He cheated i chose two firefighters novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Natalie lifted her brows. “That sounded good.”

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“That was Chief Jarrett,” I said, bouncing on my toes. “Hollywood Fire. He wants me to cook for them

tomorrow. And he wants a workout plan too.”

Natalie’s grin went wide. “Okay, chef. What are you making?”

“Chicken enchiladas with white sauce,” I said. “Sour cream enchiladas, basically–except I’m using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.”

She stared at me pointedly. “So you’re making extra for tonight.”

I giggled at the not–even–subtle request and nodded.

We celebrated with gelato–pistachio for her, Neapolitan for me–then I hit the grocery store while she

went back to the condo.

When I looked up the station, I found out each shift was fifteen people. Their schedule was intense: a seventy–two–hour shift, two days off, then a forty–eight–hour shift, then three days off.

I bought a ridiculous amount of glass bakeware because I wasn’t about to show up with flimsy pans like I didn’t respect the job. At home I lined up four 9×13 glass dishes.

Natalie was napping by then, so I assembled everything ahead of time and decided I’d bake it at the firehouse. The enchiladas were a good size, and for a minute I debated doubling the whole thing- firefighters weren’t exactly known for tiny appetites.

But this was a sample, not Thanksgiving.

I also made homemade tortilla chips and guacamole, because if I was going to audition, I was going

to audition.

Dessert was flan.

By the time I finished, it was ten.

I missed Milo and Jace. I wanted kisses–more than I wanted to admit.

They were on shift, though, and it hit me too late that I should’ve asked which station they worked at.

Guess I was finding out tomorrow.

pulled into the firehouse parking lot at ten to eleven.

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After one look at all my containers, I called the Chief and asked if someone could give me a hand hauling everything inside.

A minute later the bay doors opened–and out walked Milo and Jace.

Of course.

Milo’s smile turned crooked. “Hey, beautiful. You’re the chef candidate today?”

“Yes,” I said quickly. “And I swear I didn’t know this was your station. I’m not stalking you.”

They both laughed.

Jace dipped his head and kissed my forehead, soft and steady. Milo followed, same place, same

warmth.

Behind them a third firefighter–dark hair, curious eyes–looked confused. He stepped forward like he

was about to copy them.

Milo put a hand on his chest, stopping him dead. “Octavio, what the fuck are you doing?”

Octavio blinked. Heavy Spanish accent. “I thought it was… the greeting? I was going to kiss her

forehead too.”

I couldn’t help myself. “Ellos son mis amantes.”

Octavio’s face cracked into a huge grin.

Jace narrowed his eyes at me. “What did you just tell him?”

“I told him you’re my lovers,” I said, then hesitated. “Is that okay? Do you want it quiet?”

Jace’s expression softened into something proud. “No, baby girl. We want people to know.”

My shoulders dropped with relief.

Milo opened his mouth, clearly about to ask something, but I cut him off before he could.

“I’m still deciding,” I said. “So for now–lovers.”

Milo’s grin came back. “Works for me, cutie.”

I rolled my eyes, then gestured at my mountain of food. “Help?”

For the next hour I worked while an audience formed.

I fried chips, dumped guacamole into bowls, and set everything out so people could start tasting while

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Meno

the main dish baked. I slid the enchiladas into the oven right at eleven and silently thanked every deity available when I saw they had a double oven. All four pans fit.

The flan waited in the fridge like a secret weapon.

People kept complimenting the chips and guac, which almost made me laugh because it was the easiest part.

“I thought you all rotated cooking,” I said, refilling a tray.

A firefighter named Serena snorted. “We try. But out of thirty, five of us can actually cook. And four of those five are on the same shift.”

She nodded toward the Chief. “So we pushed for a hire and he got it approved.”

I nodded back, letting her know I’d heard her.

When the enchiladas were done, everyone sat at the long table. The Chief took the head seat. I carried

the pans over and set them in the center like offerings.

Then I waited.

They ate.

No comments. No noise beyond forks and the occasional chair shift.

My palms got damp. My heart kept tripping over itself. I was absolutely sweating through my shirt by

the time Jace looked up and gave me an easy wink.

Milo finished first and lifted his plate like he was about to commit a crime against manners.

When he licked the last of the sauce, I couldn’t stop myself–l giggled.

Chief Jarrett sat back. “Well,” he said, voice carrying, “as Milo just illustrated, this was excellent.”

The table erupted in agreement–plates being scraped, people chasing sauce like it was the only thing

keeping them alive.

I exhaled hard.

“Dessert,” I said, moving before my nerves could come back. “Let’s see if I can keep the streak going.”

I portioned out the flan.

The reaction was immediate: appreciative groans, a couple of people closing their eyes like they were having a religious experience.

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Chief Jarrett stood. “All in favor of hiring Scarlett as our chef?”

Every single person said yes.

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I beamed so hard my cheeks cramped. I clapped and did these tiny little hops that I couldn’t control.

After that, I spent half an hour with the Chief going over pay, receipts, and the logistics. Then I showed him the workout routine I’d put together.

He looked genuinely impressed.

“I want you starting next Wednesday,” he said. “And I’m putting you on the same shift as Milo and Jace. Easiest for everyone.”

I didn’t even try to hide my smile.

The crew told me not to worry about cleanup. Milo would bring my dishes back later. Apparently everyone had already put together that we lived in the same building–and after today’s conversations,

nobody was confused about me seeing Milo and Jace.

Two of the women didn’t look thrilled.

Neither of them said a word. They still ate every bite.

Outside by my car, Milo wrapped me in a hug. “Congrats, beautiful.”

Jace stepped in next, holding me like I belonged there. “Princess, we’re excited to have you with us.”

“Thank you,” I said, breathless with happiness. “Also–do me a favor? Get me a list of everybody’s

favorite foods.”

Milo nodded. “Done, baby.”

They both kissed me–quick, sweet, and confident–then I got in my car and drove off.

I’d gotten the job.

And I didn’t think I’d stopped smiling once.

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