Page 4 of Her Silver Fox Firefighters

He hands it to me, his fingers brushing mine.

The brief touch sends a jolt up my arm, my breath stuttering as if my body hasn’t gotten the memo we’re mortified.

"Should I ask how it ended up in our yard?" His voice is deep, smooth as aged bourbon.

I glance back at the other two. The gray-eyed one is hiding a smirk behind his coffee mug.

The tattooed one looks downright delighted.

I shake my head mutely.

“It was an accident,” I manage, voice shaky. “My friend sent it, and I didn’t know it would just?—”

“You don’t need to explain,” the quiet one says, his tone calm but his eyes carrying a heat that steals my breath.

“I’m Olivia!” I blurt out, shoving the dildo behind my back, desperate to change the subject. “I nevergot a chance to introduce myself.”

That was intentional, of course. Staying invisible had been the whole plan—but it’s officially blown to hell now that my first impression is a live-demo of Sex Toy Olympics in front of my stupidly gorgeous neighbors.

"Something tells me every time we cross paths, it will be memorable." The tattooed one chuckles from the porch. "I'm already looking forward to what happens next."

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. What I do know is that I need to steer this conversation somewhere—anywhere—else.

"Your uniforms," I say quickly, latching onto the first neutral topic I can find. "You're firefighters?"

The gray-eyed one shrugs, that almost-smile still playing at his lips. "We are. Do you plan to continue launching projectiles into our yard?"

"You're really not going to let this go, are you?"

"Why would I?" His gaze drops to my flaming cheeks. "You're blushing. It's cute."

"Dax, leave her alone." The tattooed one laughs, then turns to me. "We're with the Ember Ridge Fire Department. Dax and Leo are lieutenants—Truck and Squad. I'm Beck, an EMT."

"That's… really cool," I say weakly.

"How are you settling in?" Leo asks gently, clearly noticing my inner turmoil. "Everything okay? House treating you well?"

“Yes. Yeah, thank you.” My voice comes out too quick, too breathless. I clear my throat and try again. “Thank you for asking.”

“Anytime,” he says. The way his eyes hold mine makes it sound like more than a courtesy. “If you need anything, we’re right here.”

“I’ll… okay.” My fingers tighten around the dildo I’m still hiding behind my back. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

All three of them look at me with an intensity that sends a new kind of electricity down my spine—half embarrassment, half something I really don’t want to name yet.

Something that could be very dangerous for my already-battered heart.

Given that I'm still clutching a vibrator behind my back, my best option is to disappear inside.

Immediately.

Possibly forever.

Dax checks his watch. "Ten minutes and we're out, Leo. Your coffee's getting cold."

Thank God for that opportunity to make my exit.

I offer an awkward wave, spin on my heel, and flee into the house, slamming the door behind me.