Chapter 2

2

MCKENNA

M cKenna Adams sat on the worn leather couch at the Phoenix Ridge Fire Department, idly flipping through channels. It was a typical Monday, one of those quiet shifts where the biggest excitement was usually the latest ridiculous reality show her fellow firefighters were glued to. Tonight’s episode featured extreme sports and overzealous competitors pushing their limits, fittingly absurd for a group that often dealt with the aftermath of real-life disasters. The familiar sounds of laughter and playful banter filled the room, a welcome distraction from the daily grind of their rigorous jobs. McKenna had settled into a comfortable routine, ready to enjoy the calm before the storm.

McKenna had dedicated her life to the Phoenix Ridge Fire Department ever since she graduated from the academy. The fire station felt like a second home to her, filled with the camaraderie and respect she had always craved. Growing up in the area, she had witnessed firsthand the heroic deeds of the firefighters. They had come to her school as guests, showcasing their strength and bravery, leaving an indelible mark on her young mind. She remembered the thrill of watching the firefighters in their bright gear, the way they handled the equipment with ease, and the respect they commanded from everyone around them.

She had always been captivated by their confidence and competence- especially the women on the team. With their muscles flexed and laughter ringing through the air, they embodied a kind of strength McKenna aspired to. It was during those formative years that she realized something profound about herself. She was drawn to women, especially those who could stand tall in a male-dominated field. Maybe that was the real reason she wanted to become a firefighter: the allure of strength, resilience, and empowerment that came from being part of such an extraordinary team.

As she settled into her role as one of the department's leading firefighters in a now all female team, McKenna found herself embracing the challenges that came with the job. Each alarm that rang through the station sent a thrill of adrenaline coursing through her veins. She relished the rush of responding to emergencies, knowing she was part of something bigger than herself. Yet, even with all the bravery she exhibited on the job, there were moments when she found herself pondering the choices that brought her here.

Just as McKenna reached for her coffee, savoring the rich aroma that wafted through the air, the alarm shrieked, a deafening sound that cut through the warm chatter of her fellow firefighters and shattered the relaxed atmosphere of the firehouse. The sudden blare jolted her upright, her heart racing as the reality of the moment sank in. She felt the familiar rush of adrenaline, a cocktail of excitement and urgency surging through her veins.

“Movie production crew in trouble at the cliff! Rescue from height!” The voice of her captain Hallie Hunter boomed through the room, urgency lacing her tone. The gravity of the situation set in as the words echoed off the walls, and she could see her colleagues immediately snapping into action. The banter and laughter that had filled the room just moments before were replaced by a sharp focus, each firefighter knowing the drill as they prepared for the unexpected.

McKenna’s mind raced as she absorbed the information. This was more than just another call; it was a chance to prove herself. As the most senior firefighter on shift that day, she felt a profound sense of responsibility wash over her, a weight that pressed heavily on her shoulders. “Let’s move, team! Gear up!” she commanded, her voice steady and authoritative, masking the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. She could feel the intensity of the moment, the palpable tension hanging in the air as her team scrambled to collect their gear. The sound of boots pounding against the floor, the clinking of equipment, and the rustle of jackets being thrown on filled her ears created a symphony of urgency.

As they prepared, the crew exchanged quick jokes to ease the tension, but McKenna's mind raced through the protocols and strategies she’d practiced countless times. She could already hear the echo of their training: “Every second counts when someone’s life is on the line.”

As they rushed to the scene, McKenna felt the adrenaline sharpening her focus. The quick drive to the cliff was filled with anxious chatter, the crew discussing what they might find and who would prep the equipment. A movie production team? An actress? As the fire truck sped along the winding road, the details were still murky, but one thing was clear: they had a job to do.

As they approached the site, the serene beauty of Phoenix Ridge seemed almost ironic in the face of potential danger. The cliffs loomed ahead, majestic and imposing under the fading light, their shadows stretching like dark fingers toward the ground below. McKenna could already see the growing crowd gathered at the base, a mix of crew members and onlookers. Her stomach tightened.

She parked the truck and leaped out, her boots crunching against the gravel. The scene before her was chaotic. A production crew? Yes, but the urgency in their voices sent a shiver down her spine. She could make out a figure hanging perilously from the cliff—a woman, her hair whipping wildly in the wind.

