4. Jace

FOUR

JACE

The Thanksgiving and Christmas season in Love Beach should be a season in itself. Not only is Love bBeach over the top on a good day, Thanksgiving comes galloping in waving flags until Christmas says "hold my beer". There are events, tree lighting, dinners and of course the annual Christmas dance at the fire department. Planning for that night starts the day after Halloween to kick off the giving season.

Growing up here, all the over the top stuff no longer phases me. It's just another glorious day in Love Beach. But this year feels different. It's my first year with the fire department and it's what I've looked forward to my whole life. I knew when I was five years old I wanted to be a firefighter. My family has made their life here and I can't wait to start the next generation.

After being made to run errands with Vienna, I'm back at the firehouse for the next forty eight hours. My shifts vary and can run anywhere from sixteen to ninety six hours at a time. After those long ones, I can usually get three days off to recoup, but in actuality I don't mind being there.

When I joined the department, I knew all about the dangers of firefighting. And I'm not just talking about the actual fires, I'm talking about what happens to the probationary officers coming in. Not only am I brand new, but I'm young, too and my captain took that and ran with it. Maddox Baylor is a handful but I also trust his judgment and would stand beside him in a fire any day.

I'm solid in my character and who I am, so the constant ribbing from the guys doesn't bother me. I never let them get under my skin because I know it's all in good fun. They try real hard, though. And Maddox has found the one thing that seems to be breaking through my solid exterior.

Poppy James.

My eyes lingered a moment too long on her and that guy sniffed it out like a police dog. So far I think he's the only one who's noticed. The others haven't pushed more than the usual comments to try to embarrass me.

The fire alarm sounds jolting me from my chair. I gulp down the last of my coffee and run to my locker. Stepping into my pants and boots at the same time and pulling my suspenders over my shoulders, I shrug on my coat, grab my helmet and we're racing for the trucks.

I'm the first one to climb on while Brian, the chauffeur jumps into the driver's seat. Ted is next and Maddox brings up the rear, holding his helmet. He never puts it on until the last minute. We badgered him about not wanting to mess up his blond slick hair.

"When the probie is beating you to the engine, it might be time to rethink the structure here, fellas!" Chief Donnelly calls out.

"Probie is a kiss ass and he only beat us because you're standing there watching."

"So you're just trying to make him look good, huh, Baylor? What an honorable thing to do." Chief crosses his arms and raises a brow.

"I do what I can, sir!" he mumbles under his breath when our chief turns away shaking his head. "Stop making us look bad, probie," Maddox huffs out but it means nothing. He bangs twice on the window letting Brian know we can move.

"Maybe you should cut down on the sugar, you'll move faster," I jibe at him.

Ted lets out a low whistle. "Damn, man. Are you going to let him talk to you like that?"

Maddox gets a sly smile and I know I'm in for it. Sometimes I can't help myself but to throw some jabs and he always takes it in stride. I think I'm earning a bit of respect from him when I stand up for myself. Or at least, give as good as I get.

"Maybe you should dip into the sugar more . It may take away the eagerness. Nothing worse than finishing in two bites you know?" I roll my eyes and he laughs. "Ted, I think our baby has his first crush!"

I groan as Ted moves closer. "Oh yeah? Do tell."

"Poppy James has stirred him up."

"Ha! I knew it! I saw the way you were watching her when she came to the station the other day," Ted exclaims.

"I think his real love interest is me. And by getting with my girl's cousin, it would lock him into the family for good." Maddox chortles.

The truck slows, sirens still loud as we pull up to the old movie theater at the end of town which has black smoke rising from the back of the building.

"We'll continue this conversation in a minute. Let's go!" The three of us jump from the truck, and Brian comes around the side to meet us. Ted and I wrench the hose from its holder, face shields in place and head toward the building. This is what I thrive on; this first contact of running towards danger where everyone else is going the other way. I want to be that guy they know they can call at any time and count on me being there.

This is also the place where I can come a bit unhinged. The piece of my personality that craves wild and being in the forefront gets to showcase itself. I need to scream out the orders, and speak with authority so people know who's in charge.

Maddox is already a step ahead directing us to the side. The police are here, clearing the way of bystanders and when I raise my fist signaling it's go-time, the water works its way through the hose before exploding onto the fire aiming for the base of the flames. We quickly douse the flames and within minutes things are under control once again.

My heart rate returns to normal and the adrenaline slowly dissipates as we jog back to the truck, wrapping the hose and climbing back in.

I take off my helmet, toss it on the bench next to me and reach for a water bottle. Guzzling half of it, I take a deep breath and lean back, my body feeling the heaviness of the equipment.

"So what are you going to do about Poppy?" Maddox speaks next to me and we pick up the conversation as if we just didn't put out a raging fire.

I roll my head to the side and raise a brow before looking forward again and shrug. "What would she want with me?"

"I bet she'd love to teach you a thing or two!" Brian yells from the driver's seat.

"Jesus! Did you tell him while we were putting out that fire?" I yell at Maddox.

"He needed to be brought up to speed on the conversation. This is a big deal. Our little probie is growing up!" he retorts back.

"You guys act like I've never had a girlfriend before," I grumble and move around in my seat.

"Have you?"

"Yes," I reply curtly.

"Did you have sex with her? "

"I'm not a virgin! Damn, you guys act like I'm twelve years old."

Maddox bumps me with his shoulder. "We're just messing with you, Sully."

"You've got that young, quiet, intriguing thing going for you. Unlike Maddox here who has to be the show everywhere he goes," Brian calls from the front.

"My show got me the hottest girl around."

"Yeah and you almost fucked it up. You're lucky she's smarter than you," I jeer him and Maddox punches my arm.

"And you're dumb as a rock if you don't try with Poppy. Who cares how old she is. She's new to town, looking for a bit of excitement and I bet you could use a bit, too. You can't just fight fires every day probie, you've got to live a little, too. "

But fire is my life and I don't want a distraction. I'm five months away from coming off probationary status and I need someone who's going to respect that my time needs to be at the station.