Breaking Protocol (Firehouse Fourteen Book 3) (9 page)

"Because of the concerned looks she was giving you, and that whole silent communication thing you two had going on. Like she was asking who I was."

"I think you're reading too much—"

"And I'll bet you a full body massage that she comes over to talk to you at some point tonight. Deal?"

"You're wrong."

"Then you don't have anything to lose. Full body massage. Naked. With oil. Is it a bet?"

"I don't have any oil."

"Then I guess it's a good thing I brought some with me, isn't it?"

Dave froze on the dance floor, his body immediately jumping to attention. And from the sly grin on CC's face, she knew it, too. But then the song ended and she stepped away from him, her smile growing wider.

"Why don't you go sit with your friends, and I'll go get our drinks and meet you over there."

"No, I'll go with you. You don't know where they're sitting."

"Yeah I do. Back corner tables, just over my left shoulder."

"How'd you know that?"

"Because they've been watching us ever since we walked in." She leaned up and gave him a quick kiss then stepped around him, swatting his ass as she walked by.

She swatted his ass. On the dance floor. In front of everyone.

Dave looked over and sure enough, every single one of his co-workers was watching him. Their looks ranged from speculation to amusement to laughing curiosity. Great. Now he'd have to listen to everyone's questions and lewd comments, of that he had no doubt.

He glanced over his shoulder and watched as CC made her way to the bar, leaning over it and saying something to Angie. His sister glanced over at him, too far away for him to make out the expression in her eyes. But she smiled, so he smiled back. Then, taking a deep breath, he turned and made his way over to the far corner.

"Well look who decided to join us. Have a seat." Pete grinned and pulled out a chair, motioning for Dave to sit.

"Are you out of your snit now?"

"Who is she?"

"You never said you were dating anyone."

"About time you came over to join us."

Dave lowered himself into the chair then turned it slightly sideways, so he could talk to everyone and watch the bar at the same time.

"I haven't been in a snit, I've just had a lot on my mind. And I'll introduce you when she gets over here." Dave ignored the assorted groans and complaints as his gaze drifted around the table, finally stopping on Jay Moore—the firefighter from his shift that Angie was dating. The man met his gaze with a slight nod, but didn't say anything.

And for a few quiet seconds, strained silence fell over everyone around them. Dave realized, with a sickening clarity that disturbed him, that this tense silence had permeated work for the last several months.

Ever since Angie and Jay had started dating again. Ever since his baby sister had moved out because he couldn't deal with it.

Had he really been that much of an ass? And as much as he might want to, he couldn't blame his entire reaction on worry over the messages he had been receiving. No, it was more basic than that. He had refused to admit his sister was a grown woman, that she was old enough and responsible enough and mature enough to make her own decisions.

And, for some reason, she had decided to date one of the guys he worked with. Not just date, but move in with, if the quiet conversations he wasn't supposed to overhear at work meant anything.

Jay, who had never had a serious relationship that lasted more than a week in the entire time Dave had known him.

Jay, who looked happier than he had ever seen him in the more than six months he had been seeing Angie.

Damn, he really was an asshole. Why hadn't he seen any of this before? Why had he almost destroyed his relationship with his sister over this? Almost destroyed his friendship with the man sitting across from him, a look of wariness on his face?

Dave nodded, just a quick acknowledgement. "Jay. Good to see you."

The tense silence lifted and everyone began talking again, but Dave ignored them, his eyes still on Jay. The man he had formerly called friend finally nodded and lifted his bottle in an informal salute, his mouth turning up in a small grin.

Silence once again settled over the table, different this time, full of expectation. Dave turned his head, not surprised to see CC approaching the table with two bottles of beer and a huge smile.

Conversation erupted again, and Pete even jumped out of his chair, pushing it toward CC with a broad smile.

"Well aren't you so nice. But I already have a seat, thank you." And she stepped around Pete and sat right on Dave's lap, straddling his right leg and settling her deliciously round ass right up against his groin. She shifted, getting comfortable, then turned and handed him one of the bottles.

"Well aren't you going to introduce me, Big Guy?"

She wiggled her ass again and he had to smother a groan, knowing she was deliberately trying to get a rise out of him. Literally.

And it was working.

He briefly narrowed his eyes at her, then took a swallow of the beer, which only made her laugh. He wrapped one arm around her waist and held her tight so she would stop moving, then pointed at everyone around the table, introducing them one by one.

