The Fire Station

Chapter 1

I arrived at the fire station feeling rather nervous but determined to be as professional as possible. I didn't know any of the firefighters and was not really sure what to expect. All I knew was they were doing a calendar fundraiser for the local school that had caught on fire and destroyed most of the library.

My job was to take hot pictures of these fireman that would entice people to buy them. When I got the call to do the shoot, I was excited to be a part of such a worthy cause in our community, but it was quite intimidating.

I got out of my car and gathered up my camera bag, throwing it over my shoulder, then went to my trunk to get out my lights and backdrops.

"Let me help you with those," a man said from behind me. I turned around to smile politely at him and thank him for the help, but when I saw him, my stomach did a somersault. How was I going to be able to take pictures of these men without spontaneously combusting? He was absolutely gorgeous. He was tall, dark hair with a slight wave to it, strong jaw that had just the right touch of scruffy facial hair, his eyes were dark but were so bright at the same time. He was dressed in blue jeans and a dark grey t-shirt, nothing special, but the t-shirt accentuated his muscular arms and chest so perfectly. I was sure there were even more lovely muscles being hidden under the shirt I'd love to get a look at.

I quickly had to blink and turn my head away to focus on something else. "Thank you," I said in a rushed tone.

"Is there anything else you need brought in?" he asked. His arms were already loaded with multiple foldup lights and backdrops. I couldn't imagine piling anything else in his arms.

"I think that's all of it."

"You must be Charlotte Heywood from Bliss Photography," he said as we walked together towards the building. "Thank you for doing this. We are all rather excited about the project. I think everyone has been practicing their poses." He laughed as he thought on this.

"Oh. Well good. My job should be rather easy."

"Do you have anything in mind for the shoot?" he asked.

"Um. Well I've been talking to a Tom Parker about what he wants. You aren't him, are you?"

He laughed. "Forgive me. I should have introduced myself. My name is Sidney Parker. Tom is my brother."

"Your brother? And you're both fireman?" I asked with a surprised tone.

He ducked his head and grinned. "Yes. Actually, our brother Arthur is too. It sort of runs in the family. He doesn't always go out on calls, but he cooks for us while we're here and takes care of all the paperwork, he handles all the loose ends. He makes all of our lives easier."

"I see."

"So, back to what you had in mind for the shoot?"

"Right," I said shaking my head and trying to focus. "There are ten of you, so we discussed how each of you would have a featured month. Then we can do a couple group shots, perhaps a feature on the brothers of the fire station?"

"I'm sure Arthur will appreciate that."

Even though his arms were full, he still managed to open the door for me. I walked into the fire station and a man quickly came rushing towards us.

"Wonderful! You're here. We've been expecting you. I'm Tom Parker," he greeted, shaking my hand vigorously. "I have everyone here at your service."

"Great!" I said, with a high-pitched squeal I hadn't intended to come out. I was beginning to think I had bitten off more than I could chew with this photoshoot.

"Where do you want her to set up?" Sidney Parker asked, still holding all of my equipment.

"Oh, of course. Let's set up in the garage. I'm sure you'll want to get some shots of us with the fire trucks."