Chapter 4
Luca
One of the many things I loved about this small town was how closely the EMTs worked with the fire department. Sure, we had a rivalry, but it was friendly, and I was told that in the summer, there was a baseball game we played against one another to raise funds, but it was all in fun.
Tyler—the same Tyler who seemed to run the whole town—was also the fire chief. He wouldn’t tolerate anyone being treated poorly.
We worked together regularly, which was why, when I was out of oxygen cylinders, I ran across the street hoping to get some of theirs. Our shipment wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow, and we needed them to get through our shift. I snagged some of our leftover cookies from the order we had put in at the bakery this morning as a peace offering. I didn’t need it, but that was another quirk of this town—everyone ate like they were a pack of ravenous wolves. Sometimes I wondered if the people were part animal. Theo sure ate like one, but he was somehow lean and fit.
I let myself into the main area that the guys used as a kitchen and common space, where they played video games or pool during their downtime. Since no one was actively on a run, the place was filled with the guys on duty.
“Hey, Luca, how can we help you?” Tyler asked. He was elbow-deep in dishes at the sink. Another thing I liked about this place—everyone pitched in.
I looked around, my gaze landing on a new guy.
He was tall and muscular—which was typical for guys on the fire department. He had a mane of dark hair that was a touch too long and curled around the collar of his navy-blue t-shirt. The five o’clock shadow on his face was just long enough to leave a beard burn. The very idea made my body heat. His bright blue eyes flashed as he turned to look at me. There was a magnetic quality to them, and I couldn’t look away.
“Luca? You okay?” Tyler’s amused voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“I need oxygen,” I said, snapping my gaze back to Tyler. “Cylinders. Oxygen cylinders.”
Tyler snorted. “Sure thing. Just let me know how many you take. Or bring them back when your shipment comes in.”
My gaze drifted back to the newcomer who was talking with Levi while they played pool.
“Are those for us or do you just carry a plate of cookies around for funsies?”
“Oh yeah.” I set the platter on the counter. “I figured you couldn’t say no if I came bearing gifts.”
Tyler dried his hands on a towel, then reached for one of the cookies decorated like an ambulance. “You know we always got your back.”
The newcomer laughed at something Levi said, and my mouth went dry. I was here for something, but I couldn’t recall what it was, not when his rich laugh was drawing me toward him like we had an invisible lifeline drawing us together.
He couldn’t seem to look away from me either.
Then a hand snapped in front of my face.
“Earth to Luca. Did you need something else, or did you just come to ogle the goods?”
My cheeks heated.
“No. I’m all set. I’ll bring the cylinders back tomorrow, assuming we don’t actually need them today.”
“No worries. We know where to find you. But before you go—Raphael, come over here.”
The man I couldn’t stop staring at set down his pool cue and walked over.
He wore a pair of turnout pants and navy-blue department shirt like the rest of the guys. If we were running a “who wore it best” competition,” he would win hands down. His eyes never left mine as he stalked across the room. My heart rate kicked up a notch, and I was sure I was going to tip the fire alarm because of the heat building in me.
“Luca, this is Raphael. Raphael, Luca. He just hired in, and thankfully, he was able to start immediately because Levi was going on his third shift in a row. And you know how he gets.”
I chuckled. “It’s nice to meet you,” I said, holding out my hand.
He grasped it and shook. A little bolt of electricity shot up my arm, straight to my groin. This was ridiculous. I was not the type to objectify every alpha I came across, but there was something about this one.
“Are you new in town? I mean, obviously, you must be. I haven’t seen you here before—not that I know everyone, but I mean, if you’re a firefighter and you hadn’t been working here before, you must be new, right?”
Tyler’s brow shot up, and he looked between the two of us. His grin widened.
“I’m new,” Raphael said. “Just arrived yesterday. Don’t even have a place to stay yet. Thankfully, Tyler gave me a job.”
“Oh, wow. Welcome. I, um—I work across the street.” I jerked my thumb toward the window as if he didn’t know which street I was referring to.
“Luca is one of the paramedics—one of the best—so you’ll see him out there on scenes with us.”
Raphael’s eyes flashed as he smiled. “Great. I look forward to working with you,” Raphael said. His eyes continued to bore into me as if he was really seeing me. They were the most beautiful shade of green—almost a deep emerald.
“I look forward to working with you, too.”
“Raphael, why don’t you be a gentleman and help Luca get the oxygen cylinders from the storeroom? Luca, we haven’t given him the full tour of our supply area, so feel free to show him around.”
“Okay,” I said, still not looking away from the gorgeous man in front of me.
I wasn’t the type to fawn over a man, even an alpha as amazing as him, yet I couldn’t tear my gaze away. Also, my feet wouldn’t move, like I was planted in cement and I needed the jaws of life to break me out.
“I’d really like that,” Raphael said, lifting an elbow for me to slip my arm into. That got me moving. I slipped my arm into his, and the heat of his skin sent a shiver up my spine.
“Maybe you can show me around town later when our shifts are complete?” Raphael said. “I haven’t been able to explore much, and I’d love a tour guide.”
“I’d really like that,” I said, licking my lips, my throat suddenly going dry.
“Great. I’ve heard this town has a few quirks.”
I grinned. “It’s quirky all right, but you get used to it.”
As we made our way to the storage room, Raphael stayed close. The smoky scent of cologne hit my nostrils. I wanted to bury my face into his chest to inhale more of it. Damn alpha pheromones were getting to me.
“So, how did you pick Willowdale to land in?” I asked.
“It just... felt right. Like I was supposed to be here. Do you believe in fate, Luca?”
I stopped in front of the storeroom door. Raphael leaned against the frame, hovering over me with his height. I didn’t feel crowded, though; in fact, I wanted to get closer to him.
I licked my lips. “Um, maybe? I don’t really know.”
He hummed and it was like his chest vibrated. “I’m beginning to think fate really knows what they’re doing. After all, I’m here with you.”
I sucked in a breath. This was insanity. But I wasn’t running away, far from it. I was ready to leap into his arms, even though we had just met. Before I could do something entirely crazy, the radio I carried to alert me of any calls chirped. The spell was broken.
“I gotta go,” I said. I ducked into the storeroom and grabbed what I needed, then made a mad dash across the street.
That was crazy, right? To be so drawn to someone so quickly. It had to be a fluke.
Next time I saw Raphael, I’d be normal.