“Who is it?” McKenna called to one of the production assistants, who was frantically waving his arms.

“That’s Mazey Snow! You need to get her down as fast as possible! She’s holding on, but she isn’t a professional climber! If she falls…” the assistant shouted, panic etched on his face.

McKenna felt her heart drop at the realization. She knew the name, Mazey Snow. She remembered some of her movies. As she looked down again, she recognized the beautiful face tight in concentration and fear. “Don’t worry. We’ll handle it.” She steadied her voice, forcing confidence into her words.

Mazey’s voice floated up to them, teasing yet strained. “Take your time! I’ve got these giant muscles! I can hold on forever!” Her attempt at humor didn’t quite mask the tremor in her voice, but McKenna couldn’t help but admire Mazey’s resilience in the face of danger.

A chuckle broke through the tension, but McKenna couldn’t afford to lose focus. “You look very strong, Mazey,” she called back, the corners of her mouth lifting in a smile. “I’m McKenna, and I’ll be rescuing you in just a few minutes! Don’t go flexing too hard up there.”

“I promise to save my strength for when you pull me up,” Mazey replied, a hint of flirtation in her tone. McKenna felt a rush of warmth at the banter, the lightness between them serving as a small comfort amid the chaos.

With a plan forming in her mind, McKenna surveyed the cliff. It was steep and jagged, the rocks glistening ominously in the sun, casting dark shadows on the ground below. She understood the risks involved. If she descended too quickly, loose rocks could dislodge, potentially hitting Mazey or herself. This wasn’t just about speed; it was about safety.

“Alright, team,” McKenna said, her voice steady, masking the slight flutter of nerves. “I need two of you to secure the base while I lower myself down. Keep a lookout for any falling debris and alert me if you see anything.”

As she prepared her harness and rope, McKenna could hear the production crew whispering behind her, their anxiety palpable. But her focus remained on Mazey, who was still hanging on bravely, albeit with her grip showing signs of strain. “How’s it going down there?” McKenna called out, taking note of the actress’s tense expression.

“Better days, to be honest,” Mazey replied, her wry smile not quite reaching her eyes. “But I’ve survived worse, like the time I did my own stunts in a rom-com!”

“I can’t imagine,” McKenna shot back, her heart racing as she began her descent. “But if you survive this, I’d say you’ve earned a few action movie roles.”

As she inched down the cliff face, the wind whipped around her, and the sheer drop below was both exhilarating and terrifying. McKenna found her rhythm, each movement calculated and precise, and she admired how Mazey held her composure despite the perilous situation. The actress was clearly shaken, but her fierce spirit shone through.

Mazey’s voice drifted up, light yet strained. “You know, getting rescued by a hot firefighter was not on my list of things I would do today.”

McKenna felt her cheeks warm. “I didn’t think I’d be rescuing a beautiful movie star today, so I guess we’re both doing things we couldn't have imagined,” she replied, a smirk playing on her lips. “Just keep those muscles flexed a little longer for me, alright?”

“Yup, of course,” Mazey said, with strain in her voice.

McKenna positioned herself carefully on the rocky outcropping. “I’m going to secure you to my emergency harness. It’s going to feel a bit tight, but it’ll keep you safe.” She fished out the emergency gear, her hands moving with practiced precision.

As McKenna looped the straps around Mazey’s hips and between her legs, she felt some intensity of connection as Mazey’s frightened eyes met her own. The closeness of the act felt almost intimate. It sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her. She felt Mazey’s warmth, the way her body shifted slightly under the pressure of the harness. The world around them fell away, and McKenna found herself captivated by the determination etched on Mazey’s face. Despite the fear lingering in her eyes, there was a flicker of strength that McKenna admired.

“You’re a lot stronger than you look,” McKenna remarked, trying to keep the mood light, though her heart raced with an unexpected thrill. “I mean, you’re practically a superhero right now.”

Mazey looked up, her gaze locking with McKenna’s. In that brief moment, everything shifted. The air crackled with unspoken tension, and the weight of their circumstances seemed to dissolve.

