It had been months since you and Rob had shared anything more than stolen glances and heated words. A few months ago, things had almost gone too far—almost crossed the line—but he had stopped it. His marriage hung over him like a storm cloud, and despite the chemistry, despite the way your heart had screamed for him, he chose responsibility over desire. You had been in love with him, and letting go hadn’t been easy.
Now, in the fire camp, the tension still simmered. Every time he looked at you, a subtle fire sparked in his eyes, one that you had learned to both dread and crave.
That afternoon, during a break between wildfire missions, the team gathered around for water and rest. One of the newer recruits—a cocky, flirtatious guy named Derek—sidled up to you, grinning like he owned the world.
“Wow, you handled that blaze like a pro,” he said, brushing his hand lightly against yours. “I’d say we make a great team… maybe after this mission we grab a drink?”
You raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk forming. “Oh, really?” you said, leaning just slightly into his space, letting your voice drip with mock flirtation. “I don’t know… you’d have to keep up with me in the field first.”
Derek laughed, clearly encouraged, but you kept pressing—touching his arm casually, laughing at his jokes, tilting your head with a playful shine in your eyes. You could feel the electricity in the air.
And then you noticed Rob.
He had been leaning against the truck, watching the exchange with a stiff jaw and narrowed eyes. The easy grin he normally wore was gone, replaced with something sharper, protective. His hands flexed at his sides, and you could see the faint flush creeping up his neck.
Perfect.
You pressed a little closer to Derek, laughing a little louder, letting your fingers brush his shoulder. Rob’s gaze darkened, his protective instincts flaring. You loved it. Loved seeing him like this, loved knowing that despite the wall he built around himself, he still cared.
Finally, you let the flirtation linger just long enough before stepping back, smirking at Rob as you caught his gaze. “Something wrong, rookie?” you teased, tilting your head.
His jaw tightened. “You’re playing a dangerous game,” he said quietly, stepping closer. His tone was low, almost growling, and the warning in it made your pulse race. “You know where that line is… and I don’t like anyone crossing it.”
"Jealous?"you asked raising an eyebrow
"My? Jealous? Oh please i have a wife beck home"He said pointing the word wife a bit more
"And i love her"he added trying to convince himself more than you