Again I looked around the area, seeing nothing. Hitting the lock button on my truck, I start the ignition and hurry to back out. Once I was a few feet away, I rolled down my windows, bearing the cold air with hopes that the smell would be sucked out.
Continuing to look in my rearview mirror, I was terrified that I was being followed or somehow allowing my mind to believe that someone was in the truck with me, though that was impossible. It was all so terrifying.
By the time I arrived at the station, I was an icebox from the drive over and shivered as I pulled down the visor and attempted to correct any makeup smudges I may have.
When I was satisfied with my appearance, I opened my truck door and this time ensured that I had my keys in hand. Hitting the lock on the key fob way more than necessary, I turned toward the station, and just as I reached the doors, I saw him. Standing behind a table filled with already made-up bags of treats for the kids, he leaned over and placed one into the hands of each kid that approached him.
He wore his uniform, even his hat, and long forgotten was the fear I felt on the way over. He looked hot; no, he looked more than hot.
Standing tall once more, he looked up, and that’s when our eyes locked on one another’s. He smiled, saying something to the guy at his side before moving around the table and sauntering in my direction.
I noticed the way he looked over me from head to toe before his gaze connected with mine once more. “A kitten?”
I bit my lip to hide my smile. “I figured it seemed fitting and a great choice for a costume.”
Stepping in closer, he gripped my hips and pulled my body closer. Our chests bumping, he took my mouth in a deep kiss that made my knees weak. “I think later you should wear this just for me.” Leaning back, he looked down at me once more. “No tights, though, just the skirt, nothing else under it, only the skirt.” He tugged on the tail behind me. “I think I want to make my kitten purr.”
Such a dirty man.
“Come on, let’s go meet everyone.” Quickly, he shifted from dirty to serious, and though I wanted to argue, I followed him without hesitation.
For the next few hours, we passed out candy, we laughed, and whenever Landon got the chance, he’d sneak a kiss. At first I felt a little embarrassed when I’d find one of the guys or even one of their wives noticing, but eventually I came to the realization that they were happy for him. They were happy for us. So instead of being embarrassed, I accepted his affection.
We were down to the last hour of the event, my feet were killing me, but I never complained. Landon excused himself to go help out one of the guys reload the table of pumpkins the kids got the chance to decorate, and I continued to pass out the bags to one child after another; the happy, thankful parents stood back as each one of them collected their goodies. It was all a blast. I was actually having more fun than I thought I would. A lot of our friends stopped by, and even my father and mother snuck in for a quick hello.
I was pleasantly surprised when my dad shook Landon’s hand. It was a tense moment, but it was a moment. He was getting there, learning to let go an inch at a time.
By the time Landon returned, we were down to the last stretch, and I yawned, leaning into him when he placed his arm around my shoulder. “Tired?”
“I’m good, just a long day at the office.”
He nodded as if he understood, and when he pressed a kiss to my forehead, I tried not to sigh. When he did that, it made me feel safe. It was a weird response to such an appealing man, but it was also a sweet gesture I adored from him.
“Is it bad that I want to give them all mini toothbrushes to use after they eat all this candy?” I said it quietly enough that only he could hear, and Landon laughed, and I turned to look up at him. He gave my lips a quick peck.
“No, babe, it’s cute.”
As we stared at one another, I was extremely thankful that the night was almost over and that he was actually off for the next forty-eight hours. Even if I had to work, I would get some alone time with him before and after.
“Now isn’t this adorable.” The sound of her voice made my skin crawl. “There are kids present, ya know?”
Holly was holding the hand of a small little boy who stood at her side. “I thought I would bring my little cousin in the firehouse to see all the real town heroes. He’s only visiting for a short time, and it’s the perfect family event.” He was dressed as Iron Man, so instead of focusing on her, I leaned over and directed my attention to him instead.
“Iron Man in one of my favorites.”
“He is my favorite.” A toothless grin from him made Holly’s presence almost tolerable. That was until she opened her mouth again.
“A kitten costume is a little trashy for a children’s event,
