Her Firefighter Hero (12 page)

Megan didn't speak again for quite a while, and they settled into a comfortable silence. Both of them seemed lost in their own thoughts. By the time Jared dropped her off at her house, it was late. The porch light was on, the house dark.

Killing the engine, Jared hopped out of the truck and walked around to open Megan's door for her. He escorted her up to her front porch. Standing on the second step, she paused there, meeting his eyes. The pale moonlight bathed her beautiful face in golden light. He felt mesmerized. Lost in the beauty of her dark eyes.

He stepped closer, and it was a few moments before he realized that he'd taken her into his arms. She didn't pull away as he kissed her. Softly. A light caress. For a few profound seconds, she melted against his chest, pliant in his arms. Then she stiffened and pulled away.

“Jared, I can't.” She glanced at him as though he were a mirage and she couldn't remember how she got here.

Jared almost groaned out loud. She'd just told him that she would never forget her husband, but he'd kissed her anyway. Stupid thing to do. And he wouldn't be surprised if she never spoke to him again.

“I'm sorry, Megan. I guess I violated the terms of our no-date agreement.”

He stepped back, feeling awkward. He'd forgotten who he was and who she was and what they'd both been through. For a few blissful hours, he knew Megan had been happy and enjoyed herself. And he'd been happy as well, able to forget the heartache of his past. But now, it all came rushing back like a drenching rain.

She murmured something indistinct beneath her breath. A mingled sound of embarrassment and appeasement.

“I better get inside now,” she said.

She turned to leave. He thought he should just shut up, turn around and get inside his truck and leave. But something held him in place. Something he didn't understand. He'd caught numerous glimpses of what it could be like with Megan. A glimpse of happiness. Maybe, just maybe...

“Megan,” he called to her, and she turned.

“Yes?”

He took a deep breath to settle his nerves. To give him courage for what he was about to do. “How would you and the kids like to go with me to the park next Monday evening?” he asked quickly, before he lost the courage.

She lifted her brows in a wary frown. “The park?”

“Yeah, with me.”

She tensed. He knew she was taken off guard by his question. That she didn't necessarily like it.

“Um, I don't think so.”

His heart dropped. For a flickering moment, a lance of pain filled his chest. He knew he shouldn't take her rejection personally, but he couldn't seem to help it. He hunched his shoulders and slid his hands into his pants pockets.

She looked at him, and he saw something in her eyes. A look of empathy and regret. As though she could see inside of him and understood the sadness he felt there.

“Would...would it just be you, me and my kids?” she asked. “No other firefighters will be there with us?”

“No, it'd just be us.”

“What did you have in mind?” she said.

A spark flickered inside of him. “I thought we'd have a picnic in the park. There wouldn't be anyone else there to deal with. Just us having fun together.”

He held his breath, wanting her to say yes, but hoping she made it easier on both of them and said no. It was just the park, after all. Not much could happen with her kids tagging along. And yet, he wasn't sure he was up to this. It'd taken a ton of courage just to ask her out. But now, he didn't know if he wanted this.

“Hmm. I've never been on a date with my kids before,” she said.

He chuckled. “Well, I've got a surprise for them. Someone I'd like them to meet. If you'll trust me, I think they'll like it a lot.”

“So, someone else is coming along with us, too?”

He lifted one shoulder. “Kind of, but it's not a person. It'll be fun. No pressure. Just a simple outing.”

“I don't know.” Her breath left her in a rush. He could tell she wanted to say yes, but something held her back. As though if she said yes, she'd be rowing out into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and throwing away both oars.

“I'll bring the picnic. You don't need to worry about a thing except showing up. You'll have a night off from cooking. Just come and have a fun time,” he urged, gaining more confidence. Hoping she'd say yes.

She hesitated.

“Don't worry,” he hurried on. “Your children are gonna love it. Say yes.”

He tried not to sound so desperate, but he really wanted her to go with him.

She waved a hand in the air and made a little sound of resignation. “Okay, but only if I can bring the dessert.”

“Deal.” He almost laughed with relief. Almost. He couldn't believe she'd agreed.

“Do you want to meet at the park?”

“Actually, would you mind coming over to my place at six o'clock? Then I can introduce the kids to that special someone I was telling you about. We can go to the park from there. Does that sound okay?”

