Free Chasing Air by Delaine Roberts

gave him a quick view of her everyday life and the type of adrenaline she performed under. He was hooked harder than he ever thought possible. He never felt this way about Liza. Watching Makenzie treat those patients, the care and concern radiated from her. She didn’t care if she got dirty or that she ripped her blouse trying to free one of the trapped victims. He was amazed at how she remained so calm and focused.
    As people began to stop and gather, she put them to work directing traffic until first responders and police arrived.
    He waited patiently outside the ER until she was finished giving the police her statement of the accident and provided the hospital with her information. She had also cleaned herself up and had her hair in a borrowed ponytail holder, compliments of one of the nurses.
    Jonathan thought she never looked sexier than when she walked out of the hospital. He heard one of the paramedics holler out, “Thanks, Makenzie, you can ride with us anytime,” from the ambulance window. She waved back to him.
    “I’m sorry, Jonathan, I know that wasn’t the fireworks you were expecting from our evening,” she teased him.
    “The night isn’t over and the offer is still on the table, but something tells me that you need some sleep.” It was still more of a question, though he hoped she would say no.
    “Right. Sleep. Rain check on the rest?” She grinned back at him.
    He didn’t answer her with words. He wrapped her ponytail around his hand and pulled her in close to him, holding her tightly to his chest for a few tender moments. When he pulled back, he saw the look of want in her eyes. He pleasured her mouth right there in front of the emergency room.
     
     
     

 
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     

     
    The next day, Jonathan talked with his mom, Olivia, about his evening with Makenzie.
    “I haven’t felt that kind of chemistry or adrenaline in forever. Makenzie’s amazing, Mom, I can’t wait for you to meet her” His eyes lit up just at the mention of her name.
    “She moved here with no family and is all by herself? How sad.” She questioned Makenzie’s background. She seemed uneasy and he noticed.
    “It’s not like that, Mom, not like she ran away. She said she committed to the job, but they decided not to come.” He tried to be convincing.
    “Okay, that’s all well and good, but has she gone back for a visit or does she talk with them often?” Something didn’t feel right, but she didn’t want to stifle her son’s first attempt at love since his divorce.
    “One thing at a time, Mom. I don’t have all the answers after just two dates, but I will.” He gave his mother a mischievous grin. She recognized that look, she knew he was hooked. She hoped Makenzie lived up to the hype. She hated to see him get hurt again.
    Sitting in his car in his mom’s driveway, he sent Makenzie a text.
     
    Jonathan: Hope ur havin a great day. Thinking of you
     
    Makenzie: Last nite rocked, still thinkin about it and u
     
    Jonathan: When can I see u?
     
    Makenzie: Off on Monday?
     
    Jonathan: I’m out of town. Next option?
     
    Makenzie: Off on Thursday?:)
     
    Jonathan: Have my son’s game. Wanna come?
     
    Makenzie: Are u sure? If so, would love to.
     
    Jonathan: Absolutely. It’s a date, I’ll call u
     
    ***
     
    Makenzie kept her promise to Rachel and joined her for another Krav Maga class. Rachel showed improvement and she kept a strong, determined expression on her face. Whatever internal demons she was struggling with, she was winning the war.
    After the class, Makenzie asked her to lunch. They went over to Astoria’s to grab a quick bite. Makenzie quickly realized that she and Rachel shared more in common than she originally thought.
    As Rachel began to open up, Makenzie recognized that Rachel was involved in a dangerous, abusive relationship with her boyfriend. She wanted to ask plenty of questions, but she needed to gain Rachel’s trust first. She did manage to find out where she lived and got