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Lux chuckled. “You’re funny.”

“Yeah,” Zoey said, taking a sip of her coffee. “Why do I doubt that?”

Lux nodded, leaning back in her chair. “What do you think of Phoenix Ridge so far?”

Zoey glanced around the coffee shop then back at Lux. “It’s quiet. Different from Forest Vale.”

“Forest Vale, huh?” Lux said, pretending to be surprised. “I’ve heard it’s a bit rougher up there.”

“It has its moments.”

“Phoenix Ridge isn’t so bad once you get used to it. There’s a lot to like about this place. And it isn’t so quiet, I promise you that. Not once fire season starts. We will be very busy.”

Zoey looked at her, saying nothing. Her beautiful brown eyes were framed with long, thick lashes, and they were hard to read. There was stuff going on there; Lux could see that for sure. Lux could also see the curve of her full breasts under her shirt, and she liked it. She ran her eyes over them appreciatively, knowing Zoey would notice.

Zoey didn’t react. Women always reacted to Lux’s moves.

Hmmm. A tough one here. Maybe she isn’t gay?

Even the straight ones usually reacted to Lux. She had that effect on women.

Lux smiled slightly, taken aback by Zoey. “I’m guessing you haven’t had much time to explore yet.”

“Not really,” Zoey said, her expression unchanging.

Lux felt herself getting more annoyed at Zoey’s lack of reaction.

“So, how are you finding the station?” Lux asked, her tone casual.

“It’s fine,” Zoey said. “Still getting to know everyone.”

Lux took a sip of her cappuccino, studying Zoey over the rim of her cup. Zoey was very attractive, no doubt about it. Her features were sharp, and there was a quiet intensity about her that Lux found intriguing. Oh, and her resistance to Lux’s charms. That had to be a challenge.

She put her cup down. “I know it can be tough being the new person. Especially in a place like this where everyone knows each other.”

Zoey’s eyes met Lux’s, and for a moment, Lux thought she saw a crack in the armor. But it was gone as quickly as it came.

“I’ll be fine,” Zoey said, her tone polite but firm.

Lux nodded, leaning back in her chair again. She wasn’t going to push. “If you need anything, you can always ask. People here are friendly, even if they don’t seem like it initially.”

Zoey offered a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I appreciate that.”

There was a brief silence between them. Lux could feel the awkwardness settling in, but she wasn’t ready to walk away.

“What brought you to Phoenix Ridge?” Lux asked.

Zoey hesitated again, her fingers tightening slightly around her coffee mug. “Just needed a change of scenery, I guess.”

Lux nodded, sensing that was all she was going to get. “Well, I’m glad you ended up here. We can always use good people.”

Lux caught Zoey’s wince at the mention ofgood people. Did Zoey feel like she wasn’t good? A modest firefighter. That was unusual.

“Thanks,” Zoey said.

Lux went to finish her coffee, but the cup was empty already. She stood up, adjusting her jacket. “I should get going. Got a lot to do today.”

Zoey nodded, looking up at her. “Sure.”