Page 17 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Don’t be worried,” he said in a low voice. “You’re strong and capable. I know you’ll be helpful at the job, Caleb.”

I drew an unsteady breath. “You think so?”

“I wouldn’t have taken you with me otherwise.”

“Thanks. Um, and I trust you to lead me through the wildfire. You’re a good captain.”

“That’s true,” Smack said without a hint of modesty. But I liked that about him. He had an honesty that was rare. I cast a sidelong look at him. What if confidence in oneself could be learned? If so, I’d gladly let Smack be my teacher.

“I’m going to get some shut-eye. Wake me when we’re getting close.” He leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes.

I drove on, troubled by all the jumbled feelings Captain Smack brought out. In some ways, my darker ones were closer to the surface, which scared me. On the other hand, Captain Smack made me tingle with awareness, and those emotions had also been long in a deep freeze. What did it all mean? I wasn’t sure. It felt unsafe. Like if I gave in to the chemistry between us and kissed him, I would be opening Pandora’s box. Not only with Smack, but within me. I’d be opening up everything locked away. And I couldn’t do that. Could I?

I glanced at him asleep. With his eyes closed, he wasn’t as intimidating. I allowed myself to drink in his features, the dark eyelashes, high cheekbones, and firm mouth. The way his lips parted in his sleep alone gave him a pinch of undefended territory. I’d like to taste his mouth, kiss away his resilience, and explore that part of Captain Sean Smack. What would it be like to have such a man surrender to me?

A bump on the road had me diverting my gaze. I wouldn’t be kissing him. The fantasies needed to stop.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t seem to order my brain to listen.

Mile after mile, I drove until the sun began to set, pink and orange hues brilliant in the sky. Ahead lay the raging flames and ash.

Captain Smack’s phone interrupted my thoughts. He bolted upright at the ringtone. Blinking fiercely, Smack answered the call. I could make out a grumbling voice on the other side.

“Yes, sir.” Smack rubbed the heel of his hand at his eyes. “Will do.”

He lowered the phone to his lap and looked at me. “Pull over.”

“What is it?”

“We’ve been asked to make a detour.”

“Now? We’re not far from the site.”

He shrugged. “I know. But the embers have started another smaller fire, and folks to the south are not evacuating despite the order.”

“Fuck.” I pulled the truck to the side. “Why are some people idiots?”

“The age-old question.” Smack’s mouth quirked before he mapped the directions on his phone. “Let’s go try and talk some sense into them.”

CHAPTER

SEVEN

SMACK

The small cluster of homes was near some brush. If the fire did change in this direction, it would catch quickly. A faint smell was already in the air, gray with smoke. The area was eerily silent as we wandered from home to home. My throat was parched, and we were far from the crackling fire. That’s what made this task all the harder. People didn’t like to believe what they couldn’t see. Trouble was, the moment you saw the flames, it would be too late.

“God, I’m stiff already.” Caleb moaned slightly, twisting his back from side to side.

His messy hair hung in his eyes, his stubble coming in, although uneven on the burned side. I didn’t panic over fires. But Caleb’s jawline? It made me panic…just a little.

“Are you going to shave while we’re here?” I blurted.

“Yes, sir.” Caleb nodded, but he appeared amused. I had no idea why he often found my comments amusing. Most did not. And that fuckingsir? I usually liked my house showing manners, but it suddenly got under my skin when Caleb kept saying it, especially with his velvety eyes.

A grown man’s eyes should not be allowed to be so soft and brown.

“Take your time. I’m moving ahead.” I abruptly jerked my mask on and walked a few paces from Caleb.

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