Free Texas Wildfire (Texas Heroes Book 1) by Sable Hunter

thought was real now seemed shattered and warped.
    Feeling weak and lightheaded, Makenna leaned into him. “What have I done?”
    “You did what you had to do.” And so did Titan. He kissed her on the temple. “He had to be stopped. He would’ve eventually killed you or someone else.” Titan shuddered at the thought.
    When she was in his truck, Makenna felt a growing sense of panic. “I don’t want to go back to that house. Maybe you could take me to a motel?”
    “Makenna…” Titan started to just blurt out how he felt. The kiss they’d shared had to mean something, right? His common sense warred with his growing desire for her. Finally, his sense of propriety won out. He’d hold his piece for now. But that didn’t mean he was letting her be alone tonight. “Makenna,” he began again, “I tell you what, let’s go by your house and get whatever you need and you come spend the night with me.” At her wide-eyed look, he clarified. “In my spare room. I’ll feel better if you’re with me.”
    Makenna let out a long heartfelt sigh. “Thank you.” For the first time in a long time she felt safe.
    *  *  *
    Driving up to Titan’s home, Makenna let herself enjoy the view. Many times she’d passed by the gate leading to his ranch and wished she had a reason to enter. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be wanting to move in and stake a claim on this man with whom she’d shared only one kiss.
    As he parked, she studied the home where she’d been invited to spend the night. The structure was sturdy and well-built like its owner, able to weather any wind or storm that might arise. And the man who came around to help her out was looking at her with an expression she’d seen so few times that Makenna almost wasn’t able to define it. Tenderness. Gentleness. Concern. She shivered, chill bumps dancing over her entire body.
    When he came around to help her out, he opened the door and held out his arms and she slowly slid into them. “Thank you. I appreciate all you’re doing for me.”
    “Shhhh, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Titan guided her up on the porch and held the door open. “Head to the kitchen and I’ll fix you a sandwich. I know you have to be worn out. I also want to put a little more medicine on that cut before you go to bed.”
    Hearing Titan use the word ‘bed’ set off a whole new round of shaking. “I don’t know if I can eat anything.”
    “Sure you can, I don’t want to eat alone and I’m starving.” He settled her down at the round oak table flanked by ladder back chairs. The kitchen was clean and modern with granite counter tops and oak cabinets. She felt at home. “Ham and cheese okay?” he asked as he began to cut the meat into thin slices.
    Makenna jerked her head up at his words. She’d been mesmerized watching his hands and strong forearms flex as he worked. The man was too sexy for words. “Yes, sounds good.”
    Titan cleared his throat. Hell, one would think he was a wet-behind-the-ears teenager on his first date. Once he’d prepared their quick meal, adding chips and a cold drink, he set a plate in front of her and sat down across the table. As he watched her take a bite, she winced. The bruise on her cheek was darkening. “Do you want something for the pain?”
    “No, I’m good.” She felt shy, unsure of what to say or do. Finally, she sighed. “I bet you think I’m pretty stupid.”
    Titan’s fingers froze halfway to his mouth. “No.” He was emphatic. “I think you’re amazing. You survived something few women could. You strived for a normal life despite impossible odds and you tried to protect others by putting up with danger yourself.”
    Makenna ate a chip and took a drink of cola. “You make me sound brave, which wasn’t true. I was a coward.” Needing to get some things off her chest, she took a deep breath and began to talk. “I met him when I was in college at Texas Christian. He was a firefighter in a neighboring town. I was young