Page 22 of Falling for the Hotshot

“I heard that bread is actually terrible for ducks,” I said in a matter-of-factly tone.

“Well, it might be terrible for them, but what about wiener dogs?”

“Perhaps we should consult the Game & Fish. Certainly, they have a wildlife biologist who feels confident and well-versed in the crossover from waterfowl to wiener dogs who can consult on the matter.” I barely got through the words without laughing my head off.

“I like your laugh,” he said, quietly. It sounded like he was smiling when he said it, too.

“Well, I better let you get back to it, Blaze. I’ve nothing else to report at the moment, but I should get back to monitoring this cloud.”

“Have a good afternoon, Autumn.”

“You too, dispatch.” I knew then that I was in trouble.

Chapter 21

Fire Behavior

Autumn

Days went on with banter-filled conversations that always evolved into deepening topics. Sometimes, Blaze would be a little more reserved if Melody was there. Sometimes, he wouldn’t. I knew that he wasn’t alone all the time, so we did try and keep things somewhat professional, despite growing feelings.

“Dispatch to Tower Three,” Blaze’s voice filled the lookout. My cheeks hurt from smiling.

“Tower Three, go ahead.” A pause filled the silence.

“Radio check?” he asked, and I howled with laughter.

“I thought I was the only one who did radio checks?”

“Do you mean phony radio checks, just to hear my voice?” He had a silly tone to his demeanor today, and I loved it.

“So, this isn’t a phony radio check? This is real—you weren’t sure if your equipment was working, or what?”

“This is phony. I just wanted to say hi.” I grinned like a lunatic and praised God for such a fun crush I was developing.

“Well, hi, Blaze,” I said. My cheeks felt like I needed a week without smiling to ever recover from this. “What candles do we have burning today?”

“I think today’s scent is mulberry pie. She has it a little further from me than normal.” Laughter filled the other end of the line.

“What is a mulberry, anyway?” I asked with a giggle.

“A berry from the region of Mul,” Blaze replied with an unshakable confidence. I was cackling with laughter now.

“Really?” I gasped for air through my laughter.

“It is very difficult to visit Mul this time of year,” he said. Tears were rolling down my face.

“And why is that?” I could barely get the words out.

“Peak berry season.”

“Blaze!” I snorted with laughter.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I have no clue what a mulberry is either.”

“But that sounded so correct, and I completely believed you for every word.” He was laughing now, too.

“That says more about you than it does about me, Autumn.” I could hear Melody in the background speaking to another dispatcher.