by Vivian Arend
She took a deep breath. “Marcus, this is Tim Dextor. He’s a SAR-trained paramedic. The best I’ve ever been with.” She didn’t wait for Marcus to respond, just turned to Tim and poked him in the chest, staring him down, longing for a reason to smack him a good one. “Don’t fuck with me again.”
She ignored the question in Marcus’s eyes. Avoided looking into Tim’s face for fear of what she might see there.
Most of all, though, she ignored the ache in her belly that said far too strongly that working with the man was going to be incredible and horrid for all sorts of reasons.
The best I’ve ever been with.
As her words echoed in her brain she had to admit the comment applied to far more than his skills as a SAR.
CHAPTER 2
Erin left the room, her footsteps echoing off the walls. She didn’t exactly stomp, but there was no doubt in Tim’s mind that she was staking out her territory. Showing that this was where she belonged, and no matter that she’d vouched for him, he had a lot of work to do.
Fine by him. It was only what he’d expected. She was out the front door and vanished from sight before he faced Marcus.
He held out his hand. “Good to meet you.”
Marcus rose to accept his greeting, his gaze traveling quickly over Tim. Assessing. Judging. “That’s quite the compliment Erin gave you.”
“And a fine verbal kick in the ass, as well,” Tim admitted readily. “I suppose you’d like to hear a little more about both?”
He was gestured toward a chair as Marcus resumed his position behind the desk. “If you’re here for more than a tour, yes. Background résumé would be a great starting point.”
Tim pulled out the information he’d prepped, placing the envelope on the desk. “Fifteen years’ experience as a paramedic. I’ve been in Newfoundland and Labrador for most of it, the last five doing time on the Hibernia oil platform.”
“Ah, the connection to Erin becomes clearer.” Marcus laid the papers in front of him, glancing through them quickly. “She flew transport there for a few years, didn’t she?”
“We worked together, yes.” Tim laughed. “Her skills as a pilot seem to have gotten stronger since I was a regular passenger, but she’s still playing the same tricks.”
Marcus made a rude noise. “You caught her spinning-top imitation, did you?”
Tim shrugged. “Not a bad way to eliminate weaker candidates, actually. If they can’t take a bit of a whirl in a controlled setting, they’ll never deal with it during an emergency.”
“You saying you wouldn’t have an issue with Erin shaking you up?” Marcus raised a brow. “You got nerves of steel?”
“Plus a stomach of iron,” Tim quipped, smiling as Marcus laughed. “Seriously, after the time I’ve spent on the platform in all kinds of weather conditions, a spinout is a kid’s ride at the fair. If you don’t have to lash yourself in place while doing a rescue, it’s not enough to get the blood pumping.”
“Can you do more than lash yourself down?” Marcus asked. “We use winch and cable in a lot of situations, but with the territory we patrol, we get call-outs with a lot of variety. We’ve got some of the best climbers around on the team, and we use them when we can, but all the team members are versatile. Skiing, snowshoeing—if you’ve been on a platform for five years, how up to date are you with winter rescues and avalanche situations?”
Tim gave a rundown of his recent updates while Marcus shuffled through the papers. Not only his training but the things Tim did for entertainment. The mention of BASE jumping made Marcus blink once or twice, but pretty much he kept his opinion to himself. They shared a few stories regarding the head of the SAR based in St. John’s, a man whom Marcus knew somewhat from his previous missions.
Comfortable conversation. Tim enjoyed the discussion, at ease with the man he’d heard so much about over the years. The search-and-rescue community was small at times, names and stories shared. Outstanding rescues were discussed as inspiration and studied for training. What Marcus had accomplished with his team in the west had been noticed and admired across the country. Their work as an elite team in an area where the government resources were simply unable to handle the emergencies that arose was a godsend to the community.
Becoming a part of Lifeline would be a huge compliment, of that Tim was certain. The fact that it would allow him to get close to Erin was the icing on the cake.
