Page 3 of Burning Escape

“Jamie Winters.” He turned to Orion. “If you like this woman, ask her to dance. Don’t let the moment pass by. You might not get another chance.” He clapped him on the shoulder as he stood. “I’m going back to the hotel. Training starts at zero six hundred.”

But with the Alaska sun still high in the sky, no hint of setting just yet, Orion was reluctant to join him. “I’ll just finish my beer.”

Logan gave him a knowing nod and left.

After one more song and finishing his own drink, Orion still debated. Really, he should leave. He didn’t need any distractions. Not now that his goal was within reach. He stood. One more glimpse couldn’t hurt though.

There she was. Still dancing. But her friends were gone.

And the rowdy group of guys from the bar swooped in.

The big guy in woodsy camouflage, their leader, wrapped a beefy arm around the woman. “A little thing like you shouldn’t be alone on the dance floor.”

She swatted his arm away. “Get lost. I’m not alone.”

“Sure looks like it.” He moved in again. The woman pulled away, but one of the camo pack snuck behind and blocked her in.

That was it.

Orion jogged over. “Hey, honey, sorry I’m late.” He flashed a big grin and held out his hand, wanting to give her a choice.

She hesitated a moment. Looked him in the eye, almost as if she was trying to discern his worthiness as a rescuer.

A second later, a bright smile lit the whole dance floor, and her warm hand was in his.

“It’s about time, Montana. I’ve been waiting all night.”

* * *

Tori Mitchell had one night of freedom and letting loose before another intense summer, and she was going to make the most of every second of it.

This was her year. She was going to make that smokejumper team no matter what. And chances were good. She was in the best shape of her life. She’d trained all winter. Sacrificed so much.

So for this one evening, she’d forget about the strict discipline she used to keep everything in order and instead enjoy herself, having finally accepted the invite to go out to the Midnight Sun Saloon. She’d listen to the band play and let the music move her instead of holding back like she usually did.

And she certainly wouldn’t let some jerk on the dance floor ruin her night.

“Hey, honey, sorry I’m late.” Montana, the handsome stranger in the navy shirt and flannel, held out a hand to her. His blue-eyed gaze locked in on her. He’d caught her earlier, blushed when she’d teased him about calling her ma’am. He had a nice Captain America vibe going on—if the Cap had come from the wilds of Montana instead of NYC.

Her hero could totally take Camo Man on with those wide shoulders, but he was trying to defuse the situation and rescue her.

She could take care of herself. But maybe for this one time it would be okay. She didn’t want to fill out a police report on her one night off.

“It’s about time, Montana. I’ve been waiting all night.” She gave him her warmest smile and was finally able to pull away, since Camo released his hold on her arm.

Even if his foul breath hadn’t been enough to warn her, she’d made enough mistakes with men to steer clear of someone like him.

Montana, on the other hand, was probably too good for the likes of her. He followed her lead to the other side of the dance floor. The music slowed.

He bent down. “I think the coast is clear. You don’t really have to dance with me. I only wanted to help.”

Yup. He was definitely out of her league.

But her mouth didn’t know better.

“I came here to enjoy the music tonight.” So what harm could it do to dance a little under the stars? Especially with a cute guy with dark hair falling in wild waves across his forehead. A guy who blushed.

Besides, he was probably another tourist passing through who she’d never see again.

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