Free Her Firefighter Hero by Leigh Bale Page B

Blaine’s widow. And she shouldn’t be surprised. Even though Jared had never met him, her husband had been one of their own. And they had been a big, happy family. And while Grant wasn’t a hotshot, he’d gone to high school with Blaine, and they’d been close friends for a lot of years. She couldn’t really fault the guys for taking care of the family Blaine had left behind.
    Not when she needed them so much.
    And it was obvious that, more and more, Jared seemed to fit right in with the hotshots. He kept rescuing her from one problem after the next. And she could get used to this. To become complacent and comfortable. But she knew security was a mirage. A facade that didn’t last. She had to stay sharp and independent so that she could ensure her kids were taken care of. But her service in her church congregation had taught her that gratitude was also important. And right now, she was very grateful.
    â€œThank you. You’ve made everything so easy for me,” she said.
    She felt as if she needed to repay him somehow. The monthly stipend they’d agreed upon for her use of his truck seemed insufficient. Maybe she could let the kids take him a plate of homemade cookies later that night. Or have a standing order that he ate at the restaurant for free. And yet, she wanted so much more. A loving husband to come home to each night. Someone to share her fears and joys with.
    No! She must harness those kinds of thoughts. There could be no more. Not with this man. Not ever.
    â€œIt’s my pleasure.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “And now I better get into the office.”
    He turned and headed down the sidewalk.
    â€œWait!” she called after him.
    He paused, pivoting on his boot heels. “Yes?”
    â€œHow will you get to the Forest Service office? After all, you drove your truck here and are leaving it behind for me to use.”
    â€œI’ll walk, of course. It isn’t far.”
    No, in a community this size, walking wasn’t so difficult. Unless you were driving to one of the ranches outside of town, everything was pretty close together. But she didn’t feel right about leaving him afoot.
    â€œIf you’ll give me a moment to round up the kids, I can drive you there,” she offered.
    â€œThanks anyway, but that’s not necessary. I’ve got my other truck over at the office. It’s only five blocks. I’ll be fine.”
    He waved and she couldn’t help returning his smile. He’d disappeared from view when she remembered that she’d wanted to tell him not to come around anymore. But she figured it was for the best. She owed him big-time. But that didn’t mean they were going to be more than friends. No sirree. She wasn’t about to let her mind dwell on romantic thoughts with this or any other firefighter.
    * * *
    Jared ate dinner at the restaurant later that night. It wasn’t overly busy when he walked in. And he’d already scanned the room before he realized he was looking for Megan.
    â€œHi, Jared.” Sean Nash sat with Tessa in a side booth and waved at him.
    Another man sat across the table from them, with the same golden-brown hair and green eyes as Tessa. Ah, this must be her brother, Zach. Tim had mentioned the guy once. Apparently Zach was Sean’s best friend.
    Jared walked over to greet them all. “Hi, there.”
    â€œThis is my brother, Zach,” Tessa confirmed. “He’s a member of the hotshot crew, too.”
    â€œAh, I’m glad to meet you.” Jared clasped the hand that Zach extended, and they shook. Jared looked forward to meeting all the other hotshots. They were all seasonal employees, except for the superintendent and the crew boss, who were permanent hires employed twelve months out of the year. With the fire season just starting up, the crew members weren’t all here yet.
    Zach showed a genuine smile. “Likewise. I understand you’re