Hot 4 (Multiple Love)

When we're done, Holden makes his way to the bathroom, returning with a cloth that he uses to clean me. Harris finds one of his shirts, which he slips over my head. Karter plumps my pillow, and Kane tucks the cover around me.

"Sleep," he whispers. "We'll be back in the morning."

And just like that, they're gone. But they're not really because I feel them all over my body, and somehow, they've managed to find their way into my heart.

24

"Get up here," Holden says, reaching down and offering me his big strong hand. In his firefighter uniform, he looks like he should be getting ready to strip rather than battle flames. I swear there is something about men who serve that does something to all women's lady parts. I let him help me onto the rig, even though I'm not part of his crew.

"I'm the only girlfriend," I whine.

"The rest are wives these days, and they've ridden this rig in past years. They all have babies in strollers now."

"Oh, is that what happens once you've gotten up here? You get pregnant?"

"Not right now, but say the word, and I can help you with that later!" he laughs. "Anyway, quit moaning. We need to join the parade."

Harris is driving, and he starts up the massive vehicle that is the tool of their trade. It's been adorned with ribbons and flags to make it more festive. We pull in behind the other floats and the sheriff's car that is also taking part. Let's hope the criminals of this town don't see today as an opportunity to commit crimes or burn things. We wave to the crowd, and some of the crew jumps down to shake buckets to raise money for new equipment. I guess from the way that Logan glances up at me and winks that he's gotten used to the idea of our unusual relationship.

The townsfolk are generous, dipping their hands in their pockets and dropping in handfuls of green. I just hope it's not dollar bills.

In my yellow summer dress, I feel so pretty. Since our talk a few weeks ago, things at home have been bliss. Kane bought a hammock and hung it in the yard, so now I have my very own place to read. Karter extended the bookcase in the den, so now I have space to fit all my favorites. Holden has been helping me get to grips with some of the more challenging parts of my job. He's great at brainstorming solutions, and really gets me to think outside the box. Harris has been working hard on the yard, and for the first time in my life, I've started to learn the names of flowers and how to know which is a weed. We've settled into happiness and contentment, but the issue of our fathers still hangs in the background of our love.

"Look, there's Liberty from your office," Holden says, pointing into the crowd.

"Can I get down and see them? I'll catch up."

Holden chuckles. "We're moving so slowly. I think the dancers are doing a performance up ahead. You'll have around five minutes."

I grab my purse and struggle to open the huge door. Then I'm plopping onto the ground in my white sandals and fast walking to where Liberty is standing with my other colleagues Tabitha and Mark.

"Hey Connie," Liberty says. "Are you enjoying riding with all the sexy firemen?"

"Who wouldn't?" I wiggle my eyebrows, and she bursts out laughing.

"I swear, when you told me about your relationship, I thought you were losing your mind. I actually started to question whether I'd hired someone delusional."

"I'm not surprised." I smooth the back of my dress. "When I saw those guys, I wondered if it would be possible to seduce just one of them."

"They're smitten with you," Tabitha says, pointing at the rig. All my boys are visible and looking in my direction. I wave, and they all wave back; the feelings that surge inside me almost knocking me off my feet.

"Oh boy." I fan my face, trying to get the heat on my cheeks to recede. "So, what are you guys doing?"

"We're watching all the floats go past, and then we're planning to buy some food and browse some of the stalls. Darlene is selling her cakes. I've got a thing for her Lamingtons."

"They are so good. I need to get me some of those today," I laugh. "Maybe I'll find you later?"

"Sure. That would be awesome. Bring your boys so we can interrogate them, you know, to make sure they're good enough for you."

"They are. I'm sure of that," I say, beaming.

The smile doesn't remain on my face for long. Over Mark’s shoulder, I see a familiar face.

Blake.

Oh my God. The boys' father is here, and he's seen me. He's going to know this isn't a coincidence. I have no reason to be in the same small town his sons have set up home in. His eyes narrow as he takes me in. It's been a few months since we exchanged unpleasantries in Thailand. It takes him a few seconds to recognize me, and when he does, his jaw ticks. This isn't going to be good.