"This is Pete Miller, he's our Lieutenant. Next to him is Dale Gannon, the engine driver. That's Jimmy Hughes, my partner."

Jimmy nodded his head and smiled, showing a dimple. If Dave could have kicked him, he would. "Ma'am."

"Well aren't you just the sweetest." CC turned her head and smiled at Dave, amusement flashing in her eyes as she rolled them just the tiniest bit. "Isn't he sweet? He just called me ma'am."

Dave choked back his laughter and motioned again with his bottle. "That's Mikey Donaldson. One of the fireman on our shift. Nick, the band's lead singer, is her fiancé."

"Short for Michelle?"

"Actually, it's Michaela. Nice seeing you again."

Dave grinned when five heads turned to look at Mike in confusion. He saw CC acknowledge Mikey's observation with a smile and small nod, but neither woman said anything else. And if they weren't going to say anything, neither was he.

"This is Jay Moore, another fireman."

"Oh. You're the one who's dating Angie." CC tilted her head, her clear eyes studying Jay so intently that the man squirmed. A secret sense of satisfaction went through Dave when he noticed it, until CC turned that intensity on him. "I don't know why you're so upset. They make a cute couple. I think they'll do well together."

"See? See? I told you they were cute together!" Pete spread his arms wide and grinned at the entire table. Mikey groaned and tossed a coaster at him, hitting him square in the chest.

"Pete, how many times do I have to tell you? You're a moron."

Laughter erupted when Pete looked around, silently asking what it was he had done. Dave ignored him, continuing with the introductions. When he was finished, CC nodded at each person again, repeating their names as she acknowledged each one. Dave didn't bother to hide the fact that he was impressed.

Jimmy leaned forward, smiling so broadly his dimple showed again. "So how do you and Mike know each other?"

"Oh, we don't know each other. I just met her."

"But—" Jimmy paused, looking between the two women. "She said it was nice meeting you
again
. So when did you two meet?"

CC looked over her shoulder and grinned at him, then turned back in his lap and leaned closer to the table. Dave noticed Jimmy's eyes glance down, knew he was peeking down CC's blouse. He suddenly wanted to reach across the table and grab him by the throat. CC must have picked up on it, though, because she kicked the instep of his foot with one of her booted feet. Then she leaned across the table even more and smiled at Jimmy.

"Well, it was the same night we met, silly."

Jimmy tilted his head, still smiling, but obviously not understanding. "No, we've never met. I'd definitely remember that."

"Of course we did. Almost two weeks ago."

"Two weeks ago?"

"Now see, you've gone and hurt my feelings. I was sure you'd remember me."

"No. There's no way we met." Jimmy leaned forward a little more, enough that the back legs of his chair lifted off the floor. He was still smiling, but confusion filled his eyes as he obviously tried to remember when they could have possibly met.

Dave saw CC and Mikey exchange a glance and he almost felt sorry for Jimmy, because he knew what was coming. Almost. But he still wanted to grab him around the throat because Jimmy's eyes drifted down again, staring straight down CC's blouse. Mikey leaned over and gently nudged him in the side, but Jimmy's gaze didn't move.

"Jimmy! Remember that ATV accident we had? This is the Flight Medic. She was the one on scene when we flew him out. She's a cop."

Laughter erupted when realization finally dawned on Jimmy. His mouth opened in surprise and he jerked back like he had been hit. His chair flew out from under him, sending him sprawling to the floor, his beer splashing down on top of him. Dave leaned down, peering under the table to see Jimmy slumped in a graceless heap on the floor.

"You had that one coming.
Partner
."

The laughter grew louder as Jimmy groaned then finally pulled himself up. He righted his chair and sat down, using the napkins Jay handed him to wipe at his shirt.

CC leaned back and reached down for Dave's hand, threading her fingers with his and squeezing. He tightened his arm around her waist, holding her close, surprised at how normal everything felt.

Normal. And right. Like he was almost himself again.

He raised the bottle to his mouth then paused when he noticed CC grinning at him. "What?"

"I think your sister wants to talk to you."

"What?" Dave looked past their table and sure enough, here came Angie. He didn't think anything of it, figuring she was coming to see Jay. His assumption was proved correct when she leaned down and gave Jay a quick kiss.

Then she straightened, glanced briefly at CC, then looked right at him.

"Dave, could I see you for a minute?"

CC scooted off his lap, a broad smile on her face as he reluctantly stood. She swatted him on the ass, again, and laughed as everyone watched them.

"I just can't wait for that full body massage later tonight."

