Embracing Today, a firefighter romance: (The Trading Yesterday Series, #3), Kahlen Aymes [essential reading txt] 📗

“The fire commissioner will probably be around the burn site to do some investigating later. They might have a few questions for you, too. It’s standard procedure,” Ben assured seeing my shocked expression.

I tried quickly to hide my fear.

“I just didn’t want you to be scared if you saw vehicles or people snooping around out there. If you need more time before you speak to them, I can put in a request that they wait a week or two for your statement, but they’ll need to get on-site today.”

Panic spread through me. I was responsible for Carter’s death. If only I hadn’t gone out to the shop. If I’d waited to talk to him, he wouldn’t be dead. It weighed heavily upon my conscience and now… would I be held accountable? Would I face charges? “I’d prefer some time before I speak to them, yes.” Was that squeaky, meek voice mine? Inwardly, I was freaking out.

“Understandable. I’ll pass that along. Don’t worry,” Ben said, knowingly. “What happened was an accident and they just have to follow procedure.”

“Okay,” I said, my trepidation only slightly appeased.

“Listen, your little girl is in my truck by herself so I’m gonna head out.” He pointed toward the door of the hospital room and flashed a brilliant smile. “No doubt, she’s crying her head off.”

In light of such an onslaught of kindness, I couldn’t help but smile at the mention of the puppy. She’d been my one true source of solace, though I’d had her such a short time.

“Which station did you say you were at? In case you try to kidnap Gem, you know.” I laughed softly but still enough to feel it in my ribs. “Ugh,” I wrapped my arms around my midsection as if cradling it would make the pain stop.

“Oh, yeah, clearly you’re ready for hauling bales of alfalfa. Just rest and I’ll bring her out. See you later, Marin.”

“Ben?” He’d started to leave, and I stopped him, causing him to glance over his shoulder.

“Thank you, again.” I meant it with all my heart. He was such a dramatic contrast to Carter’s awful and unkind personality. My heart fell when I realized that when Carter had first come to work at the shop, he’d seemed kind and caring, too, and I fell for it. I wanted so badly for Ben’s words to be genuine.

He lifted a hand and put it over his heart, barely stopping his stride. He offered a gently grin. “No problem.”

“Bye,” I said. He left me smiling, but the starkness of the room became overwhelming after his commanding presence, which had just so completely filled the space, had vacated. I was left bereft; the prospect of my future seemed bleak.

Ben’s kindness was amazing, his smile infectious. For a just moment, I’d almost forgotten that the night before when I’d killed Carter. Then the guilt set in again, and just like that, I broke down into painful sobs.

BEN

I couldn’t understand how such a beautiful and kind young woman, who I now knew as Marin, was so alone in the world.

She seemed so distraught, and I couldn’t wrap my head around why she didn’t have anyone to help her. Her situation tugged at my heart so much because my father split when my sister, Missy, and I were just kids. Other than Missy, I’d never wanted to protect someone more.

Marin must be lost without the man who died in the fire. After all, he was all she had in the world after losing her uncle. The responsibility of the ranch and auto shop had to be intimidating. It would be for anyone who’d recently lost so much. I just wanted to make sure she was okay and ease her burden; even if it was just helping out with care of the horses.

When I arrived at the fire station, little Gem and I made our entrance to a round of cheers and happy greetings. The guys and the captain had discussed adopting a dog for the firehouse, but we’d never gotten around to it, and so they were enthusiastic about this little lady’s appearance.

“What do you have here?” Davis asked, bending to play with the puppy. “What a cutie! Is this for us?”

“That’s Marin’s pup—” I paused at the familiar use of her name. “You know, the woman from the shop fire. Last night,” I said awkwardly. For some reason I felt the need to explain.

My friend’s eyebrows shot up. “Marin, huh?”

“That’s asinine to imply, Davis. As you know, Marin Landry was injured and taken to the hospital, so this little thing was left kenneled inside her home without anyone to take care of her. What was I supposed to do? Let her go hungry and leave the poor thing to sleep in her own crap?”

“Uh huh. Don’t forget, I saw her, too. Even bruised and bloody, she was beautiful.”

I was annoyed at his crass suggestion and the protectiveness inside bolstered. “Yeah, I noticed,” I said honestly. “Have a little sensitivity, please. The woman just saw someone she loved burned alive, so why don’t you grow up? She’s off limits. I’m just helping her out with her animals. From what I gather, she’s not long on friends or family.”

He nodded and smiled, then punched me softly on the shoulder. “Fine, you be her sensitive friend, Ben.” Davis emphasized the words with sarcastic humor. I liked him in many ways, but my sister’s abusive situation with her first husband had taught me to be more sensitive to hidden pain than the average guy.

“I will,” I said, feeling uncharacteristically indignant.

“Good,” he retorted, picking up Gem and scratching her head. The pup wagged her tail and nipped at his fingers playfully. “Let me know when she’s ready to date again, and I’ll call her.”

“Humph,” I snorted and shook my head in disgust. “Don’t be a dick. Leave her alone.”

I wasn’t sure if he was pissing with me or serious, but I flashed him a pointed look. I also wasn’t sure if