Safe in the Fireman's Arms

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She glanced away, her face heated yet again.

When she turned back he held out two twenty-dollar bills.

“May I see some ID?” she asked.

“You’re kidding, right?

She shrugged. “No ID, no entry.”

“Turnabout, huh?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Right.” He flipped out his billfold and Maggie took her time reading the birth date on the license. It was exactly as she suspected. Midlife crisis waiting to happen.

“Here you go,” she said. “Your entry ticket, plus a coupon for a free cupcake from Patti Jo’s Café and Bakery.”

“You keep the coupon.” He patted his stomach. “I’m watching my calories.”

Her gaze was drawn to his flat abdomen, broad muscular chest and biceps. Oh, he looked good in the navy T-shirt with the fire-company logo on it, the cotton fabric stretched taut against his muscles. And he knew it. She barely managed to maintain her “I am not impressed” stance.

They both turned as a crowd of people entered the tent. When the group moved toward the registration table, Jake was effectively trapped behind the table with Maggie.

“Hey, Chief. Working hard?” A young man with a navy shirt that matched Jake’s smiled and winked at Maggie.

“You know it,” Jake returned.

To Maggie’s surprise he didn’t leave her side but began to hand out forms and pens.

“You don’t have to stay,” Maggie murmured.

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” Jake asked with a wry grin.

“No. I’m simply saying that I’m sure you probably have other places you need to be.”

“Nope.”

As the license lines grew, they developed a companionable and efficient pattern. Maggie collected the money, slipping it into her apron pockets, and Jake took the completed forms. She noted he didn’t check ID as she had. Apparently he knew everyone in Paradise.

She remained acutely aware of his presence, especially the occasional moments their hands collided.

“Sorry,” she said, drawing back quickly.

He mumbled an apology in return.

“Do you need to be somewhere?” she asked when there was a momentary lull.

“Trying to get rid of me yet again, huh? You know, a guy could get a complex around you.”

“I’m trying to be polite. I appreciate your help. I don’t think I could have handled that crowd alone.”

Jake smiled. “Anytime.”

“Anytime, what?” Susan interrupted as she walked into the tent.

“Anytime is a good time for fishing.” Jake grinned. “Right, Maggie?”

“Yes. Correct.” The brochures in her hand slipped to the table and she carefully collected them.

“Well, ladies,” Jake said, “I guess I’ll be off.” He gave Maggie a quick wink.

Embarrassed, she only nodded, while Susan scrutinized them both.

“We should go,” Susan said. “They’re closing the tents for an hour during the raffle. I’ve already gotten us seats up close and personal.”

Maggie took off her apron, turned her money in to the cashier and followed an impatient Susan.

“Hurry, hurry,” her cousin urged, linking her arm through Maggie’s. “We don’t want to miss a thing.”

“Isn’t your mom here today?” Maggie asked, looking around.

“She’s backstage helping the Paradise Ladies Auxiliary with the pies.”

“Pies? Some sort of blue-ribbon thing?”

“Sort of. They raffle pies and cakes that were awarded ribbons earlier this morning. Then they’ll start raffling all sorts of other delectable things.”

Maggie followed Susan to a reserved seating area close to the stage. “How did you get these great seats?”

“Al is a sponsor.”

“You know, I don’t remember any fairs when I was growing up.”

“That’s because this is the first year.” Susan handed Maggie five tickets. “For the dessert raffle. I put yours in for the chocolate éclairs. We want this to be a memorable day for you. Oh, and keep an eye on Bitsy Harmony’s peach pie. Third from the left. I’m not letting anyone else beat me to that pie.”

“Who is Bitsy Harmony?”

“Oh, you remember her. She’s a close friend of my mother’s. Tall with a silver-white bun on the top of her head? Bitsy runs the auxiliary and she’s just the best pie baker in the valley.”

“The name doesn’t ring a bell.”

“That’s probably a good thing. It’s best to stay under Bitsy’s radar if you can.”

“Duly noted.”

Susan shoved a fistful of tickets into her purse.