Or maybe it was the other way around, in that he’d have an interesting job while he accomplished what had really brought him to Banff.
“Your certifications and skills are up to date.” Marcus nodded, then leaned forward with a stern expression. “Now tell me what you did that got Erin’s back up. Because while I’m interested in having you test with Lifeline, I admit to being stumped.”
“Because she recommended me while she also stopped short of offering to castrate me?”
Marcus chuckled. “I know Erin. If she were pissed enough she wouldn’t offer to do the deed, she’d reach out and use her bare hands. Does she have a reason for that attitude?”
Tim shrugged. “Maybe, or it might have been a misunderstanding. It was about seven years ago. We were a lot younger, and I, at least, was a lot stupider.”
Marcus didn’t say anything for a while, just looked thoughtful. He nodded slowly. “Yeah, we all had those days. So, if you end up on Lifeline, is this misunderstanding going to become an issue in terms of working as a team?”
“Not as far as I’m concerned, and I can’t imagine Erin being anything but professional.”
“You’re right there.” Marcus pulled a face. “Except for her language becoming more than a little colourful at times.”
Tim laughed. “That hasn’t changed, either, then. No, Marcus, I’m very interested in being considered for the position. I’ve got strengths you can use, and I’m a strong team player. You can trust me to deal with Erin.”
Marcus rose to his feet. “Let me make a couple calls to your references, then I’ll be in touch.”
They shook hands again, Tim pausing at the door of the office. He turned back. “You don’t have any rules about no fraternizing between teammates, do you?”
Marcus shook his head. “I’d have a revolt on my hands if I did. My lead climber is engaged to one of the team. And my girlfriend subs in at times.” He gave Tim a harder look. “You looking for a job, or using Lifeline as a dating service?”
“The job is key, but a balanced life involves more than hauling people out of trouble,” Tim said.
“Can’t argue with you on that one when I’ve been raked over the coals too many times lately by my brother, and my partner.” Marcus grinned. “With the little display of attitude I spotted earlier, if you persuade Erin to change her mind, then you’re a better man than most.”
“We’ll see what I can do.”
Tim tipped an imaginary hat, then left the Lifeline headquarters with a bounce to his step that hadn’t been there for a long time.
New job possibility, fresh start. And a second chance at making both Erin and himself very happy.
It was a good goal. It was time for the changes.
* * *
Erin held herself back as the door opened and Alisha’s surprised face appeared.
“Hi. What’s—?”
That was all Alisha got out before Erin pushed past her into the house. “I need to talk to you,” she snapped.
Alisha rocked on her heels and blinked hard. “Okay. Did I do something wrong?”
Dammit. Erin shook her head, pacing farther into the room as she ditched her boots and yanked off her coat. “No, not you, it’s that damn son of a bitch—”
Devon, one of the other Lifeline team members, rose from where he’d been sitting on the couch, a twist to his smile as he examined Erin too knowingly. “Which guy pissed you off this time?” he asked.
Erin jerked to a stop. “I thought you weren’t here.”
“I’m back.” He glanced between the two women, and comprehensi
on flashed. “But . . . I was just leaving. Nice to have you drop in, Erin. Stay as long as you’d like. I’ll go . . .”
He waved his hands helplessly for a moment, obviously searching for some excuse to hightail it out of his own house.
His willingness to make himself scarce relaxed her enough to see the humour in the situation. “Okay, I was a little rude there. I didn’t mean to chase you away.”
“But you’d like to talk in private with Alisha?”
She nodded.
He bowed slightly. “Then I can give you privacy. Not a problem.”
Devon slipped on a pair of boots and the coat Alisha handed him, dropping a kiss on her cheek and heading out the door. “I’ll grab something for supper. Any requests?”
Alisha clutched her hands together dramatically. “My turn to choose. Sushi. Lots of wasabi.”
Devon sighed heavily. “When are you going to admit that stuff isn’t real food? But fine, I’ll be back in a while. You joining us, Erin?”
