Walker: Stryker County Fire Dept., #1

By Kali Hart

Erin

Leave it me to have to call the fire department because my daring kitten gets stuck in a tree.
I'm in a hurry, but when Walker shows up, I forget everything.
He's every firefighter calendar fantasy rolled into one.
We share one passionate encounter before he's called away to a true emergency.
Just as well. Men that sexy don't fall for women like me.
If only I could stop running into him everywhere I go.

Walker

I'm the unlucky fireman who draws the short straw to rescue a cat from a tree.
But my luck turns when I see Erin.
One kiss is all it takes for me to know that she belongs to me.
What will it take for her to see things my way?

Sweet & steamy short story instalove romance with a firefighter hero and younger curvy woman with an HEA. NO cliffhangers. NO cheating.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie M. Wallick
• Release date: Dec 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9798223878711

Book preview

1

ERIN

"Rosco, I so don’t have time for this!" I’m leaning halfway out my second-floor bedroom window, one hand outstretched toward the tree. But it’s no use. I can’t reach that rambunctious kitten from here.

When I adopted him two weeks ago, the lady at the shelter warned me he was feisty. I just didn’t expect he’d leap out an open window into a tree.

You know Mr. Dirksen counts attendance as part of my grade! I try to reason with Rosco. I’m so close to finishing my degree. Just two more months until I graduate. But the tabby kitten doesn’t seem to care about my average GPA. He meows from the branch he’s clawing to, but otherwise doesn’t appear to be in any sort of hurry to leave his perch.

I look at him, then look down. It’s enough to make me dizzy. I don’t like heights. I only rented a second-floor apartment for safety reasons. And I’m a little too curvy in too many places to attempt climbing this skinny tree.

Ducking back inside my bedroom, I search for anything that might work to bribe Rosco back inside. The only thing I think might do the trick is milk. Reluctant to leave him unattended, I rush into the kitchen and fill a tiny bowl.

You want some milk? I wave the dish up at him, then set it on the window sill. It catches his interest only enough to lift his curious ears. But then a bird flies overhead, and his attention is stolen away.

I’m so going to miss class today.

You’re going to make me do it, aren’t you? Rosco meets my narrowed eyes, but he just mews. I can’t tell if he’s scared or thinks he’s on an adventure.

With an annoyed sigh, I Google the number to the local fire department. Since Rosco hasn’t really attempted to move, I’m not desperate enough to go straight for 9-1-1.

Stryker County Fire Department, a smooth, sexy voice answers. For a moment, I forget why I’m calling. My tongue is tangled in my mouth, and words are lodged in my throat. Every sexy fire department calendar image I’ve ever seen flashes through my mind. Tingles are happening in places that make me blush. Ma’am?

Um, yes, hi. Yes, hi.

Can I help you with something?

That voice is helping me with something alright. I needed to leave for class ten minutes ago. But right now, the slickness between my legs suggests a better distraction. My eyes linger on my bed until Rosco meows again, bringing me back to reality. I force myself to focus. My cat.

What?

Rosco.

Ma’am, this isn’t a vet clinic. But I can get you their number.

He’s stuck in a tree.

Really now? I can hear the annoyance in his voice, and it’s enough to break the spell he momentarily put me under.

"Yes, really. He jumped out the window and into a tree. I can’t get him to come down. Or in. With each sentence, my tone grows a little snappier. I thought firefighters rescued cats from trees. Can you help me or not?"

"Why don’t you give me