“Sure.”

“Just one warning. I'm not as good a cook as you are, but I think it'll be palatable,” he said.

“I'm sure it will.” She chuckled, and he was charmed by her beautiful smile.

“Okay, I'll see you then. Good night.” He stepped off the porch.

“Good night.” She spoke firmly as she reached for the doorknob.

As she slid inside and closed the door, he stood beside his truck, breathing hard. Wondering if he'd just made the biggest mistake of his life. He didn't want to lose his friendship with Megan, and yet he might not have a choice. Because he'd kissed her and had a glimpse of what their future together might look like. The lines between friendship and romance had just blurred. Big-time.

Chapter Eleven

T
his was a mistake. A big, bad mistake that Megan knew she would come to regret. When Jared had invited her and the kids for a picnic in the park, he'd looked so hopeful. And when she'd said no, she'd seen the crushing blow in his eyes. She had no doubt he'd felt rejected. And after what he'd told her about his ex-wife not wanting his children, Megan didn't have the heart to turn him down. No, she wanted to see him smile. To hear his laughter. To hear his deep, animated voice as they chatted about nothing and everything.

She parked her truck in front of Jared's framed house. White with forest green shutters. Afternoon sunlight glinted through the treetops. No flowers grew along the borders lining the house, but the bushes were groomed to perfection. The warmer weather meant longer days and a fresh scent of spring. It was a beautiful time of year, but she was always aware that any day now, they could get another wildfire.

Stepping out of her vehicle, Megan reached back inside to help June and Caleb hop down, then picked up the peach pie she'd made for dessert. Holding it tight, she pushed the door closed with her hip. Caleb took her free hand as they walked toward the house.

“Jared lives here?” he said in his overly loud voice.

“Yes, sweetheart.”

“What are we gonna eat for dinner?” June asked, brushing her hand against the boxwoods lining the sidewalk leading up to Jared's front door.

“I don't know. He said he was making us a picnic, so I suspect we're going to eat in the park.”

Caleb gave a little skip. “That sounds fun, huh, Mommy? I love picnics in the park.”

“Me, too,” June said.

Megan wanted to reserve judgment. She pushed the doorbell with her elbow and waited. Within a few moments, the door whooshed open and Jared greeted them.

“Hi there. Come on in.” The man pushed open the screen door and held it wide while Megan and the children stepped inside.

The house smelled of pine needles and furniture polish. A cream-colored sofa sat along one wall with a coffee table in front. Framed black-and-white prints hung on the walls, and a treadmill sat strategically placed to face the big-screen TV. Clean and sterile. The complete opposite of her busy home with its heavy dose of children's books, puzzles and toys. But she liked Jared's tidiness.

“Let me help you with that. It looks delicious.” He didn't hesitate as he slid the pie out of her hands.

His quick gaze had her brushing a hand down the flower print of her sundress. He looked casual in cowboy boots and a white polo shirt tucked into the waist of his dark blue jeans. The collar of his shirt was open at the neck, and she had to force herself not to stare at the tanned flesh of his throat.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Let's go out back for a few minutes.” He led the way, pausing long enough to set the pie on the kitchen counter.

“I thought we were going over to the park for a picnic,” June said.

“We are. But first, there's someone I'd like you to meet.” Jared slid the screen door open and waited for them to precede him outside.

A little golden puppy charged them the moment they stepped onto the green lawn.

“A dog!” Caleb gasped.

June squealed with joy and immediately went down on her hands and knees. “Oh, a sweet puppy.”

The dog wriggled and squirmed, wagging its stubby tail. Its pink tongue lolled out of its mouth as it eagerly swarmed the kids.

Megan stared in surprise. “Is this your dog?”

“Yeah, I just got her last week. I thought the kids might like to meet her,” Jared said.

“I've always wanted a dog,” Caleb said, his face creased in an expression of joy.

“I know that. How about if you share this dog with me until you get your own?” Jared said.

“Really?” Both kids looked at him with awe.

“Of course. You can come over and visit her anytime you like.”

“Oh, yes! That would be great. What's her name?” Caleb asked, closing his eyes as the puppy licked his face.

“Actually, I haven't named her yet. She's a golden retriever.”

“Well, she's got to have a name, so she'll come when you call to her,” June said in her grown-up voice.