She shook her head. “I have other plans for tonight, but thanks.”
Alisha waited patiently until Devon vanished behind the door, the solid wood closing out the cold air that poured in. She crawled onto the couch and looked up expectantly. “Not that I mind you coming over, and I’m glad you’re here, but what gives? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”
Erin blinked in surprise. “Damn near did.”
“Really?” Alisha sputtered.
“A ghost from my past,” Erin corrected. “Before you picture floating white sheets and scary moans.” She sat across from Alisha and considered how much she wanted to share. “Remember I told you there was someone I’d been with that was pretty serious?”
Alisha nodded. “But it didn’t work out.”
“I left,” Erin confessed.
“Because it didn’t work out. That’s what I just said.” Alisha shook her head. “I’m confused. You’re going to have to bite the bullet and explain this one, Erin.”
Erin stared at the ceiling, the tension in her limbs leaching out as she mentally forced herself to simply tell the story. “I left him. As in, we were living together, and something happened that made me uncomfortable, so I went home and packed.”
A soft curse floated from Alisha, and in spite of the situation, Erin smirked. Getting the little blonde to swear was an accomplishment.
Alisha was no longer curled up on the couch like a kid with a teddy bear. She stood over Erin, fists on her hips. “Wait. You packed and left. Does that mean you never talked to him about what he’d done wrong? Was it that terrible?” She frowned harder, the expression somehow wrong on her petite features. “Did he hurt you?” she demanded.
Fire flashed in Alisha’s eyes as the questions continued, and Erin held up a hand, wondering where her confidence had vanished to. This wasn’t her—this hesitant and confused woman.
The fact that she’d turned into a jellyfish the moment Tim showed up set her teeth on edge. That was total and complete bullshit, and she wasn’t having any of it.
She sat upright and met Alisha’s gaze. “Tim knew what he’d done wrong before we even talked about it, but yes, we did talk.” Partial truth. They’d talked about what had happened that night at the party, but not her real reasons for leaving. “We talked rather loudly and vigorously, if I remember correctly.”
Alisha grimaced. “Also known as shouting at each other?”
Erin nodded. “We might both have a touch of a temper.”
“You?” Alisha rolled her eyes. “Say it ain’t so.”
“I know, really, right?” Even the lighthearted teasing couldn’t settle her concerns. Erin’s fears hovered like a bird on a windy day. “The fighting I could handle, and he did admit he’d been wrong, but I still had to leave.”
Alisha paced away, thinking it through. She twisted back, her blonde hair shining in the beam of afternoon sun pouring in the window. “You don’t have to explain why you left. If you felt you had to, good for you. But you saw him? Where?”
Erin wanted to kick herself for feeling excitement along with the fear. “At Lifeline HQ. He’s applying for the position of paramedic with the team.”
“Oh, shoot.” Alisha’s eyes got wide. “Could you work with him if he got the job? Is he good enough?”
“Recommended him to Marcus myself.” Erin shook her head. “He’d be a great addition to the team. He’s smart, and brave, and the man could talk the angels out of the heavens in terms of dealing with civilians during rescues.”
“What’s the problem, then?” Alisha asked.
“Don’t let me make a fool of myself with him,” Erin begged.
Her friend’s confusion was clear. “And is that something that’s likely to happen? I mean, Erin, face it. You’re on my list of ‘least likely to act the fool,’ if I’ve never told you that before.”
Erin paced the length of the room and back, nervous energy pouring out of her like she’d sprung a leak. “If anyone could do it, it’s him.”
“Wow, that’s some kind of endorsement.” Alisha raised a brow. “I can’t wait to meet this master of men.”
The phrase made Erin cringe. More than that, though, there was something very wrong with the little voice in her head that was pleased that Alisha was already involved with Devon, and thus couldn’t be targeted by Tim.