Dave walked away, laughter ringing behind him as his face heated in embarrassment. He was just glad nobody could see exactly how her parting comment had affected him.

Angie led him around the bar then kept going, not saying a word as she pushed through the door to the back room. She kept going, her stride purposeful as she moved through a short narrow hallway filled with boxes that ended at another door. She turned sideways and pushed it with her hip, holding it open for him.

Dave walked out into the cool night air, turning as Angie propped the door open with a small block wedge. She finally faced him, her dark eyes studying him with curiosity.

The silence around them wasn't quite uncomfortable, but not exactly warm and comforting. Dave shifted, looking around at the pile of broken-down cardboard next to the dumpster, the aging bench pushed against the outside wall, the old painter's bucket filled with sand someone had been using as an ashtray. The music was muted out here, slightly muffled, not quite as loud. The spot was somewhat secluded, offering a certain amount of privacy, the surroundings quiet enough to have a conversation without the need for shouting.

Except Dave had no idea what to say. And he had the impression that Angie wasn't quite sure what to say, either. She stood just outside the door, her arms folded across her chest, her dark hair framing her oval face as she studied him. She moved her hands up and down her arms, like she was trying to warm herself, only it wasn't quite cold enough for that.

Disappointment and sorrow filled him, creating an ache deep in his chest. The woman standing mere feet away from him was his sister, his own flesh-and-blood. He'd been looking out for her for years, watching her grow as he struggled to be a big brother while takin on the role of father at the same time. They'd been through so much together. It shouldn't be this hard to find something to say, for either one of them.

And then he realized that he hadn't spoken to her in months, not since that night back in June when she came home from the camping trip.

The trip where he had abandoned her, left her behind in a fit of childish temper. All because she had chosen something that made her happy.

Dave swallowed against the lump of guilt clogging his throat, wondering if he could ever make it up to her. If they could ever go back to the way things were. She was his sister, dammit. It shouldn't be this hard.

He opened his mouth, closed it, shook his head. Angie looked over at him, her teeth pulling on her lower lip, then dropped her gaze to the dust and gravel under her feet. Dave took a deep breath and let it out, tried to smile.

"How's school? You keeping up with all your studies?"

Angie's gaze lifted back to his, her eyes cautious as she nodded. "Yes. Yeah, everything's good. I think Doc Cassidy is going to bring me on full-time when I finish in the spring."

"Hey, that's great. Congratulations, kiddo." Dave saw her wince, just the barest movement, when he called her 'kiddo'. He jammed his hands in his front pockets and sighed. "I'm, uh, probably going to always call you 'kiddo', you know? I don't really mean it like you take it."

Angie looked at him, both eyebrows raised in surprise—or maybe doubt—as one corner of her mouth tilted up in a hesitant smile. But she didn't say anything.

Dave shifted, even more uncomfortable, wishing there was a way to erase the damage he had done, wishing there was a way he could just make everything right again. He knew Angie had asked him out here for a reason, had thought she was going to grill him about CC. But now that they were out here, she didn't seem anxious to ask him about anything.

He could ask her what she wanted, just answer whatever questions she may have and leave it at that. But that would be the easy thing to do, and it would do nothing to heal the rift between them.

"Shit." He muttered the word and ran one hand over his face. Angie looked over at him, confusion clear on his face. Confusion, and something that resembled caution, like she expected him to lecture her or yell at her or something like that. And he hated seeing that expression on her face, in her eyes.

He closed the distance between them and yanked her into a hard hug. She held herself stiffly for a few seconds, no doubt surprised, probably confused and taken completely off-guard. Then her arms came around his waist, hesitant at first before finally tightening, hugging him back.

"I'm sorry, Angie. For everything. So sorry." Dave's voice was gruff, embarrassing him, but he didn't pull away. And he didn't say anything else, even though there was so much else to say. He just didn't know how.

Angie mumbled something, the words muffled against his chest. Her arms tightened a bit more around his waist then eased, and Dave felt her trying to pull back. But he didn't want to let her go, not just yet, not when he hoped his hug was saying all the things he couldn't quite put into words.

"You're squishing me."

Dave finally heard the words, muttered on a small wheeze, and he jumped back, surprised. He looked down at Angie, saw the slight smile on her face when she stepped away. She turned her head and brushed her face against her shoulder, her eyes still bright with moisture as she laughed. Not a full laugh, more like a surprised exhale.

But he'd take it, knowing—hoping—it was a start.

"Since when do you get all mushy?"

