say yes.
Stella
What makes you think I’d be interested in going to dinner with you?
Cam
The way I can tell your body is responding to mine every time we’re near each other.
Cam
The fact that you wanted me to kiss you earlier…
Again, he backs her up against the rig and plants his hand by her head,
Leaning in until their lips are mere inches apart.
Cam
The fact that you want me to kiss you now.
Stella’s eyes lower to half-mast and focus on his mouth.
Holding back is torture, but Cam does it.
He needs her to agree to go to dinner with him — more than anything.
Cam
You. Me. Dinner. Say yes, Stella.
A huge grin spreads over his face.
Cam
Where should I pick you up?
Stella
Would it be okay if I met you, since it’s the first date?
Cam
Good. I was thinking of Mangiami. Say 8 o’clock?
Stella
Sure, but…won’t you still be working?
Cam
Nope. I’m not on today.
Cam
I came in so I could see you.
Stella
But you didn’t know whether I was coming.
Cam
It was worth it — just for the smallest chance of seeing you.
Stella
Well, aren’t you quite the charmer, Firefighter Cameron.
Cam
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
He dips his head to finally reward them both with a kiss,
But the tones go off in the station, followed by the dispatch info for the call.
Cam pulls away with a muttered curse.
Stella laughs, making it hard for him to hold onto his frustration.
He gives her a wry grin and leads her away as the men race to get ready.
He stops next to where his gear is and starts pulling everything on.
Cam
I want you to stay safe, so please don’t move from this spot until we pull away — okay?
Stella
Okay. Is it bad to admit that watching you right now is making me hot?
Cam
Yes, but only in the very best way.
With a wink, he turns away to grab his helmet.
Stella
Jansen. Your last name is Jansen?
Cam
That’s what the back of the jacket says.
Cam
Gotta go do my thing, gorgeous.
Something flashes in Stella’s eyes, but Cam doesn’t have the luxury of sticking around to find out what it is.
Stella
Okay, be safe. I’ll see you tonight.
The need to kiss her goodbye is riding him hard…
But all he can do is nod before running to jump onto the engine.
Just a few more hours and then he’d have her all to himself, his sexy sext operator…Stella.