Jealousy was another emotion she rarely felt, and she didn’t enjoy experiencing it now any more than when she had years ago. “It’s up to Marcus, I suppose. If he gives Tim a shot.”
“I guess. But yes, I promise to kick some sense into you if I see you acting stupid around him.” Alisha eyed her curiously. “Unless you decide stupid is something that you want.”
“Right.” Erin drawled.
Alisha folded her arms. “Don’t snap to any final decisions. I mean, Devon makes me crazy at times, but I love the guy, and in the end that’s the part that counts. Maybe this Tim of yours screwed up, but it was years ago. People change. Sometimes for the better.”
Erin couldn’t argue with logic, but the idea that Tim had changed alarmed her even more. If she’d found it difficult to resist him then, how would she stop herself now?
She chatted with Alisha for a while longer, then found a reason to leave before Devon returned. She couldn’t handle any more of the two of them and their perfect, sweet relationship. No matter how vigorous their sex lives, it was still sweet, and Erin needed a dose of not sweet.
Good thing she already had plans to deal with that itch.
CHAPTER 3
The rooms he’d rented were large enough Tim should have been unpacking and relaxing, but restlessness dragged him down like the barometer falling before a nor’wester. Seeing Erin had ripped through his hard-fought-for calm more than he’d thought possible, and he took the time to settle himself. To go through his agenda and get back on track.
Working with Marcus’s team at Lifeline was only one option. If he got the job, great. If not, his plans still required him to stay in Banff, so he pulled out his phone and started through his contact list.
Jobs were always available if you had the skills and knew where to look.
He left messages with a few people and lined up an interview for the following day. A name went past on his phone as he scrolled through and he paused, wondering if he should bother.
The temptation to track down his old friend was too strong to resist. He put through the call and waited for a response.
“Phillip here.”
“Phillip. Timothy Dextor from St. John’s calling. First Street Fire Division. How are you?”
A low laugh carried over the phone. “Timothy. I’m doing well. I haven’t seen you in years. Are you in town?”
“I am.”
No hesitation. “If you’re free, drop in for a visit. Have you seen the club?”
“Not yet, although I’ve heard good things.” While Tim didn’t plan on being a regular there, curiosity was one thing he rarely resisted. “I would love to join you. What ti
me is good?”
“Come by about eight. I’ll leave your name with the doorman.” Phillip paused. “You want to play or watch?”
Tim had no intention to play sexual games with anyone in Banff except Erin. “You can show me around, but I’ll be observing.”
“That’s fine. Looking forward to seeing you.”
From outside his window a series of coloured flashes shone in and lit the walls. Tim paced over to discover a police cruiser driving slowly past. The blue-and-red lights on the roof reflected off the windows of the second– and third-storey apartments and the ground-level restaurants and shops. People wandered the sidewalks, traces of dirty snow piled to the side along the street edges and stacked waist deep over the grass in the park kitty-corner to his upper-floor suite.
Quiet for a tourist town. It was off-peak season still, and he’d selected a street away from the action, but how peaceful the location was surprised him in a good way. The kind of excitement he was looking for wasn’t found in crowded bars. Not anymore.
Time for the next move.
He showered and dressed, tempted to call Erin. Drop by her house and get the next awkward conversation over with. The shock in her eyes upon seeing him had been real, but then so had the desire. There’d been a split second when she’d been unable to hide her body’s response, melting into his when he’d pinned her against him.
He would offer his apologies and they would go forward. She was stubborn, but he was, too. She had to fight him and her inner cravings.
That shifted the odds in his favour.
* * *
Erin adjusted her corset one final time and straightened her skirt before heading back into the bar area. The flash of admiration in the familiar bouncer’s eyes as she stepped out of the ladies’ room settled over her like a soft blanket.
Soothing and comforting. Safe, because she knew he wouldn’t attempt to touch her. The sweet taste of power slipped up her spine at the thought, but today instead of continuing to buzz in her veins, unease washed her. Something was off, but she couldn’t see a reason why—