Jared slid his hands into his pockets, a satisfied smile on his lips. “You are absolutely right. And I thought you might be able to help me out with that.”

Caleb lifted his face, his mouth hanging open. “You mean we get to name her for you?”

“That's right. So what do you think we should call her?”

“How about Spot?” Caleb suggested.

“No, silly. She's got to have a spot on her fur to be named that. And this dog is too pretty for such an ugly name,” June said.

The dog squirmed her way onto her lap, and the girl gave a happy giggle. “How about if we call her Sophie?”

Megan blinked, wondering where her daughter had come up with such a name. She would have expected Buster or Fluffy.

“Sophie's a pretty name,” Caleb said.

Jared nodded. “It is. The name suits her quite well, I think. Sophie it is.”

“Can we take her to the park with us on our picnic?” Caleb asked as he wrapped his arms around the little animal and hugged her tight.

“Of course. Since we'll be outdoors, I won't have to worry about her having any accidents. I'm potty training her, so she has to go outside often.” Jared stepped back. “Let's go. I've already got the picnic basket loaded in the back of my truck.”

“Yay!” The kids cheered.

They stood and followed Jared toward the door, the puppy trotting happily at their feet.

Megan held back, feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of this. Honestly, she didn't know what to make of Jared and his dog. He seemed to have won her children's hearts so effortlessly, but she still had misgivings.

“Come on, Mom,” Caleb called.

“I'll just get the pie.” She hurried inside, picked up the pie, then made her way out to the driveway.

The kids were already loaded in the backseat of Jared's truck. He'd retrieved Caleb's booster seat from her truck and put it into his vehicle and was just finishing buckling the kids in before he handed them the puppy. They held the little dog between them on the seat. Sophie panted and wriggled, as happy as a dog could be. If Megan didn't know better, she would have thought Jared was a veteran parent. He seemed to know just what to do with her kids.

She didn't say much as Jared drove them to the park, where they unloaded the pie and picnic basket. While the kids played in the grass with Sophie, Megan helped Jared spread a blanket for them to sit on. The Wilson family had just arrived with their three children. Bill, their father, was setting out their cooler chests beneath the gazebo by the barbecue pits. They waved hello and Megan lifted a hand, pasting a smile on her face.

Inwardly, Megan groaned. Susan Wilson had a big mouth. No doubt it'd be all over town by tomorrow that she'd been in the park having a picnic with Jared Marshall. But it was a little late to worry about people seeing them together.

“You're awfully quiet this evening,” Jared said to her. “Is everything okay?”

No, it wasn't okay. She'd broken a promise to herself not to date a firefighter. And yet, she couldn't seem to help herself. It was as if she'd known this man for years. She wanted to be here, yet she didn't. She felt so conflicted, as though her heart were in a battle of tug-of-war.

“Yes, I'm just taking it all in. It's been a long time since I've seen my children this happy.”

He jutted his chin toward them. Sophie was scampering around Caleb's feet, jumping up and barking. “A puppy and a picnic. It's an instant recipe for joy.”

Yes, she had to agree. But when they both originated from the same man, she wondered if she was just asking for trouble.

“Caleb's been requesting a dog for months now. Except for the swing in our backyard, there's nothing he wants more.”

Jared nodded. “I know. Little boys and dogs seem to go together.”

“Yeah, maybe I'll have to get the kids a dog of their own.”

“No rush. You can borrow Sophie anytime you like,” he said.

They watched the kids play for a while longer.

“I envy your relationship with your husband,” he said.

She angled her head to one side, his words taking her off guard. “And why is that?”

“Because you loved him.”

“I think wives are supposed to love their husbands, and vice versa.” They'd discussed this the other night, but she sensed he wasn't finished with the topic.

He nodded. “That's true, except I don't think my ex-wife ever loved me.”

Megan arched one brow. “Not even in the beginning?”

“I thought so, but now I'm not so sure. I trusted her completely, and look where it got me.”

Megan understood that concept quite well. She'd trusted Blaine, but he'd had no control over whether he was killed in a wildfire. It just happened. And against all her good common sense, she wanted to trust Jared, too.

He smiled. “That's why I accepted this new job here in Minoa. It was a chance to start over fresh. And I haven't regretted coming here.”

