Chapter 63

Conrad seemed to have spotted her too. He held his helmet under one arm and walked over with long strides. He looked a bit tired, posture slightly relaxed, but he still kept that lazy, cocky vibe about him. "Off work? Things not so hectic today?" he asked once he got close. Behind him, a bunch of firefighters who had just gotten off with him noticed the interaction, immediately crowding around and whispering among themselves. "Yo, check her out! Who is that stunning woman?" "How does Captain Hilliard know someone that pretty?" "Come on, when has he ever talked to a woman first? She's definitely his girlfriend." "No way! Southaven Station's forever-single iron man...finally cracked?" They weren't exactly quiet either. Calliope's cheeks instantly flushed warm. "Yeah, I'm done for today," she said quickly, ducking her head. "I'll head home now." Conrad glanced at her peachy cheeks that had turned pink-too cute for words, really. He swallowed hard, then quietly added, "I'm eating at home t