“Superhero? You’re just saying that because I’m dangling off a cliff,” Mazey replied, her voice a mix of bravado and vulnerability. Yet there was something deeper in her tone, an underlying current that resonated between them.

“Maybe,” McKenna teased, her lips curving into a smile. “But I think you’d make a fantastic one in a movie. You’ve got the look for it.” As she tightened the straps, she couldn’t help but admire the way Mazey maintained her composure. The actress was clearly shaken, yet she hid it well behind a veneer of charm and wit.

Mazey returned the smile, a light blush creeping across her cheeks. “Well, if I ever need a stunt double, I know who to call,” she quipped, her playful tone not entirely masking the flicker of fear that danced in her eyes. The way their bodies were so close, the way McKenna could feel the warmth radiating from Mazey, ignited something within her. It was a spark, a pull that was impossible to ignore.

In that suspended moment, as McKenna finished securing the harness, she realized that they were both teetering on the edge, not just of the cliff but of something new and exhilarating. The gravity of their situation was undeniable, yet so was the magnetic connection that pulled them together. McKenna could see the determination in Mazey's eyes, and it sparked a fierce protectiveness within her.

“Just hold on tight, okay?” McKenna said softly, her voice steady yet laced with something deeper. “I won’t let you go.”

Mazey nodded, her breath hitching slightly as she met McKenna’s gaze. “I trust you,” she said, her tone sincere. That simple phrase hung in the air between them, heavy with significance, and McKenna felt her heart swell.

With the last clip secured, McKenna’s focus sharpened again, but she couldn’t shake the warmth radiating from their brief encounter. She felt an undeniable pull, as if the universe had conspired to bring them together in this chaotic moment. And as she prepared to lift Mazey back to safety, she couldn’t help but wonder if this encounter would mark the beginning of something more than just a rescue. It felt like the start of a connection that would linger long after the adrenaline faded.

With a surge of determination, McKenna took a deep breath, anchoring herself in the moment, ready to pull them both back to solid ground.

Mazey laughed softly, but it quickly turned into a wince as she adjusted her grip. “You know, if I survive this, I might just consider a career as a firefighter myself.”

“Hey, why not? You’ve got the strength and bravery,” McKenna shot back, finally securing the last clips. “Alright, let’s do this. On the count of three, we’re going to make our way back up. Ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Mazey replied, her voice steady despite the situation, a flicker of trust in her gaze.

McKenna radioed up to Kaia Montgomery at the top of the cliff.

“Good to go,” she said.

“Roger,” came back Kaia’s singsong voice.

“Just climb behind me. The team will take your weight so it should be easy,” McKenna said to Mazey. Mazey’s blue eyes were wide and clear and looked at her with absolute trust.

With a heave and a tug, McKenna began the ascent, careful to keep her footing as they began the climb back up. The team above was ready, bracing for Mazey’s return. As they neared the top, the cheers of her crew rang out, echoing through the canyon. McKenna felt a surge of pride as she pulled Mazey Snow the movie star safely over the edge.

“Welcome back to solid ground, Mazey,” McKenna said, panting but exhilarated.

Mazey flashed a grateful smile, breathing heavily. “Thanks for saving my life. I owe you one.”

She looked at Mazey, now safely back on solid ground after her perilous hang on the cliff, and couldn't help but marvel at how Mazey managed to maintain her composure. Despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, the actress appeared flawless. Mazey's shiny dark hair, tousled yet perfectly styled, framed her face in a way that seemed almost effortless, and her makeup remained untouched, enhancing her striking features even in the aftermath of chaos. It was a surreal contrast, this glamorous Hollywood star who had just escaped danger exuding an air of poise that was almost otherworldly.

But it wasn’t just Mazey's appearance that caught McKenna’s attention; it was the undeniable spark that ignited within her. There was something electric in the air between them, a palpable tension that sent shivers down McKenna’s spine. It was more than just the adrenaline of the rescue; it was a connection she couldn’t quite articulate. As their eyes locked, she felt an inexplicable pull toward Mazey, a mix of admiration and attraction that both thrilled and unsettled her. What was this feeling? Could it be that Mazey felt it too?

