Tony would eventually be able to offer lessons free of charge to his team members to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for them. He still had a ways to go, but if he didn’t start sometime, he’d never get there.
The downside of all this was that he hadn’t seen or even talked to Carm since they’d gone hiking almost a month ago. You bailed on her. By the time he’d realized he hadn’t texted Carm to explain his unexpected, early departure, it was the middle of the afternoon. He’d gone ahead and sent a text, of course, but he hadn’t told her about the nightmare. Tony knew he should have given her a reason. Sure, she knew he was having nightmares, but he might not be as ready as he’d thought to show any weakness around her.
Since then, Tony had managed to text her on slow days at the station, but by the time he hit the sack most nights, he’d been too exhausted for a phone call except on a few occasions. Usually, he dropped into bed and fell asleep almost before his head hit the pillow. From now to at least the end of October, work and dive-team training would consume him. But he was okay with that exhausting schedule—for now. It felt good to be doing something proactive to make life better for residents and visitors to his county.
He couldn’t wait to see her today. They couldn’t build on a relationship when they spent very little time with each other.
When he heard the crunch of tires on the gravel road, he looked up and watched as Carm parked her car near the lake. His heart skipped a beat.
Tony set down the regulator he’d been examining and made his way toward her, opening her door as she cut the ignition.
“I’ve missed you, principessa.” Tony helped her out of the vehicle, kissed her on the lips, and gave her a long hug. It was just the two of them right now. No one to hide their affection from.
“It’s so great to see you.” When he released her, she turned her attention to where he’d laid out cylinders, regulators, and BCDs. “I’m excited about my first cold-water dive. Tell me what you need.”
“I need you in my bed for a few hours to give you a proper welcome to Aspen Corners.”
She laughed. “I mean, what do you need me to help with today?” She stroked his cheek and gave him a sultry smile. “But I’m free the rest of the day and have nothing scheduled until late tomorrow morning.”
Apparently, Carmella had missed him too. He couldn’t help being a little relieved. However, he’d never had a woman in his apartment for an overnight stay before. Was he really ready for this step?
If not, why the hell not? The two of them were well beyond anything he’d experienced with any other woman. He loved how they could pick up where they’d left off whenever they got together. He wouldn’t be leaving this woman anytime soon.
Maybe never.
Wait. He wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment. Was he?
“I’ve done some swimming pool work with them before this, but this will be their first time diving in the lake.” They started over to where he had everything ready for the divers.
“How was work? Quiet night?”
“Very. But no complaints.”
After he explained his plan for today’s session, and while they waited for the Dentons and Wilsons to arrive to get started, they donned their thick wet suits, covering their bodies from head to toe. The water here was always frigid. While Tony was certified for a dry suit, he wanted to be able to experience what the others felt and none of them were certified yet.
“How are things going with the dive team?”
“It’s keeping me busy. Sorry I haven’t been able to call more often.” She waved away his apology. Relieved that was behind them, Tony gave her an update.
“That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you for taking this on, Tony.”
Her words meant a lot to him. “It’s been a lifesaver for me already, that’s for sure.”
“Before they get here, I wanted to ask a favor.”
“Sure. What do you need?”
“I’m putting together a bachelor auction for a local charity in November and would love it if you’d be one of my bachelors.” She was auctioning off single men? When he didn’t answer right away, she added, “I promise to bid high and often for you.”
That made the proposition sound a little more promising. “Exactly what are the winning bidders being promised from the bachelors?”
“Well, for most of them, the privilege of having dinner with the bachelor at the gala.”
“Most of them?”
“Well, I’m thinking that, when I win you, I plan to eventually take you back to my condo to have my way with you.” She waggled her eyebrows and laughed. The thought of Carm taking control of their lovemaking like she had with her fireman fantasy made him hard. “All totally consensual, of course. Are you interested in participating?”
“In which part of the evening?”
“Both!”
“Well, if you promise you won’t let some wealthy cougar win me, I’d be happy to help—provided I’m not working that night.”
“Oh, I already checked. You’re off duty, but I wanted to give you enough notice not to cover anyone else’s shift that night or take on anything else.” That she kept up with Tony’s work schedule made him smile until he remembered it was the same as her brother’s.
“Count me in.” Seeing Carm again at the charity event—and after, regardless of who won him—gave him something else to look forward to. By November,
