Feel the Fire (Hotshots 3)

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Three days. It was hardly the longest fire Tucker had been involved with, but by the time Monday night rolled around, he was beyond grateful that personnel were being dismissed. On-site admin needs were lessened to the point that Tucker and Luis were free to go home and get some rest. Then they could gear up for the cleanup efforts that would take far longer than the initial blaze.

“I’m starving,” Luis said as they loaded up. “No more sandwiches. I need something hot, and for once, you won’t have to talk me into fast food.”

“There’s a local burger place in Prineville with amazing fries if you’re indulging.” Tucker slammed the back of the SUV shut and headed to the driver’s side. This time it was Luis’s turn to rest as he looked like crap after two nights in a tent with a bad back. Tucker was going to do his best to take care of him, make those dark circles under his eyes disappear and his smile come back out. “And then after dinner, you’re coming back with me. Boys are with Heidi tonight, and you, my friend, have a date with my shower.”

“Too exhausted to argue too loudly with that.” Giving him a tired smile, Luis buckled up. Tucker didn’t miss his wince as he shifted in the seat either.

“What else can we do for you? Meds? Heating pad?” Tucker started the slow trek back to the main road, following a line of other vehicles leaving the fire camp.

“I took a dose of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory a while ago. I don’t like taking the stronger stuff unless the pain is way worse than this. This is just how chronic issues tend to go—flaring up when it’s least convenient. I know I look a little worse for the wear, but a good night’s sleep on a decent mattress will go a long way to getting me back to normal.”

“I splurged on a quality orthopedic mattress when I bought the house. And my offer of a back rub still stands.”

“Sounds tempting.” Groaning, Luis stretched again. His flexing triceps made Tucker remember how his cat had stretched on top of the fridge when he’d visited.

“And how about Blaze? Do we need to stop by your hotel, pick up her and a change of clothes for you?”

“She’s generally good on her own—I left multiple bowls of water in case anything spills, the automatic dry food dispenser, and a second litter box, and let the front desk know the situation. But even though it’s out of the way, I’d probably feel better checking on her. And clean clothes sound great.”

“It’s a plan then. Food, your place, then my shower.”

“Tucker?” Luis’s voice dropped lower and softer, and a quick glance revealed that his face had gone decidedly more tender.

“Yeah?”

“You’re a nice guy. I was about to give you crap for going into dad mode on me, trying to fix everything, but then I realized you’ve always been like this. Caring about me. Taking care of little details.”

“I try.” The back of Tucker’s neck heated. “I mean, I know I didn’t always do the best job of thinking about your needs—”

“We were kids. There were things we both could have done differently. I meant what I said last week. I own my part in what happened. Quit beating yourself up for the past, because I’m sure as heck not dwelling on it, not when the here and now is so enjoyable. And I mean it. You’re a good guy.”

“Thanks.” He let a few more miles tick by, absorbing Luis’s praise, and during that time, Luis shut his eyes.

Tucker let him rest until their stop for food. Giant piping-hot burgers and a basket of fries to share had seldom tasted so satisfying. They were far from the only forest service people who had stopped for food there, making for a lively atmosphere but not particularly date-like, making Tucker all the more eager to be alone again.

“Okay, that was worth the food splurge.” Luis’s smile was at least a little wider as they resumed their drive, heading south to Blaze, who greeted them with the full force of her disapproval, meowing loudly as they entered the suite, then turning her back on them and stalking off.

“I’m going to change her water and such, but I’m not going to bring her to your place.” Luis made quick work of his tasks. “In this mood, she’s likely to climb your blinds or scratch the sofa before settling in to ignoring us again.”

“Makes sense. I don’t mind taking the risk though, if you’d feel better bringing her.” Tucker tried to pet the cat, but she swished her tail and jumped out of reach onto the counter. Simply the prospect of spending the night with Luis had him more energetic despite the days of little sleep, and he’d put up with the cat if it made Luis more likely to stay.