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

green plant into each of the feed bins hanging on the inside of the stall walls. Those who got their food first started munching away happily while the others watched me with huge brown eyes, punctuated by a few snorts and neighs that became more pronounced.

After each of the horses received their portion of the alfalfa, I picked up a large scoop from an open bag of oats. It was ingenious; made by removing the bottom and part of one side from a gallon-sized plastic vinegar jug. I added one scoop of oats to the second feed bucket for each horse, giving the pregnant mare a little extra. After all, she was eating for two.

After I’d finished and the horses were munching happily, I made sure both of the round metal water troughs in both pastures were topped off with fresh water from the hose connected to a water pump in front of the barn.

I wanted to see Marin, hoping she might pop outside while I was working with the animals so at least I’d be able to check on her. There were bags and boxes of Kung Pao Chicken, Moo Shu Pork and eggrolls sitting on the passenger seat of my truck. It was surely cold by now, but there was more than enough for the two of us, and I did tell her I’d bring food over.

I walked back to the truck, second guessing my decision. Maybe it would seem insensitive to expect her to share dinner with me less than a mile from where her man went up in flames a day before. The air was filled with the familiar smell of a fresh burn. I glanced at the house once more, and then toward the charred remains of the mechanic’s shop before walking around the truck, yanking open the passenger door and grabbing the white bags imprinted with the Chinatown restaurant logo on them.

“Fuck it,” I mumbled to myself. I said I’d bring dinner and here it was. If she wanted to eat alone, I’d respect that. I just wanted to make sure Marin and Gem were okay and let her know that the horses were taken care of.

My boots made a hollow stomping sound on the wooden steps as I went up them, and across the porch. As I knocked on the screen door it bounced against the doorframe and I noticed the screen was coming loose from the frame. It would need repair, or she’d have a house full of mosquitos when the weather got a little warmer. No doubt the windows were equally neglected on the old farmhouse if the chipping paint on the wooden siding was anything to go by.

When Marin didn’t answer the door, I opened it and knocked more forcefully on the solid door beneath. I sighed heavily, when it went unanswered again. Realizing that she had my cell number from the night before because I told her to get it from one of the guys, but I didn’t have hers.

“Shit!” I said, frustrated. I couldn’t call her, and I didn’t want to scare her by banging harder on the door.

Maybe the door was unlocked, but how creepy would it be to go inside while she was in the house? But what choice did I have? I put out a hand to close around the doorknob, holding the bags with the other arm. I didn’t really expect it to open, but it did. I nudged it open just enough to call inside.

The inside of the house was completely silent.

“Marin? Are you here?” I called quietly, so as not to frighten her. The question was met with the small bark and whining from the puppy, but it was distant, so I assumed they were upstairs. If last night was anything to go by, the little puppy couldn’t jump down from the bed without help. “Marin?” I said it louder this time. “I’m finished with the horses! Are you home? I brought you something to eat.”

More barking was followed by her reply. “Ben?” she called from somewhere upstairs. Hearing her say my name did something to my insides, but I tried to shake it off. I was here to help her when she needed help, and nothing more. I wouldn’t allow myself to feel anything for her beyond friendship. “Yeah!” I called back.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I’ll be there in a second!”

Her voice was soft, but I was surprised by the effect it had on me. I felt relieved to know she was okay.

“Take your time.” I stood back onto the porch to wait, watching through the glass as she came down the stairs carrying the little black dog who was panting her head off. She was still wearing the same clothes she’d worn to the station that morning, but her blonde hair was messy and still stained with soot. A definite case of bedhead after much needed sleep.

Our eyes met through the door and Marin pulled the door open. The bruises on her face were starting to turn yellowish green, and experience told me they were from a backhand or fist.

“Sorry,” she said again, indicating that I should come in.

“Bat! Bat!” Gem’s little barks made me smile. “Bat! Bat!” I was already learning the differences in the puppy’s barks. This was a happy greeting.

I reached out to ruffle her little head. “I missed you, too! Where do you want this?” I asked Marin as soon as I’d stepped inside.

“In the kitchen.” She waved to her left. “That way. On the table. Sorry for the mess.” I could see she was embarrassed by the clutter. “I should have cleaned up, but I was just so tired I fell asleep.”

She moved slowly, trying to hide a grimace, but not quite managing to keep the catch out of her voice. “Are you okay?” I asked, genuinely concerned. Even though I told myself to play it cool, she was obviously in pain and I couldn’t ignore it. She’d fallen on her run from the fire the