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

lifting the lid on the crock pot to stir the simmering chili when there was a light tap on the screen door.

“Come in, Ben,” I called. “The towel and soap are right there. Do you see them?”

“Yep, I got it! Thanks!”

Gem came scurrying around the corner as I took the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream from the refrigerator and placed them on the table. “So now you expect to eat, do you?” I asked accusingly. She was so sweet, wagging her tail eagerly. I wanted to pick her up for a quick snuggle.

The dog food was kept in the laundry room in a big Rubbermaid tub. I took out a cereal bowl from the cupboard and went to put a small scoop of the kibble inside. The water turned off in the other room signaling Ben was finished washing up, as I put a little dab of chili on top of Gem’s food and proceeded to blow on it to cool it off.

I used my finger to mix the chili in with Gem’s food and took note it was cool enough for the puppy to enjoy. I set it on the kitchen floor and Gem came over and started eating.

“Looks like she’s spoiled.” Ben walked into the room still drying his hands, then laid the towel over the back of one of the chairs.

My left shoulder lifted in a shrug as I rinsed the chili off of my fingers. “Well, I guess it’s in my nature to spoil those I care about. Besides, a little people food won’t hurt her, and she’ll have a much happier life.” I turned from the sink and indicated the man standing opposite me should take a seat. “Besides, how boring would it be to eat the same thing over and over, day in and day out?”

“The horses don’t seem to mind,” he said with amusement, pulling out the chair with the draped towel and taking his seat.

“Do you think they don’t get the occasional apple, carrot or sugar cube?”

“Ahhh. I should have known.” Ben chuckled, shaking his head.

“How about a beer this time?” I asked retrieving two from the refrigerator and setting them on the table before he had time to answer.

“Sure.” Ben picked up first one, then the other, and twisted the caps off placing one by my place at the table and took a long swig from the other.

Soon, I had two large pieces of steaming cornbread on a small plate and a bowl of chili sitting in front of him, then went to dish up smaller portions for myself. I took my seat across from him.

“This looks delicious.” His words caused a flush of pleasure and I couldn’t hold back my smile.

“Dig in,” I encouraged. “I wasn’t sure if you liked your chili with all of the fixings or not, so help yourself.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” He was smiling from ear to ear as he loaded up his soup with cheese, sour cream, green onions and a big squirt of sriracha. There was butter and honey for the cornbread. “It smells amazing. Thank you for inviting me, Marin.”

“It’s my pleasure. The least I can do for all you’re doing for me. I want you to know I’ll try to get back to it as soon as I can.”

We both began to eat after I’d added a bit of cheese and sour cream to my bowl as well. The enjoyment on his face as he took his first few bites filled me with satisfaction.

“There is no rush. Truly.” His stunning blue eyes studied my face. I could almost see the wheels turning in his mind. He knew the black eye was an old bruise and wasn’t from the fire. It was all I could do not to reach up and touch it. “Give yourself time to heal. Are you planning on rebuilding the shop?”

“I probably will, but first I have to find out if I have anyone who would want to work for me. Most of the mechanics left after my uncle passed. They are most likely already employed elsewhere.”

Ben’s brow dropped in a frown. “That has to be tough, but Jackson is a small town and people are loyal, from what I’ve seen so far.”

“Maybe. What do you mean, so far?”

“I haven’t been here even a year yet. I moved from Billings some months back.”

“Oh, I thought you were from Tallahassee?”

“Sure, but I moved to Billings for a while, then my best friend, Davis, moved here, and I had no family in Montana, so the rest is history.”

Maybe he was in as much need of friends as I was, except he was new to town and I was just a loner.

“Do you like it here in Jackson?”

“I love it. The cost of living is a bit pricey, but the country is beautiful, and I like smaller towns. People are less imposing and it’s easier to make friends. I mean, I hope you and I can be friends, if it’s not too painful for you, considering how we met.” He paused eating and contemplated his words. I could see the conflict on his features. “I’m sorry—”

“No, it’s okay. I’d like to be friends.” I nodded, trying to blink away the tears suddenly filling my eyes at his compassion.

“I know this is a bad time for you and I just hope I can help out in some way.”

He was showing a level of compassion that I didn’t receive from a man who professed to love me…. At least, after he didn’t have to pretend anymore.

“Thank you, Ben. It means a lot to me. You already are my friend. I’m feeling a bit guilty because I’m grateful for you and Gina; two people I would have never met if Carter hadn’t died. Am I an awful person?” My voice cracked a little as two tears finally tumbled from my eyes and I wiped at them quickly.

“Good God, no,” he answered emphatically. “You didn’t choose this to happen. Marin. There is nothing you