“Well, you're probably better off. You deserve a happy life,” she said.

Again, she knew she should keep her mouth shut. This wasn't her business, and she didn't want to ask too many questions.

He released a heavy sigh. “Yeah, I guess so. But you've had your share of sadness, too.”

“Yes.”

That's all she said. Memories swamped her. At first, she couldn't believe that Blaine was gone. They couldn't even see him, because he'd been burned so badly in the fire.

“I'm sorry, Megan.” Jared's voice sounded low and heartfelt.

Maybe now was the time to be honest with him. To tell him how she really felt about firefighters. To put aside the facade and lay it all out on the line. “And that's why I...why I've promised never to love someone that fights fires or works in a dangerous profession again. It's nothing personal, Jared. But I just can't go through the pain of losing someone again.”

There. She'd said the words. She'd put him on notice. Now they'd end their evening and she'd go home. And he'd never call her again. It was better this way. Better for Jared, too.

So why did she feel suddenly so lost and forlorn?

He went very still, his strong hands gripping a bottle of water. “Is there any way I can change your mind where I'm concerned?”

She looked down and swallowed hard. Since she'd met him, she'd felt nothing but a desire to be near him. To love and hold him close against her heart. But she didn't answer. She didn't need to. From the lengthening silence, she knew he'd gotten her message loud and clear.

“Well, at least you're being honest with me,” he said.

She looked up. “I'm sorry, Jared. I don't mean to hurt your feelings. It's just that I've got two kids to worry about. I've got to put their needs first.”

His eyes crinkled in a smile of understanding, but she saw the pain in his eyes. “Believe me, I understand. I just wish things could be different somehow.”

And she realized in that moment that so did she. She tried to gather her thoughts, to take back what she'd said. But she couldn't. She had to tell him to go away and leave her alone. But honestly, that's not what she wanted. And she realized pushing this man away was getting more difficult every time she saw him.

Sophie barked and Jared glanced at the children. The little dog was growling and chewing on the hem of Caleb's blue jeans.

Jared laughed, breaking the tense moment. “I'm glad the kids like Sophie. They seem to be having a lot of fun.”

Happy to change the topic, Megan didn't even look at the kids. Frankly, she couldn't take her eyes off Jared. “Why'd you decide to get a dog?”

He opened the lid to the basket and pulled out paper plates, a potato salad, fried chicken, sliced watermelon and a bag of potato chips. A perfect picnic. The afternoon sun glowed across the green expanse of the park, and she was grateful for the shade of a tall cottonwood tree.

“I thought it'd be fun to have a companion with me when I drive up into the mountains. Sophie will grow and get big. She'll be perfect for my line of work. I'm planning to train her to have manners, so she can go with me often.”

Megan blinked, thinking he must be lonely, too. At least she had her children to enjoy, but Jared had no one. After what he'd told her about his divorce and having no children of his own, it was little wonder that he wanted a companion. Someone to be with. Someone to love.

“What will you do with Sophie when you go on a fire?” Megan asked.

“Connie said she'd watch her. She and Tim have a big backyard they can put the dog in. I just hope Sophie doesn't dig up Connie's petunias.”

Megan laughed at that. “She better not. Connie might never forgive Sophie for that.”

He laughed too, the sound deep and low.

Lifting her head, Megan gazed at her children. Their lilting voices rang throughout the air. Seeing the glowing happiness in their eyes, Megan went very still.

“Come and eat,” Jared called to the kids.

They came running, and they all sat on the blanket and ate their dinner. Megan didn't speak much. Thankfully the kids spoke up enough to cover her silence as they laughed and fed Sophie bits of chicken from their own plates.

A scream caused Megan to whirl around.

“Help, please!” Susan Wilson stood under the gazebo, yelling and waving her arms.

The hem of her husband's pants was on fire. He was hopping around, swatting at the flames with his hands in a futile effort to put the fire out. He screamed in pain, his face torn with agony.

Jared didn't hesitate. Dishes went flying as he jerked the blanket out from beneath them, then raced toward the man. Like a bulldozer, Jared knocked Bill Wilson to the ground and wrapped the blanket around him. He held tight, snuffing out the flames. Bill lay very still for several seconds. Then he cried in pain, reaching down to hold on to his leg.