Free Her Firefighter Hero by Leigh Bale

It was Forest Service green, but had no markings to indicate that it was a government-owned vehicle.
    â€œWhat are you doing here so early in the morning?” she asked.
    He set Caleb down and jerked his chin toward the driveway. “I’ve got a business matter I need to discuss with you. Can I speak with you outside for a few minutes?”
    Wondering what on earth he wanted, she stepped out on the porch with him and called over her shoulder to the children. “You kids stay inside. June, help your brother find his shoes and put them on.”
    â€œAh, I wanna come with,” Caleb groaned.
    Megan gave him a stern look. She didn’t want her children around when she told Jared that he should stop coming over here. “Finish your breakfast and get your shoes on, son. I’ll be right back.”
    She closed the door firmly against the boy’s protests and went outside with Jared. He led her to the driveway, finally stopping beside the green vehicle. Gleaming water droplets clung to the front fender, as though it had been freshly washed. Jared pressed his fingers against the passenger door. As usual, he looked dashing in his Forest Service uniform. He stood there, tall and handsome, and flashed that devastating smile that made her stomach swirl with butterflies.
    â€œGood morning,” he said.
    â€œGood morning. What’s up?” Okay, not too harsh, but blunt enough to let him know that she wanted to get down to business.
    He tapped the front fender with his finger. “Since you’re without wheels right now, I thought maybe I could help you out.”
    Confusion fogged her brain. “What do you mean?”
    â€œI thought you could use this truck.”
    She stared at the vehicle as if it was a three-headed monster. “I don’t understand.”
    He shrugged his powerful shoulders, a smile widening his sun-bronzed features. He’d slicked his hair back with a bit of gel, and his jaw was blunt and determined. “It’s a loan. To use while you’re working with me. You can drive it here in town and also when you cater meals to the fire crews up in the mountains this summer. Whatever you need. You can return it once the fire season is over in the fall.”
    Her mouth dropped open, and she had to consciously close it. “But I’ll have my own vehicle repaired soon. I can use it to drive up in the mountains.”
    He shook his head, his voice light but insistent. “No, your truck is too old and unreliable. I don’t want you and your people broken down somewhere on a deserted road where there isn’t any cell phone service to call for help. I told you when you agreed to be one of my contractors that I’d provide some of the equipment you’ll need for your work. And that includes this newer truck. Besides, it’ll save you wear and tear on your vehicle.”
    She blinked in shock. “Who does this one belong to?”
    â€œMe. I bought it three months ago at a surplus sale. At the time, I didn’t really need it, but it was in excellent condition and such a good price that I didn’t want to let it go. The Forest Service is the original owner, so it’s been maintained very well. It’s got a trailer hitch, so you can pull your supplies behind and you shouldn’t have any problems with the engine.”
    She took a step back. “Oh, no. I can’t accept this.”
    He met her eyes, looking surprised. “Why not?”
    â€œI don’t accept handouts.”
    His brow crinkled with disapproval. “It’s not a handout, Megan. It’s a tool. A truck. So that you can do your work to feed the fire crews. That’s all.”
    Hmm. She wanted to believe him but couldn’t help feeling suspicious. It was more than just a truck. It was him inserting his life into hers and helping her out even though she hadn’t asked for it. His continued generosity touched her, but she wouldn’t accept