Playing with Fire

Chapter 3

LUCAS

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We just got off shift this morning and I was heading to my car to head back to my house that was a few blocks away from the station. I had worked with the city's fire department for the last six years. I started as soon as I was the qualifying age to join the department. I always wanted to give back to the city I was raised in. I worked hard to get to where I am today and I may have pushed some things to the side to advanced my career. I never settled down with anyone, I hooked up with every girl that came my way. Most girls that I found to hook up with were the girls that hung around bars that they knew that they could find a uniform off duty. They were the badge bunnies that wanted someone in the fire or police departments and they didn't care who they were as long as they had the uniform and badge. I knew that none of them would be serious relationships that would go anywhere and I was fine with that.

"Mitchell!"

I turned around to see Chris one of the guys from the department. I don't think any of us ever used our first names when it came to getting the attention of another guy. When we were on shift everything was by last name and it was hard to break that once we were out of the fire house.

"Hey what's up?"

"Wanted to see if you would be up to going to Empire Brewing Company tonight with a few of the other guys. Sara is working tonight and it has been awhile since we have gotten together."

"Yea I will meet you guys there."

He smiled and made his way back to his car. I got in mine and started the truck and drove to my house. We had gotten to know Sara after going out to eat once a week. Then the more we got to know Sara and the good food that came from Empire. I was starting to believe that Chris had us going there more because he had feelings for Sara. I made it home and unlocked the door. I threw my duffle bag by the door and made my way into the bathroom. I jumped into the shower and washed everything from yesterday off. It was a hard day at work and sometimes a hot shower helped wash away what I went through.

Once I was out of the shower I made my way into my bed room and threw on some sweats and fell on top of my blankets. I stared up at the ceiling for a while and then rolled over to turn on the tv. Getting a nap was usually what happened once I got off shift my body was tired and sore from the calls that would take place. Moving from the bed to the alarm clock that was on the dresser I set it to make sure I would get up in time for dinner. The bed seemed perfect which it didn't take long to get back in under the covers this time and fall asleep watching tv.

The loud alarm buzz woke me up and I moved out of bed and over to the dresser to turn the damn alarm off. Changing my clothes and brushing my teeth; I grabbed my keys and made my way out of the house. I didn't have any huge house; it was a small three-bedroom house that was in a quiet neighborhood which was nice to find in Syracuse. Pulling into the parking lot I made my way down the road to the restaurant. Giving a wave to the guys as I walked up to the doors. We gave the hostesses a smile as she put us in our usual spot and waited for Sara to come over to take our orders. Once Sara came over she took our drinks and food orders. I figured it would be a good time to head to the bathroom before I got too involved in the meal.

I got up from the table and started backing up and bumped into something. I thought it was the hostess or another table, when I turned around I saw this girl with brown curly hair and bright blue eyes. I felt like everything had stopped, she wasn't like the other girls I had run into. When I finally came back from staring at her I noticed she was glaring at me, I gave her a smirk and walked away.

"Who was that Mitchell?"

I just shook my head and sat back in my chair again. The guys weren't going to let her go and I don't think I could let her go either. There was something special about that girl and I needed to find out what is was. Dinner was a bunch of joking and having a good time, it was great when the guys got together. We were able to have fun no matter how much time had gone between hanging outside of work. I kept looking around the restaurant for the girl but I couldn't seem to find her anywhere. We paid for our meals then headed outside, there was a bar that we all would hang out at with the cops and emts.

"Mitchell how have things been with you?"

"Hey Rodriguez everything has been great. Just finished the deck on my house."

"How is that love life of yours?"

"You know just finding whatever girl that week. I haven't been able to find a girl that makes me want to settle down like you have."

"Trust me when you do it will knock you on your ass."

I am sure he was right but I don't think I would ever want to settle down. Nothing about living with someone that has to deal with you putting your life on the line make it something I would want to do. Having that person know that you are running into burning buildings and different dangerous situations. It was something I loved doing but I don't think I could make someone else have to worry about what I was doing.

After having my last drink for the night I paid my tab and walked out of the door. Walking back towards my car to make sure that everything was locked up for the night before having the walk home. That's when I saw her again. She was walking down the road and didn't seem to be paying attention.

"Excuse me miss, I think you forgot to apologize earlier."

She turned her head to look at me but I could tell she wanted nothing to do with me. She continued on down the road not saying a word to me.

"I was talking to you."

I made my way in front of her and stopped her from walking around me. I wanted to make sure I had her attention. Of course the beer I had was helping me in this decision to stand up and put myself out there. This wasn't something I would normally do. She tried to get around me but I blocked her. I could tell she was getting to the point that she would be willing to talk to me.

"Can I help you SIR?!"

"Yes, you could apologize for earlier when you bumped into me."

"You mean when you bumped into me. I know you saw me walking to the table when you purposely stood up and got in my way. I have never met such an arrogant ass before. Well thanks to you I know what the guys around here will be like."

She moved around me and continued on her way. I just stood there; I didn't know what else to say or do. She was going to be the person that would challenge me and I was still deciding if this challenge would be one I wanted to do. I continued on my way to my car. I grabbed my things out of the car and started my walk home. I knew it would be a few hours but it wasn't worth the risk of being pulled over.