“Yep. There’s a fire. And early word is that it’s fitting our arson profile. Crack of dawn ignition, small fire size, anonymous tip, no reported lightning or nearby campers. The smoke jumpers were called out, and they seem to have it contained, but I figured you’d want to be on scene ASAP.”
“You guessed right.” Luis was already out of bed and pulling on pants. “Got directions?”
“Hang on there. It’s a pretty remote location. You shouldn’t go alone. Also, I’m worried about that little car of yours on the back roads. I’ll pick you up. My SUV will be fine, so no need to switch to an official vehicle.”
“Okay, okay. Bring on the dadmobile.” He didn’t put up too much of a fight because Tucker sounded like a man with a plan who wasn’t about to be deterred. And Luis did want to be out there quickly. That was all. Couldn’t possibly be that he wanted to see Tucker.
“Good. I’m already on the way to you.”
“I’ll feed Blaze, then head down to the front of the hotel.” Sensing food was coming, the cat stretched from the chair where she’d been snoozing but like always she ignored his outstretched hand. No head scratches for her royal highness.
“Sounds good. I grabbed you a coffee, but you might want some food and water if you’ve got it.”
“I’m on it.” He stuck two bottles of water and some energy bars in his bag. “And thanks.”
“No problem. See you soon.”
Tucker memorizing his preferred coffee order was oddly...touching. Sweet. Different, being taken care of like that when he was usually the one fussing over his—
Wait. This was not a relationship. Wasn’t even a permanent work relationship. Tucker was simply being considerate. That was all.
And when Tucker arrived a few minutes later, he was sure to say thanks but kept his tone distant. Professional. Definitely not mentioning that kiss. But then one glance at Tucker sipping his iced drink through a straw, and he was right back to the unwanted lust that had woken him up. Damn but he wanted this man, wanted him eager and begging and—
Not happening. Be professional. He forced himself to focus on his coffee, which was the perfect temperature and right balance of bitter and smoky flavors. At least Painter’s Ridge had found its way to decent coffee if nothing else.
For his part, Tucker didn’t seem any more inclined to discuss the kiss than Luis was. They kept the conversation to the fire, checking in with the air base on the status of the operation as they made their way through winding roads. It was a gorgeous Sunday morning in the mountains, blue skies, and soft winds sweeping through the trees and scrubby terrain. Not too hot yet, but the sun overhead said they’d be sweating before too long.
“Like the other fires, it’s not too far from a hiking trail, but the nearest ranger station doesn’t report any backcountry camping permits,” Tucker explained as they drove. “It’s a long, challenging trail for experienced hikers, but we’ll only have a couple of miles to hike in from the closest access road. You wore your boots?”
“Yup. Gear in my bag too.”
“Good. We’ll need it.” Tucker navigated the access road to a clearing where several other vehicles were already parked.
They got situated with hard hats and other gear while one of the smoke jumper supervisors brought them up to speed on what had been happening. Nearby, exhausted-looking jumpers who’d carted their heavy equipment out from the site were hydrating and tending to their packs.
“The fire was contained by our initial team, but we’re still on the lookout for hot spots,” the supervisor explained as the wind ruffled her short hair. “We’ve got a small mop-up crew in now.”
After the update, they started the hike to the site. The air was heavy with the scent of charred wood, smoke lingering despite the fact that the blaze was out. But he was well used to the smell of smoke. Harder to take was the growing tension between him and Tucker. They were alone on the walk, no fire updates or navigation to distract them, and the memory of that kiss seared his brain. Forget hot spots in the woods. His body was a mess of flare-ups every time their eyes met.
Finally, he couldn’t stand it any longer. “So...about Friday night?”
Tucker predictably groaned and slowed down his brisk pace. “Do we really need to talk about it?”
“Are you wanting to pretend it didn’t happen?” That had been his personal approach all weekend, but now he wasn’t so sure, didn’t know if he wanted Tucker to so easily dismiss everything simmering between them.
“No. Couldn’t even if I wanted to, which I don’t.”
“Good.” Damn it. He wasn’t supposed to feel relief over that. “It...was okay?”
Tucker laughed, deep and hearty, sound echoing. “You wanting compliments on your technique? Something tells me you already know you’re a damn good kisser.”