Fall for Me (Ladder Company #1)

“I hate that guy. He’s such a tool,” she whines. “But fine, I’ll call him.”


Jameson hangs up the phone and sets it down beside us. This isn’t good. A random box being delivered to me at the firehouse? I shudder at the thought and now, more intensely than before, don’t want to move from this spot. The real world waits for us outside of this little man-made grassy hill.

“I love you,” I blurt out and wrap my arms around his neck. “I know that was the house, but I had to say it. I love you so much, and now you’re stuck with me because I’ve waited way too long for you.”

“Just try and get rid of me, baby,” he murmurs and claims my lips again. This time our kiss immediately turns to something far less chaste than is appropriate for a rooftop terrace in the middle of Manhattan on a weekday where people can see us. But it doesn’t matter. He’s mine. Finally. And this—this is everything.





Chapter 18

Melanie

The bomb squad is almost done clearing out from the house and packing up their equipment. Turns out, the box isn’t a bomb, but something almost as twisted—at least that’s the murmurs I’ve heard from the cops and firefighters who pass by us. Being out of the loop is probably killing Jameson, but he refuses to leave my side. They NYPD finally lets us past the caution tape, and we approach the open garage bay. I almost don’t want to see it for myself. Detective Capriotti is standing next to Jack with the mysterious box open and laid out in front of them on a long bench the guys use to aide them in suiting up to head out on a call. Jameson tries to stop me, but I whisper a plea to see it for myself.

A narrow floral box with twelve long-stemmed red roses. Half are burnt to a blackened crisp, and the other half are smeared with blood. There’s a note scrawled on the underside of the lid. YOUR FAMILY SECRETS WILL BE YOUR DOWNFALL.

It’s the same print as the note on my dress and the coaster from the bar.

“I don’t understand,” I mumble, staring at the note. “We don’t have any secrets. My dad’s entire life from birth to where he ate dinner last night is chronicled online.”

Detective Capriotti, a tall man with dark hair and deep brown eyes, places his hands on his hips and fixes his eyes on me. His jaw works before he opens his mouth, and what comes out brings me to the realization of why the Hayes family has such a problem with the guy. And I always thought he was nice enough.

“Every family has secrets. A man as wealthy as your father must have some dirty secrets he doesn’t want you to know about.”

“No,” I protest. “I assure you there’s nothing in his past that could lead to this.”

“We don’t know everything about our parents.”

“Is there something you want to say, Detective?”

“Money changes people, that’s all.”

Asshole.

“Back off, Capriotti,” Jameson says. He grows tense beside me with every word Capriotti speaks.

“Look, I’m not about stepping on anyone’s toes, but I’m also not up for holding anyone’s hand through this. My job is figuring out who’s targeting you, Melanie.”

“And I want you to do your job,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Go a little gentle, will ya?” Jameson says and narrows his eyes at Capriotti.

“I don’t do gentle. I do my job.”

“It’s fine,” I say and wave it off like it’s nothing. Jack takes a step away and meets Hennessey across the garage.

Royal walks into the garage from the street and picks up speed when she sees me. I take a step away from Jameson and wrap my arms around her. She pulls back quicker than I’d like and turns to Capriotti with a raised nostril. She rubs my back as she says, “There’s something you need to see.”

Capriotti nods and gives one last look to the roses, then walks away. I fold my arms over my chest and watch as Royal tries to slyly signal Jameson to follow her. From across the garage, Jack and Hennessey pick up on her not-so-subtle attempt at getting them outside without my noticing, and they head out of the garage in front of her.

“I’ll be right back. Stay put,” Jameson says. He leans in and presses a kiss to the top of my head. He lips linger there a moment longer than they used to, and I let my eyes fall close for a moment, just relishing the closeness. I don’t chase after him when he departs even though I really want to.