Nathan then showed me around the station, but I was distracted, replaying his friend’s comment over and over in my head.
As we were about to say goodbye, I blurted out before I could stop myself, “So… do you have a girlfriend?”
He froze, clearly not expecting that question.
Realizing I might’ve overstepped, I quickly backpedaled, “You didn’t have to answer if you didn’t want to. It was just a random question.”
“No, I didn’t,” he replied.
I wasn’t sure if he meant he didn’t care about the question or if he actually didn’t have a girlfriend.
Almost like he read my mind, he repeated, “I didn’t have a girlfriend.”
“Okay, got it,” I said, trying to play it cool.
After that, I honestly didn’t remember how I got out of the fire station. My mind was completely wrapped up in thoughts of Nathan and his ruggedly handsome face.
A week later, I returned to the station to give back his jacket. I’d been in such a rush the last time that I completely forgot it was still tied around my waist until my roommate asked about it.
But when I got there, the friendly firefighter at the entrance told me Nathan was out on a call.