Page 10 of Sultry Summer
We both know that the smoke could have been pushed around by the strong mountain winds.
Mountain winds that are not going to be good for stopping a wildfire. Instead it’s about to whip things up into a frenzy of flames if they aren’t stopped.
He grimaces and then grabs his cell phone. He calls the fire station since he knows the chief and I listen, walking Titan around until he gets off the phone.
“He’s already been hearing about smoke from other people so now we know for sure. He’s got a call into search and rescue to locate some missing hikers and the fire department and search and rescue and the police are going to be coordinating together to get this taken care of…hopefully soon and hopefully without calling in the big guns.”
I sigh and he takes Titan and Nutmeg from us. “Y’all go on home. I’ve got to have my guys start working on a break line and getting ready to hose down buildings just in case. We’ve also got to get the other animals back closer to the ranch just in case we need to move them.”
“Do you need help?” I ask. “We can stay and help you.”
But Van shakes his head. “Nope. I’ve got my boys and we know this place like the back of our hands. Just get on home safe. Stay close to home until this is over.”
I don’t argue with him. Instead, I take Aspen’s hand and lead her back to her old car. I start to get into the driver’s side but she glares at me. “I am fully capable of driving my own car, Hunter.”
I want to argue with her. Want to protect her somehow. But there’s nothing to do right now and she’s right. She can drive her own vehicle. I’m just acting like a crazy person. A controlling man who won’t let the little woman do anything.
That’s not me. I’ve never been like that. For some reason, Aspen brings it out in me. I’m starting to wonder if I have a daddy complex with this woman.
She’s not a child but I just can’t help myself. I need to do things for her. Need to help her.
I get in the car and curl my fists into my thighs to keep from reaching out to touch her. I can smell the soft fruity perfume that she wears. Like a spicy peach cobbler and my mouth waters like I’m starving to death.
And maybe I am but it’s just for her. My stomach is tied in knots right now, worried about getting off this damn mountain and back to town.
But she just smirks at me. Like she’s just out for an afternoon stroll instead of a drive down a road that might be hiding flames and smoke. “Seat belt.”
I buckle up and she starts her little car and we’re moving, heading down. My eyes are swiveling back and forth, my neck tight with fear. If anything happens to her…
But we don’t see a thing and we make it back to town. My neck finally loosens up enough that my back isn’t killing me and she parks in front of the resort. “You can let the Rousseau’s know. I’m sure it’s going to get around town very quickly.”
I nod my head, desperately wanting to ask her to come up with me. But it’s soon. And I’m still not sure…she’s so young and she has so many ties to this town. To her home.
So I nod my head and get out, watching her drive away. My heart squeezes in my chest, the pain knocking me out of the stupor I’m in…just standing there like an idiot.
“Jesus. I’m going to have a heart attack if I don’t figure out what’s going on with this woman.”
My phone rings and I sigh, picking it up, not really surprised to see Ryan’s number.
“What?” I growl.
“I can’t take this anymore. I’m coming to find you if you don’t come home.”
“Jesus, Ryan. I’m fine. I just need to get my head straight after what happened with…well, with her.”
“Still can’t say her name.”
“I don’t want to wash my own mouth out with soap. So…no.”
He chuckles. “I’m glad you can finally laugh about it. That sounds like you’re good enough to come home.”
“I honestly don’t know if Tennessee is home for me anymore.”
He hisses through his teeth. “Come on. Don’t let the bitch get you down. You’ve always loved Tennessee.”
“I loved it. But since I left I’ve found a lot more out there. And I like it.”
“So what? You’re gonna turn into some kind of traveling minstrel?”
