Page 27 of A Baby for the Firefighter

He put on a shocked face. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“I don’t know,” I teased, feeling brave in the aftermath of our talk. “They’re not as good as yours, but you know, a man has needs.”

“Are you saying I can’t fulfill your needs?”

“I’m saying you’ll have to spend a lot more time baking if you want to keep me from trying another man’s treats.”

Dean only shook his head. “Once you’ve gotten used to the taste of my treats no other man’s will be able to satisfy you anyway.”

“Oh yeah? We’ll see about that.” I tried to look aloof, but couldn’t keep up the pretense and ended up laughing instead. It was good to know that Dean and I could still joke around like friends, even if we were also kissing now. “What kind of favor were you going to ask me?”

“Nothing big, really. Shane is thinking about getting a dog.”

“A dog?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Where did he get that idea? And what’s it got to do with me?” I wasn’t the one studying to become a veterinarian. That was my brother.

“He just thought… because Conner seems to really like Fiona.”

“Oh. Did he get to meet her? Everyone loves Fiona.” She was a good dog. I missed her a little, to be honest. The house felt awfully empty without her. I’d thought once or twice that maybe I should get a dog too, but hadn’t jumped at the opportunity yet.

“Yeah, apparently he was over at your brother’s on Saturday.”

“That’s great.” I chewed on my muffin. “Maybe getting a dog is not such a bad idea. Animal company can be soothing.”

“You think so? I was thinking you could help because we know nothing about dogs.”

I chuckled. “You’ll be fine. We can go to the shelter where Eli worked, pick out a good dog that’ll get along with Conner and the little one. I can help you get the dog settled. And if you get an older one—”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Dean cut me off.

“What?”

“Getting an older dog. I don’t… I don’t think the kids should be dealing with death again anytime soon.”

“Oh, good point.” I rubbed my chin. “Hadn’t thought about that. But still, I’m sure we can find a dog that suits your needs. We can go tomorrow if you want.”

“That would be great. I’ll talk to my cousin.” He made to get up from the couch.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“Uh… You don’t want me to go yet?”

“Nope.” I pulled on his sleeve and made him sitriiightnext to me. “I know I said we needed to take it slow, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you, okay?” Maybe if I could get used to having him close my fears would vanish with time. “You have to stay and eat your muffins, and maybe we can finish watching that show we started last week?”

“You mean you haven’t watched any more yet?”

“Yeah, I did, but I want to see it again with you. Pleeease?” I sucked my upper lip in and shot him a pleading look.

“Okay.” He laughed. “Anything for you.” He leaned in just a bit to kiss my forehead, and I had to laugh too.

Maybe, just maybe, things were going to be fine.

I could only hope so.

12

Dean

“You havea nice spring in your step today, son,” Mrs. Rosewood commented as I wheeled her through the park Monday morning. “Did something happen with that nice young omega you set your sights on?”