"I'm not mushy. What? I can't give my sister a hug and say I'm sorry for being an ass?"

Angie smiled up at him, a little more at ease, then threw her arms around him once more and hugged him so hard he felt his breath leave him in a small gasp. Then she pulled away and sat down on the bench, patting the space beside her. "I'm sorry, too."

Dave sat next to her, turning so they were face-to-face. "What are you sorry for?"

"I should have told you. When Jay and I first started dating, I mean. I shouldn't have tried to hide it."

"Ang, don't. I didn't exactly make it easy for you. I know that." Silence settled around them once more, not quite as uncomfortable as before. Dave shifted on the bench, looked down and took a deep breath, looked back at Angie. "So. Are things working out? You happy?"

"Yeah, I am." She paused, chewing on her lower lip like she was trying to decide what to say. "Jay bought a townhouse. North of Cockeysville."

"Yeah, I heard something like that at work."

She paused, picking at the material of her jeans, then watched him from the corner of her eye. "He, uh, asked me to move in with him."

Her announcement wasn't exactly news to him. He had heard the quiet conversations at work, caught more than everyone thought he did, even though everybody had been careful about what they said near him. But he still felt a flash of protectiveness, of concern, when Angie said the words out loud. His first instinct was to tell her no, she was too young to be shacking up with anyone, too young to be getting so serious.

But she wasn't too young. And it hadn't been a question. So Dave took a deep breath and did his best to unclench his fists before speaking. "Are you?"

Angie smiled, happiness lighting her eyes. "Yeah, I think so."

A hundred different things went through Dave's mind, a hundred different things that wanted to tumble from his mouth. But none of them were the right thing to say. So he took another deep breath and let it out slowly, tried to give her a smile. "Well then, let me know if you need any help moving."

"You mean it?"

"Yeah." Dave cleared his throat, then frowned at her. "But the first time I hear he makes you unhappy, I'm kicking his ass."

Angie laughed and leaned forward, giving him a brief hug. He patted her back, just a little awkwardly, then watched her as she sat back and pulled one knee to her chest. There was a mischievous glint in her dark eyes as she studied him.

"Okay, fess up. Who is she?"

"Who?"

"Really? Don't play that game, you know who. Now tell me all about her. Where did you meet? How long have you been dating her?"

Dave looked away, not knowing what to say. And not knowing how to answer the dating question. Were they dating? Well, he was sleeping with her. Did that count? Not that he was about to tell his kid sister that.

"I met her through work. She's a flight medic."

"She's a cop? Seriously? Oh my God, I would have never thought that. She's too cute to be a cop."

Dave actually cringed, knowing CC would have laughed at hearing the description. Knowing that part of her enjoyed using that perception to her advantage. And it was slightly unsettling for him to realize that he knew that, so soon after meeting her.

He didn't have a chance to respond, because the back door opened and Jay poked his head out. Concern creased his forehead as he looked over at them, obviously worried they might be arguing. Dave clenched his jaw at the look but didn't say anything, knowing he probably would have done the same.

"Hey Ang, band's getting ready to take a break, they need us behind the bar."

"Us? Since when do you work here?"

Angie bounced from the bench and squeezed his shoulder. "He doesn't. He just likes to keep me company when we get busy."

Dave stood up, ready to follow them back in, when Angie stopped and faced him again. She smiled, then gave him another hug, quick and hard.

"Thanks Dave. I missed you."

He stood there for a second, surprised at the quick hug, then closed his arms around her again. "Missed you, too, kiddo."

Angie stepped back then turned on her heel and walked through the door. Dave expected Jay to follow her, but he didn't. Instead, he stood there, his hand holding the door open, his steel-gray eyes cool as he studied Dave.

"I'm glad you guys seem to be getting along again. Things back to normal?"

"Maybe." Dave stepped through the door then turned to face Jay. "That doesn't mean I won't kick your ass if you hurt her, Moore."

"I'm not planning on it."

"Good. That's good."

The two of them stood there in the short hallway, staring at each other, the challenge clear between them. Jay finally nodded, the motion short and quick, before he grinned. "Good. I, uh, I have to go help. And you might want to get back to the table, because Jimmy's trying to flirt with your girlfriend."

Jay walked up the hallway and pushed through the swinging door leading to the bar, leaving Dave to stare after him.

CC wasn't his girlfriend.

Was she?

Dave realized it didn't matter, because he was still going to grab Jimmy by the throat when he got back out there.

If CC hadn't already done just that.