Page 53 of Burning Escape

“So you’re pushing me away now? Why?”

“Orion, do you really not know? Look at what happens to you!” She gestured to his sling.

“Hey.” He grabbed one of her hands and faced her. “None of this is your fault.”

Wasn’t it? “If it weren’t for me, you would be doing what you came here to do. Smokejumping. And…”

The wind kicked up, a stiff breeze blowing long blonde strands—now dried—across her face.

“And what?” His voice was soft, but the concern in it was strong. “Tori, please don’t shut me out. Right now…you’re the only thing going right in my life.”

“Me?” How was that possible?

“Yeah, you.” He tugged her closer, let go of her hand, and moved the hair out of her eyes. Cupped her chin. “You’re all I’ve been able to think about.”

She stepped closer, wrapped her fingers into the fabric of his fleece. She should push him away, but his gaze drew her in. “I hated going out there without you. But…I’m scared, Ry.”

“I’m not going to hurt you, Tori. I’m not like Razor or Wayne Osborne or any of those guys.”

“I know. I do, but…” She glanced down at the cross he wore on a chain. “What if I hurt you? I have a tendency to make bad choices with men. And this time it’s not the guy who is the bad choice. The common denominator in all those relationships was me. What if I screw this up too? What if you’re too good for someone like me?”

“Someone like you? If only I could be so lucky.” The tender note of his voice brought her gaze back to his eyes. They were bright and clear, focused solely on her. A slight blush swept across his strong cheekbones. “I haven’t been able to escape you from the first night we met. I don’t want to. You have this light in you that glows, Tori. You’re strong and brave and care about others. What’s not to love?”

Love? Her breath caught.

Had he really said love?

He didn’t backpedal. His eyes stayed on hers. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, waiting.

And she didn’t want to wait any longer.

Tori pulled him in and kissed him. And this time she didn’t hold back. Their lips met with fire and heat. Her fingers slid around his neck and tangled up in his hair. He tightened his hold around her waist, bringing her closer. Safer. Kissing him was like skydiving—for a moment, the heart-stopping drop, a little trepidation, and then…sheer wonder as the chute opened and caught the wind. She was flying. And she didn’t want to land.

Orion forged a trail of gentle kisses from her mouth, along her jaw, and up to her ear, where he whispered, “Victoria, I think I’m falling for you.”

She pulled back a moment, looking into his beautiful blue eyes. “Good.”

Because in this moment, she knew. She was too far gone now, and maybe this time it was okay since she’d finally picked the right kind of guy.

A hero.

TWELVE

The next morningat the debrief, Tucker pulled up the area map. Orion stood at the back of the room, trying not to brood or grumble. He was there only to be close to Tori since he was pretty much useless physically. It would be another day of mowing lawn and repairing equipment for him.

But he had Tori’s kiss from last night to keep him company. He’d lost all sense of time with her. But she was the one thing that made sense right now. He couldn’t understand why God had brought him to Alaska only to be injured.

And now it was more than just not being able to live up to his calling, to be redeemed from his past mistakes. How was he supposed to watch Tori’s back if they got called out?

Tucker started the meeting. “Unfortunately, the wind last night whipped up the fire we almost had under control yesterday. It merged with another fire, and now we have a problem on our hands.” He pointed to the expansive forested area.

Great. They would be jumping today. Without him.

“What direction is the wind blowing?” Tori asked.

“Coming from the northwest. It’s pushing this thing right up the mountain to the east.”

Orion pushed off the wall. “That fire is headed straight for the Refuge.”

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