Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,10

smiled despite her anguish. Ren had made it very clear where they stood. It was more than over, despite her dreams of him the past four months. “Not tonight,” she said firmly. “I’ve been traveling since early this morning. I’ll get a room at your beautiful resort and leave in the morning.”

Grams shook her head. “There are no rooms available tonight. The wedding party and Christmas break has them all full. You’ll stay at my place. Are you ready to go now?”

Mavyn wasn’t surprised at her hospitality. Grams was one of those people who loved and accepted everyone. She was surprised the determined woman had backed down so quickly from her going back out and dancing with Ren again. His grandmother must sense that Mavyn wasn’t right for him as well. It should’ve been a relief. It wasn’t.

“I appreciate it, but I’ll just drive to Missoula.”

Grams planted her hands on her hips and glared. Very few people were shorter than Mavyn, but Grams was larger than life no matter her stature. “Don’t you fight with me.”

Mavyn smiled. “I’m not trying to fight with you, Grams. I’m tired. I don’t want to impose on you.”

“Well, then don’t fight with me. I’m an old woman and I’ve figured out how to win.”

Mavyn laughed. This lady was a kindred spirit.

“And stop that junk about imposing. I’m a lonely old woman and I want you to stay with me.”

Mavyn doubted that was true. All of these people adored Grams. She was certain Grams was only alone when she wanted to be. But it touched her, the way she’d said she wanted Mavyn there. Nobody but Cora wanted Mavyn around. Sure, men wanted her—wanted her on their arm, wanted to date or kiss her or more—but they didn’t care deeply for her like Grams seemed to…like Ren had.

“Thank you, Grams,” she managed, finding her throat suddenly thick. She was obviously tired and the interaction with Ren had about done her in. Mavyn didn’t get emotional.

“Of course.” Grams gave her a squeeze around the waist. “Well, let’s go.”

Mavyn was already shaking her head. “I don’t want you to miss your party. I can find my way to your house.”

“You promise you’ll go there?” Grams demanded.

Mavyn looked into the wise, blue eyes, so similar to Ren’s. “Yes, Grams, I promise.”

“Okay then. The door is unlocked. I’ll text you the address.”

Mavyn thanked her, grateful for Grams and relieved she’d not only offered her a place to stay, but had let her escape from this party and Ren. Moments later, she’d skirted the party, only catching one torturous glimpse of Ren watching her go with those beautiful blue eyes of his, and then she was safely out the double glass front doors of this gorgeous, massive resort. She was grateful she didn’t have to drive to Missoula tonight. Her eyes were gritty and she was exhausted.

She’d rest at Grams’s house tonight and by tomorrow, she’d be far away from Ren. It was for the best.

Somehow, ditching Ren tonight hurt as badly as it had four months ago.

Chapter Two

Ren pulled up to Grams’s house late that night. He’d searched for Mavyn during the rest of the wedding dance, the cutting of the cakes, the sendoffs, and as he helped the employees clean up. When he’d seen her heading for the door several hours ago, that had been it. She hadn’t returned.

Mavyn had disappeared from his life again. He shouldn’t feel bad or care. Somebody needed to tell his heart that. When she’d said, “No man matters to me and no man can touch me,” it had all come back. He’d forced himself to be as hard and cold as he was during training exercises with new recruits. No matter how badly he hated to do it, he’d be unyielding and push them to their limits, otherwise they might die or kill someone else while in the heat of a fire.

As he’d danced with Mavyn, he’d denied himself any feelings her touch stirred in him and he’d been as mean and small as he ever had in his life. He already regretted his cold words to her. Grams and his Father above were probably both disappointed in him.

Grams was already resting in her easy chair by the fire, drinking cocoa, when he eased through the side door of her spacious cabin. “Ah, there’s my handsome boy.”

He hurried over, dropped his bag, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She was his anchor, example, and light all rolled into one. If