She crossed her arms and stared straight ahead. “I’m going to hear about this all day, aren’t I?”
“If it’s a slow day, there’s a good chance it’ll be the main topic of conversation. Sorry, not sorry.” He snorted. “How did you end up with that shirt?”
“Tessa gave it to me for my last birthday.”
“Your sister has a wicked sense of humor. As gag gifts go, that ranks right up there.”
“Not a gag gift.” She gave him a quick side-eye. “It’s actually my favorite reality show.”
“Really?” So she liked firemen after all. How about that? “I would have figured you for a Live PD fan.”
She shrugged. “I live that every day. I don’t need to watch it on TV. Besides, Real American Firefighters isn’t…well, they don’t just follow the firefighters on calls.”
“No,” he said, trying hard not to laugh again. “I understand they also show the men working out and washing the trucks. Often shirtless.”
“That’s not all they show.”
“Right. Didn’t they also show them posing for a calendar once?”
She glared at him.
He snickered as he made the turn toward Zombie Donuts. “Come on, you have to admit it’s amazing how often those guys aren’t wearing shirts. But then, I suppose that’s why the show is so popular with certain viewers.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She tipped her head. “How exactly do you know so much about this show?”
“You can’t be a fireman and not know about it.” He pulled into the parking lot and found a space. “I just hope you won’t be too disappointed at the firehouse today.”
She frowned at him as she unclicked her seat belt. “About what?”
He turned the truck off, barely holding his laughter in. “We’ll all have our shirts on.”
She rolled her eyes at him and opened her door. “Just for that, you’re buying me a muffin.”
“I’d be happy to.” He got out of the truck. “If it means I get to keep my shirt on.”
She snort-laughed. “You’re sooo funny.”
He shut the door and met her at the front of the truck. “I really am. Come on, let’s get some doughnuts.”
They went in and got in line. The place was busy, but the line moved fast. In a few minutes, they were at the counter.
One of the workers, Bess, greeted them with a nod. “Good morning, Chief. The usual two dozen?”
“Morning, Bess. Yes, two dozen,” Titus answered. “How about one dozen Glazed From The Dead, then mix the other one between Boston Scream, Boo-berry Cake, Dr Prepper, and… What’s your doughnut of the day?”
“Today’s doughnut is the Reaper. It’s a chocolate cake doughnut with a raspberry sugar glaze.”
“Sounds great. Throw a few of them in, too, please.”
“You got it.” She went to work filling the order.
Jenna tipped her head as she looked at all the doughnuts on display. “Those all sound good. Now I’m not sure I want a muffin anymore.” She glanced at him. “How about I buy a dozen too? Any chance that’ll get me less grief about the T-shirt?”
Her generosity would definitely be appreciated, but nothing was going to stop the guys from ribbing her over that shirt. “Maybe a little, but that shirt isn’t an opportunity they’re going to pass up.”
“Worth a shot.” When Bess came back, Jenna smiled at her. “I’ll take a dozen, too, please. Three each of Scary Cherry, Death By Chocolate, Cinnamon Ghost Crunch, and Marshmallow Mummy.”
Bess got Jenna’s dozen together. She and Titus paid, then headed back to the truck. The boxes went on the back seat, but that didn’t stop them from filling the cab with their delicious aromas.
By the time they got to the station, Jenna’s stomach had growled twice.
“Hungry?” Titus asked.
She put her hand on her stomach. “It’s the smell of the doughnuts.”
“Well, I’m starting breakfast as soon as we get in, so it won’t be long before you can eat. If you want more than a doughnut, that is.” He parked in his reserved spot.
“I do. What are you making?”
“The usual. Bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, home fries, and biscuits. Might do a side of sausage gravy since we have company.”
Her mouth came open. “You don’t really make all that food.”
“I do. I have a whole station of big eaters to feed.” He got out of the truck and took his boxes off the back seat.
She did the same. “Are they all supernaturals?”
He shook his head. “It’s a mix on every shift. Probably like the sheriff’s department is. But those who aren’t supernaturals seem to eat just as much.”
“No wonder you cook such a spread. You want help?”
“I never turn it down.” Being in the kitchen with her would be interesting. Hopefully in a good way.
They headed toward the building and went in through the regular door, since the big garage doors at the back and front weren’t open yet. They allowed the trucks to pull straight in and straight out, cutting down on response times.
A little conversation and the smell of coffee greeted them. As they walked farther in, Titus made an announcement to all within earshot. “Fair warning. Guest on the premises.”
Jenna looked at him. “Did they really need a warning?”
“Sure. What if one of them was shirtless?”
She sighed with playful exasperation. “If I could drive back to your house and change, I would.”
“Not a chance I’m letting that happen.” He headed into the station’s big communal kitchen. “Men, this is Deputy Jenna Blythe. Some of you probably know her already. She’s going to be with us for a little bit.”
Jenna followed him and was greeted by six curious faces. Two she knew pretty well from seeing them at Howler’s. The first was Sam Kincaid, who was also Bridget’s boyfriend. The second was Liam Murphy. She knew him because they’d been in the same CPR recertification class. Sam was a werewolf. Liam had a little bit of leprechaun in him, which made him extra good at finding things and unbelievably lucky.
She knew
