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

“They more than get along, and it’s great for all of us. I think you’d like Missy, a lot.”

“I’m sure I would. I’d love to meet them.”

“Dylan was hyped when I told him I was helping with your horses. Maybe you could give the kids a riding lesson? I’ve invited them to Jackson for the camping trip this summer.”

“I’d be happy, too! I’m sure Siri’s foal will be here by the time they visit.”

“Now that would be incredible! I know Dylan and Remi would absolutely love that! I might even be able to compete with the superstar for a minute or two.”

Marin smiled. “You’re a superstar in my eyes. You save people every day. That’s way more impressive than kicking a dumb ball around.”

I laughed out loud, as pleasure ran through me. I glanced in Marin’s direction, taking my eyes off of the road for a brief couple of seconds. Her bruises were healing, and she seemed more at ease than I’d ever seen her. Almost serene. She was gorgeous.

My heart contracted inside my chest and I sucked in my breath as my eyes returned to the road. I could already feel myself falling in love with her, but the last thing she needed was some dude she barely knew trying to get romantic. I’d have to bide my time… but it would be worth it.

MARIN

My heart had been flopping inside my chest all day.

Ben was amazing. His smile was electric, and he was so beautiful. He was incredible, and I couldn’t understand how he didn’t have a wife or girlfriend. Watching him drive turned into an erotic experience. He was so strong, and it exuded from him. Even his strong forearms flexing when his hands gripped the wheel, or when he put the car into gear was enough to get me going.

It was dark and we were getting close to the airport. I was sad that soon, we’d have to part company.

“Are you too tired to drive your car home from the airport?” Ben’s voice was low and he was bathed in the blue light from the dashboard. It was like he read my mind.

I shifted in the seat, pulling myself more into a sitting position and ran a hand through my hair. “No, I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?” he asked gently. “I can take the car back to Jackson tonight, and then drive you back to the airport to pick up yours tomorrow.”

“I’m sure. Why don’t we just return this one at the rental return at the airport and then get mine? I’ll drop you off at your place.”

“It’s so late and it will take time to return the rental and then grab the shuttle to the long-term parking.”

“It’s okay. I couldn’t be so ungrateful to make you drive all the way back tomorrow. I’ve already taken way too much advantage of you.”

“No, you didn’t.” He shook his head wearily and smiled. He looked as tired as I felt. “I volunteered. It’s not the same thing.”

“Yes, but still. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Sure, you can. You can share your pup.” He could have been teasing, but it felt like he was serious. “At least, let me borrow her when you need to work or something. I’ve grown rather attached.”

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?”

Ben laughed. “Yes! I don’t think Siri will fit into my apartment, or I’d ask to share her, too.”

Delight raced through every cell in my body. “You love Siri, too?”

“Yes, she’s sweet and I feel for the poor thing. She looks so uncomfortable.”

“She’s due to foal soon. It’s her first baby. Uncle Leonard knew she was my favorite, so he had her bred for my birthday present. If he was going to leave me one last gift, this was a good one. I’ll have this baby a long time… Unless I have to sell the ranch.”

“The way you talk about your uncle, it’s clear he meant a lot to you.”

“Yes. He was a little rough around the edges, but he had the best heart. I miss him.”

Ben glanced my way, his lips pressed together in a small smile, his right hand reaching out to touch my arm, but he stopped himself, abruptly putting his hand on his thigh and rubbing it across his jeans. “It sounds like it.”

My heart sped up. He was going to touch me, and I wanted him to. It was wrong. Carter wasn’t even cold in the ground, and I was hoping another man would put his hands on me.

Oh, God, I thought.

Embarrassed, I turned and faced forward again, settling myself back into the seat. I could sense Ben had something else to say but didn’t want to say it. Maybe he needed a little prodding.

“What is it?”

“Oh,” he began, looking surprised that I’d picked up on his discomfort. “It’s just… you don’t speak about your boyfriend the way you do about your uncle. I mean, I get it, it’s painful to lose someone you love, but I thought you’d be talking about him more. I probably shouldn’t even bring it up. Maybe you’re still in shock over the whole ordeal.”

I pulled in a deep breath, completely filling my lungs, my head cocking to one side as I considered what to say. It had been an ordeal, but the last week after Carter’s death had been so much more peaceful and less of one. “Yes, it has been.”

“And now, with this kidnapping thing. It’s rough. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be. You’ve been so wonderful to me… the last thing you have to be is sorry, Ben.” I swallowed at the painful thickening beginning in my throat and blinked at the sting of tears began in my eyes. “I’m just not ready to talk about Carter. Is that okay?”

His hand shifted position on the steering wheel and ran the other through his mop of thick sandy hair with the other. I wanted to study