Free Heart on Fire by Brandy L Rivers Page A

down from me, four from you. In fact, I’m kind of surprised the girls haven’t figured that out yet.”
    “Jenny has swimming and soccer. She comes home late,” Cherish explained with a pout.
    Mila nudged Cherish. “We’ll see. I won’t rule it out, but I want to get to know them first. Okay?”
    “Okay, Mom,” Cherish sighed, “but Cadence helps in our class, and she’s really nice.”
    Deanna sat down next to Cherish who swung her legs on the stool. “Here’s the thing, princess, mommies like to know where their kids are at all times, and they like to know who they’re with, just in case. Your mommy is a wonderful judge of character, so don’t worry.”
    “All right,” Cherish agreed. Mila was tempted to beg her daughter to stay home, so she wouldn’t have a reason to think about their favorite fireman.
     

Chapter 7
     
     
    Gavin and Cadence showed up early, with Jenny in tow. As usual, they let themselves into Kyle’s house, and found him chopping bananas for the fruit salad.
    “Hey guys.” He quickly washed his hands and knelt down to get a hug from Jenny.
    She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed tight. “I missed you, Uncle Kyle. I just found out Cherish lives next door to you. Why didn’t I know?” She put her little fists on her hips and tapped her foot.
    He let out a laugh. “Well, darling, I haven’t seen you in a week, and I didn’t know you were all buddy-buddy.”
    “Oh, fine.” She pouted half-a-second before bouncing up and down, pulling on Cadence’s hand. “Can we go over and get Cherish? I thought she would be here.”
    Kyle stood up with a laugh. “Anxious, are we?”
    Her head bobbed enthusiastically. “Can we? Please?”
    Cadence smiled. “I suppose we could see if they’re ready. Looks like Kyle is busy anyway. And if Mila isn’t ready, maybe you can play with Cherish while I get to know her mom.”
    “Yay!” Jenny squealed, dragging her mom to the door.
    Kyle spoke up, “Do me a huge favor, and don’t ask her about me. I make her nervous, and I think she’s only coming over to let the girls play, since Cherish practically begged.” It was a tiny white lie, but he told Mila they would keep things secret and he planned to honor his word.
    “Don’t worry. I won’t pressure her for details. I’ll play by the rules.” Cadence placed her hand over her heart, as if swearing, before stepping outside.
    Two seconds after the door closed, Gavin asked, “So why do you make her nervous?”
    Kyle went back to cutting fruit and offered a shrug.
    “I’m guessing it’s because she wants you, but doesn’t want to tarnish her reputation.” Gavin raised a single challenging brow in Kyle’s direction.
    “It’s more complicated than that. Something happened to destroy her trust. I haven’t figured out what, but she holds me at arm’s length.”
    “Well, what’s up? You obviously want her. I’ve never known you to walk away when you want something, and you seem to be set on Mila. So what’s the plan?”
    “This doesn’t leave this kitchen. Got it?”
    Gavin’s eyes widened. “Okay?”
    “I mean it, if I tell you, you don’t even tell Cadence.”
    “I can’t swear to that, man.”
    “Forget it then. Not worth it.”
    “Jeez, what the hell is going on? Is she in some kind of trouble?” Gavin demanded.
    “No, but forget it,” he insisted.
    “Okay, okay, I won’t tell Cadence. I’ll act as if I know nothing,” Gavin vowed with his hand over his heart.
    “She’s agreed to getting better acquainted, but doesn’t want the town to know about us. Doesn’t want rumors flying, and she’s worried I’m not sincere. Worried I’ll expect her to put me before Cherish, which is fucking stupid. What asshole would do that?” He couldn’t suppress the sneer at the end.
    “Plenty of them, and she’s obviously met one or two.” Gavin snorted. “She doesn’t strike me as another Rene. Mila seems to avoid attention, though I don’t think she