Scorched by Kathryn Shay

Author:Kathryn Shay
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: small town romance, strong female heroine, firefighter romance, female firefighter, fireman romance, good guy romance, protector romance
Publisher: Kathryn Shay

* * *

“Ready?” Tom asked outside the door of the Grand Hotel.

“Sure. Though this place can be intimidating. Mom and I came here once.”

“Tonight, nobody’s going to intimidate us.”

He reassured her, like always.

They walked inside and followed the discreet sign reading Crystal City High School Reunion. Two people sat in front of a room. As they approached, a girl looked up. “Oh, my God, Steffi.” She circled around the table and grabbed Stef in a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Thanks, Lisa.”

Lisa faced Tom. “And you brought your guy.”

“He isn’t—”

“Yeah, she brought me.” He held out his hand. “I’m Tom.”

Turning back to Stef, Lisa asked, “What are you doing these days, Steffi?”

“It’s Stef now. And I’m a firefighter.”

Lisa gave her a quizzical look. “Didn’t you go to college?”

“I did. Lots of firefighters are college educated and they’re no better than the ones who aren’t.”

The woman faced Tom. “And what do you do?”

“I’m a firefighter too. And I didn’t go to college.” She had the grace to blush. “And by the way, Stef’s a lieutenant.”

From behind them someone called out, “Hey, speed it up there, Lisa.”

“I’ll see you inside.” Lisa gave Tom a huge smile. “And you can tell me all about firefighting.”

When they were a few feet away, he rolled his eyes at Stef.

Once in the room, Tom took her hand and led her to the bar. “What would you like?”

“Red wine.”

He caught the bartender’s attention. “She’ll have a cabernet. I’ll take a beer.”

As they waited for drinks, they turned around. The tables were covered in white cloths with maroon napkins, the school’s colors, and people stood around socializing. A couple walked up to them.

Tall and lithe, the woman wore a pink sundress. Her guy followed. “Steffi, I’m so glad to see you.”

Stef’s mouth dropped and she reached out to hug the girl. “I’m so glad to see you too, Beth.”

“I’m sorry we lost touch.”

“I am too. How are you?”

She pulled over her date. “This is Larry Hall.”

The man was well dressed in a light summer suit. “Hi, Steffi.”

“Please, it’s Stef now. Hello, Larry. This is Tom.”

The men shook hands. Stef looked down at their joined hands. “You’re married?”

“Of course. We were high school sweethearts.”

“I remember.” To Tom she said, “Larry was valedictorian of our class. And Beth was salutatorian.”

“Do you have kids?” Stef asked them.

“Yep, a boy and a girl.”

Larry beamed with pride. “She’s a lawyer, too.”

“Wow.”

“What do you do, Stef?” Larry asked.

“I’m a firefighter. A lieutenant in the CCFD.”

“I knew you’d do something important.” This from Beth. “Remember how we used to plan our futures?”

“I do. You were going to be a doctor.”

“I was drawn to the law. Larry’s in law enforcement. The CCPD.”

“America’s Finest,” Tom put in.

“Tom’s a firefighter too.”

“America’s Bravest,” the guy retuned.

“You two will have a lot in common. Sit with us at dinner?”

“We’d love to.”

“Go mingle now and I’ll wave you over when it’s time.”

Tom watched as a series of girls flocked to Stef. He stood back and enjoyed the sight of her. They hugged then introduced their men.

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