“It’s big, Diego.” For the first time since I’ve known him there’s fear in his voice. “I need as many trained volunteers that I can get.”
I rub a hand through my hair and rest my forehead against the window. My heart tells me to stay here with Rae so that she isn’t alone. My mind is telling me to get the next flight out. They’re not just nameless people that I’d be helping by saving their homes and even their lives, they’re my friends who I’d be working side-by-side. I know what I have to do, but it isn’t easy.
“I’ll call the airport and get the next flight back.”
“Message me your ETA.” Gideon hangs up.
“Fuck!”
“You’re leaving?” Rae rests her hand on my back and moves into my line of sight. “I heard.”
“There’s a fire back home that they need help with. It’s bad and they need everyone. I hate leaving you, or you could come back with me?” I suggest.
“As much as I want to run back with you, I need to stay and talk to Andie. I can’t leave it up in the air.”
I groan and pull her into my arms. “You’re right. I just wish that I didn’t have to leave so that I can hold you…be here for you.”
She smiles. “You are here for me.” Her hand presses against her chest. “You’re in here.”
“As soon as I’m back from the fire, I’m coming straight to your place. It’s home now,” I acknowledge and feel Rae cling to me for a moment before she lets me go.
“I’ll be waiting…now, let me help you pack.” She walks into the bedroom while my brain wonders if there’s time for a quickie.
RAE
Nursing a Hendrick’s in one of the many bars the hotel has to offer, I worry about Diego. He left quickly this morning and only just about managed to make the early flight back to Montana so now he’s out there and I’m worried sick.
Movement out of the corner of my eye snags my attention…Kasey.
“This seat taken?” Kasey asks and drops down opposite me without waiting my answer. “Why are you sulking into your drink?”
“I’m not—”
“You are.”
“I’m missing Diego.” To my dismay, my voice brakes slightly.
“Where’d he go?” Kasey frowns and reaches for my hand.
His warmth starts to seep into me, giving me strength. “I thought he’d have told you, although he did leave in a rush. He’s gone back home to help with a fire. His boss called him up.”
“Ah.” He squeezes my hands before letting go. “So that’s why you look so miserable, and probably worried as well, huh?”
“Not only that.” I grimace. “We told Andie about us this morning and it didn’t go too well. Has she told you?”
“I haven’t spoken to her since last night. I’ve been a bit distracted myself,” he admits. “But nothing I want to talk about.” He raises a brow, cutting me off.
“I didn’t say anything.” I chuckle.
“Forget I said anything and tell me about Andie. I’m surprised she didn’t take it well.” Kasey takes my hand again and rubs over my knuckles with his thumb.
I lean forward, sighing. “She said that the more she thinks about us being together, the more she realizes how wrong it is.” I lift my gaze and hold Kasey’s. “I don’t know how to make this right.”
“I don’t know what to say. Andie has been asking me about you two for a while now, and I’ve kept putting her off. She’s never given me reason to believe she’s unhappy about you both.” He wears a grim expression. “Perhaps that’s why she’s stayed away from me. I knew and didn’t tell her.” He shakes his head with regret written all over his handsome face.
“Kasey, it’s okay. It wasn’t for you to tell and she’ll understand that.” Taking my other hand, Kasey’s thumb rubs over my ring. He pauses and glances down before he lifts his gaze.
“You need to find her and make her listen before you get home. You’re going to need her in your corner before you face the rest of my family.”