Into the Fire (First Responders 3)

The colour in her cheeks deepened. “Of course I’m all right. I just… This isn’t why I came here tonight.”

“I know that. I didn’t intend for it to happen either.”

“Then why did it?”

It was a good question, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to examine for motives too deeply. He lifted his hand and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. He tried a smile. “It was an adrenaline-filled day for both of us and we needed the release.” He could say things like in a dangerous situation people often wanted to feel alive, or he could get personal and confess that there was a little bit of nostalgia involved. But he let it lie. No sense getting overly heavy about it.

“You said we, but the only one who got any release was me.”

As if he needed reminding. “And do you feel better?”

“So it was what, a charitable cause?”

He leaned in so that his face was only a few inches from hers. “Don’t put words in my mouth, Ally. You know I had to realize that you weren’t wearing any underwear, and when you hugged me…well, my imagination didn’t have to stretch too far.”

Her gaze darted away.

He gentled his voice. “Maybe I got carried away. But I wasn’t carried alone. And it’s okay.”

“You stopped.” Her voice was a soft whisper.

“Because I knew for sure you’d regret it. Not because I wanted to. Hell, Ally. I remember how it was between us. The sex was always good.”

Her lips twitched at the corners. “Yes, it was.”

“So no feeling guilty or awkward or anything, right? It’ll be our little secret.”

Ally nodded.

“Would you like me to take you home now?”

“I think so.”

He boosted himself up to standing and held out a hand. “Come on, get your things. Are you going to be okay dealing with your parents?”

She shrugged. “I know what to expect. Dad’ll be glad I’m fine and relieved that now I don’t have to worry about this shelter business. Mom will flutter and panic and make sure I’m not burned anywhere and then tell me to forget about this shelter business.”

“They don’t approve?”

She shrugged again. “It’s not a ‘life plan’.”

“I see.” He did see, quite clearly. “And if they knew we’d been together tonight…”

Her expression changed, growing uncomfortable. “They don’t need to know that. As far as anyone knows, you were just doing a favour for an old friend. Nothing more to it.”

It was probably smarter that way in the end. It was a small town and their history wasn’t exactly a secret. It would only create trouble if rumors started.

She went around him and picked up her bag of smoky clothes. “I might as well get it over with and have a decent night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be busy. And I’m scheduled to work at the drugstore in the afternoon.”

Chris drove her back into town as the sun set. By the time he dropped her off at home, his headlights were on and the cab of the truck was buffered by twilight, hiding them from clear view.

“Thank you, Chris. For saving me today, for letting me pull myself together at your place.”

“Any time,” he replied, forcing himself to keep his hands on the wheel. He was surprised to realize that he meant it. They’d spent a lot of time avoiding each other, but when it came right down to it, there was a connection between them that had never been completely broken. All she’d ever have to do is ask for his help and he would be there.

He just hoped she didn’t realize it. It made him a bit vulnerable when all was said and done, and he had no intention of getting involved only to have his heart trampled on again.

She got out of the truck and gave a wave before disappearing into the house.