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

“Of course, it’s okay. I’m sorry I’m an insensitive jerk.”

Now it was my turn to want to reach out and touch, but I didn’t. “You’re not. Please don’t think so.”

“I guess, I’m just curious about him. I saw the bruises. They were too old to come from the accident, or a fall on your run to the ranch during the fire.”

I shook my head. Of course, he knew. First responders saw abuse victims a lot. I guess, I didn’t think there would be a lot of abusers in Jackson Hole.

“You’re right… but I still don’t want to talk about it.” I wanted to tell him everything, but I was afraid he’d realize Carter was dead because of me, that maybe I was actually responsible for killing him. I trusted Ben more than I’d trusted anyone since my uncle, but I just couldn’t open up about this right now. Maybe someday, I could. “Not yet. It’s nothing to do with you, it’s all me.”

Ben nodded. “Okay, but when you’re ready, I’m here. I’ve seen this before. You can trust me.”

As Ben navigated his way off of the interstate at the airport exit, I struggled. So, if it wasn’t from seeing abuse victims at his job, did he have a girlfriend who had been abused? A spark of jealousy burst inside my heart. I wanted to ask questions, but then I’d have to share the whole sordid ordeal and I didn’t think I could do it without breaking down.

“I know. That’s the hard part.” My voice held a bit of a crack, so I cleared my throat. “I want to, but I’m just not ready.”

Ben followed the rental return signs into one of the lower levels of the parking garage and was guided along by one of the attendants, finding a parking space inside.

“Okay, no more pressure, but just know you can talk to me without judgement, as a friend.”

Wow.

Why did one word hurt so much? I reminded myself again that it was ridiculous to think of Ben as anything more than a friend. I could feel myself flush with embarrassment at the direction of my thoughts. Thank God it was dark, and he couldn’t see it well.

“Right. So, do you have to do anything about the car? Sign something?” I asked awkwardly.

“I think I just have to hand over the keys and let them look over the car.” He reached in front of me to open the glove compartment to retrieve the paperwork. “Excuse me.”

“Sure,” I acknowledged. The hair on my arms rose his nearness; goosebumps covering every inch of my skin and shiver running through me. I quickly reached for the door handle when he was done.

I stepped out, followed closely by Ben.

“Good evening, sir.” The male attendant in the rental car jumpsuit took the keys while Ben grabbed his bag from the back seat. I felt like an idiot that I’d lost my carry-on to Carter’s family. The sisters had probably doled out all of my clothes and shoes like a Goodwill store.

Ugh, I thought. The entire thing was messed up. I was so dumb to fall in love with someone like Carter. I wouldn’t be in this mess if I wasn’t moved by a pretty face and a pile of lies. Well, I wouldn’t be that susceptible again.

I stood in silence, watching the attendant look over the car haphazardly and nodding at Ben, who looked tired and rumpled. “You’re good to go. I hope you both had a nice trip, and that you’ll consider using Enterprise again.”

Ben smiled good-naturedly. “Sure will. Thanks.” He hoisted his blue duffle bag over his shoulder and walked around the back of the car toward me. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

We walked out of the garage to the curb and got in the shuttle line. An older couple with a lot of bags was struggling on the sidewalk, both of them carrying small bags and dragging larger ones. Ben slid his bag off of his shoulder to set at his feet. “Be right back,” he said under his breath and walked quickly in their direction. “Hello! My name is Ben. Looks like you’ve got your hands full. Do you need some help?”

I smiled as I watched the older couple’s faces light up in gratitude. “Thank you, my boy,” the gentleman said as Ben took the woman’s shoulder bag and lifted the man’s small roller bag up to attach it to the larger one.

“You’re a blessing,” the woman said. “We’ve been struggling since the baggage claim. Goodness, I’m out of breath!”

“You’re very welcome. Just a second and I’ll be back for the rest, Ma’am. Just leave that large bag.”

I had a huge smile on my face as Ben approached, loaded down with the couple’s baggage. He really was perfect. An adorable dimple appeared in his cheek as his mouth split into a grin. “What?” he asked innocently.

“You got a glass slipper hidden in your pocket?” I asked, amused.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he said happily, setting the bags on the sidewalk next to his own. I almost giggled, as a laugh burst forth.

“I would, actually.”

Ben winked as he straightened up, starting to head back to get the other bags. “I have to keep some secrets to myself, sweetheart.”

My heart jolted at the endearment as I stared after him. I had to snap out of this. I barely knew him.

Soon, he was on his way back, pacing himself this time because he was having a conversation with the older couple. They were all talking, joyous expressions on their faces.

“My goodness!” The lady beamed. “What a beautiful girl, you have here,” she said to Ben then turned to me. “And you! What a lucky young lady to have such a thoughtful and handsome young man.”

“Well…” I started to let her know that we weren’t a couple, but I caught Ben’s amused eye, and his brow wrinkled wryly as he shook his head, signaling to let the lady think