in case you were wondering, they’re dolls. Then, I have to get out without getting lost in the smoke or leaving anyone behind.”
He nods as he sticks out his bottom lip. “Sounds cool though. When do they plan on starting you?”
I take a drink of water. “Just depends on how well I do on my tests and all the little tasks they’re going to have me do. I have to test on hooking up the hose, using the hose, climbing up the ladder with heavy equipment. It’s a long list.”
He shakes his head as he drains the water from the sink and dries his hands. “I don’t think I could do it. I’d get too panicky. All that smoke and heat and the worry that I’d miss someone. Not to mention rushing into a burning building that could be coming down on top of you. Nope, no thank you.”
I laugh. “It’s exciting. The adrenaline pumps through your veins, and it’s the best high you’ll ever experience. I learned that as I ran away from guys with high-powered machinery and bombs being thrown my way. Shit gets scary sometimes, but once you make it out alive, there’s a high for days.”
He chuckles. “You need therapy, man.”
“Been there, done that.” I laugh out.
“I’m going to go take a nap before I have to go in. If you have time, would you mind running down to the laundry room and finishing up for me? I’ve got things in machines 12 and 13. Take one out, put one in. That easy.”
“Sure, no problem,” I agree as he walks out, leaving me alone.
I finish off my bottle of water and toss it into the full trash can. I go ahead and grab the bag, taking it out as I go for the laundry. I find the machines he was talking about, and there’s an empty basket on top. I open the dryer and pull the clothes into it. Right on top is a red, lacy thong. I pick them up and hold them in front of my face. I wonder why I haven’t seen these yet? I know one thing for sure. I’m going to be ripping these motherfuckers off her tonight. My mouth waters just from thinking of it.
I shake my head at myself, then toss the lace onto the top of the pile before moving the clothes from the washer into the dryer. I grab the basket and take it back up to the apartment. I drop it into the corner of the room and throw myself back on the couch. I kick up my feet and lean my head back, watching TV from beneath my lashes as exhaustion takes over.
I guess Brad slips out while I’m sleeping. The next thing I know, I’m being woken up with her lips on my neck. My eyes pop open, and I turn my head to the side to see her lust-filled eyes.
“Why’d you stop?” I ask, giving her a sleepy smile.
“Ugh, because my brother hasn’t left yet.” She quickly leans back a second before Brad walks into the living room.
He motions toward me with a scoff. “She hasn’t been home five minutes and she’s already woken you up.” He rolls his eyes and shakes his head before turning his attention to her. “Some of us actually work for a living, Deven. Try letting us sleep, huh?” With a lift of his brow, he heads for the kitchen.
“What’s his problem?” I ask, stretching.
She rolls her eyes. “I was in the bathroom this morning, and he claims I was being so loud that I woke him up. Then he proceeded to bitch about how I was in there for too long because he had to pee. Then he didn’t have enough hot water. Blah, blah, blah.”
I chuckle under my breath. “The life of siblings,” I say, sitting up and resting my elbows on my knees.
Brad comes walking through the living room with his lunch box in hand. “Well, I’m off. Dev, let the man sleep. He’s a firefighter now and he has to rescue dolls from the smoke tomorrow.” He glances at me. “Don’t put up with her shit,” he says with a smile as he opens the door and steps out.
She looks at me confused. “You have to rescue what?”
I laugh. “It’s a test. I have to rescue dolls. It’s too risky to use real people.”
She nods. “Sounds like fun. I bet there are some at-home exercises we could run if you need practice.”