McKenna’s mind raced with questions. She knew Mazey’s public persona well. She was known for dating high-profile men in Hollywood, her romantic life often splashed across tabloids. The actress was portrayed as the quintessential straight starlet, the kind of woman who graced magazine covers and red carpets, always linked with handsome actors. But as McKenna gazed into those expressive eyes, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that there was more to Mazey than what the media portrayed.

Was it possible that Mazey could be anything other than straight? The thought sent a rush of warmth through McKenna. It felt audacious to even entertain the idea, yet the way Mazey looked at her, so intently, as if she were more than just a rescuer, suggested there was a depth to her that defied the labels typically assigned in Hollywood.

“You don’t owe me anything. I was just doing my job,” McKenna said, trying to maintain her professional demeanor even as her heart raced.

Mazey tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. “Do you save actresses hanging off cliffs often??”

“This is my first time,” McKenna admitted with a chuckle, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.

Mazey grinned, her smile infectious. “This is my first time being rescued by a hot firefighter, so today is a day of firsts for both of us. How fun!”

McKenna couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. “Yeah, that’s right. I hope I’ll run into you again while you’re here. But, you know, maybe in less dangerous circumstances.”

“Oh, it depends. I might just make cliff climbing my new hobby,” Mazey replied, feigning seriousness as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.

“Well, if you get stuck, I’ll come and rescue you again,” McKenna shot back, a teasing lilt in her voice. “But next time, I’ll bring snacks.”

Mazey raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Snacks? Now you’re speaking my language! What’s your go-to snack for cliff rescues?”

“Definitely something high-energy. Gotta keep my strength up, you know? Maybe some protein bars, trail mix, or…just a giant bag of chips,” McKenna said, her voice light. “What about you? What’s your rescuee snack of choice?”

“Oh, I’m all about the chocolate,” Mazey confessed, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. “Nothing like a little sugar rush after dangling off a cliff. Do you think chocolate’s a valid cliff-climbing fuel?”

“Absolutely! If it helps you get through a rescue, I’d say it’s essential,” McKenna replied, feeling the warmth of their banter draw her closer to Mazey.

“You might be onto something,” Mazey mused, her eyes sparkling. “If I have to hang off a cliff again, I’ll make sure to pack a stash of chocolate.”

“Just promise me one thing,” McKenna said, her tone turning mock-serious. “If you do, I want to be your official cliff-rescue partner. I’ll bring the snacks; you bring the charm.”

Mazey laughed, a melodious sound that filled the air between them. “Deal! But only if you promise not to be too heroic. I’d like to keep my makeup intact next time.”

McKenna raised her hands in mock surrender. “No heroics, I promise. Just snacks and good company.”

“Sounds like a perfect plan,” Mazey said, her gaze lingering on McKenna a little longer than necessary. “You know, it’s not every day you meet someone who makes a rescue feel like an adventure.”

“I could say the same about you,” McKenna replied, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in Mazey’s clear blue eyes. “You handled that situation like a champ. I was impressed.”

“Thanks! I’ve always had a flair for drama,” Mazey said with a wink. “But I have to admit, I felt a bit of panic creeping in. You were my calm in the storm.”

“Just doing my job,” McKenna replied, trying to sound modest, but the warmth spreading through her made it hard to hide her smile.

Mazey stepped a little closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “Well, you’ve definitely got my attention. Maybe we can turn this rescue into a series of adventures? You know, where I don’t hang off cliffs.”

“I’d like that,” McKenna said, her heart racing again. The chemistry between them crackled like electricity, and she felt a connection she couldn’t ignore. “Just let me know when you’re free, and I’ll show you around Phoenix Ridge.”

Just then, Mazey was called over by the director.

“Well, thank you again. Bye.” She walked away.

As McKenna watched Mazey walk away, she thought about how she had always played it safe, keeping her emotions tucked away behind a wall of professionalism. But now, the thought of letting Mazey in sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

She let out a shaky breath, her resolve hardening. There had to be something more, some thread of connection between them that went beyond a momentary rescue. If there was even a chance, she owed it to herself—and Mazey—to find out.

McKenna walked toward the truck. Her thoughts continued to swirl, but now they were tinged with hope. She glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see Mazey waiting for her, a smile playing on her lips. The possibilities danced in her mind, and for the first time, McKenna felt excited about what lay ahead.