Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,12

at all. What man could be in control of himself or the situation when faced with the perfect Mavyn Vance sitting in the bed he was supposed to sleep in? “I apologize,” he managed.

She merely nodded, her green eyes settling from the surprise of being awakened by the bright light and a man in her bedroom. Those eyes traced over him and filled him with a hot desire. A desire that would be his undoing if he didn’t stay away from her. No matter what he’d bought into hook, line, and sinker on that blissful night four months ago, he and Mavyn were not meant to be and he’d save himself a lot of pain if he stayed away.

But a treacherous part of his heart was thrilled that she hadn’t left Mystical Lake, that maybe he had a chance to be around her more, to somehow convince her he was the man for her. He was a glutton for punishment, but everybody knew that from his career choice. Always the one to rush into danger, to put his life on the line, or in this case his heart. He needed to shut that instinct down and stay safe from this beautiful woman.

He backed up but couldn’t resist asking, “What are you doing here?”

She tilted her chin haughtily. “There was no room at the resort and saintly grandmother that you have, she didn’t want me to sleep in my car or drive on icy roads at night.”

Saintly grandmother indeed. Grams had planned this and was downstairs laughing to herself. Mavyn could’ve stayed in Quill’s cabin, which was now vacant since Cora was chasing Quill to Denver. Ren could’ve stayed in half a dozen different homes owned by his family members.

“You know I’d want you safe as well,” he said. “I’m just surprised to see you … in my bed.” It wasn’t truly his bed, but where he had been told to sleep.

“Your bed?” Her eyebrows arched and her chest rose and fell quickly.

She slid out of the covers and stood. Her tank top and shorts didn’t cover much of the smooth skin of her legs and arms and they draped on her fit body just right. He found himself fighting for oxygen. Where was his tank when he needed it?

“I’m sorry,” she muttered. “I’ll find another room or sleep on the couch. Grams put me in here.”

“I’m sure she did.” He pushed a hand through his hair. “She’s a scheming old lady, that’s for sure.”

Her eyes widened. “I think she’s incredible. You’re lucky to have her.” The challenge in her gaze was evident. She hadn’t told him much about her family during that evening they’d spent together, only that her parents were divorced, she loathed her dad who she felt had abandoned her, and her mom struggled with alcoholism and lived in San Francisco.

“I am lucky and she is incredible, but she wants to make a match …” His voice trailed off and he folded his arms across his chest. He switched to his supervisor voice. “You will sleep in here. If the other bedroom really is too big of a mess—not sure if I believe that lie now either—I’ll sleep on the couch.”

She glared at him. “Don’t you fold your arms across your chest all manly and intimidating and tell me what to do. I am sleeping on the couch.” She stormed toward him.

He grabbed her around the waist, easily lifted her off her feet, and started to carry her back to the bed. He’d show her exactly how manly he could be. His steps faltered as the rightness of her in his arms washed over him. Unlike when they’d danced, he wasn’t prepared and hadn’t shut off his emotions. Longing for her rushed to the surface. He stared down into her clear green eyes and the past four months of hurting didn’t seem to matter at all. The only thing that mattered was he was holding her now.

“Mave,” he whispered, using her nickname for the first time.

“Ren.” She breathed his name so sweetly. It was an endearment on her perfect lips. He studied her, wondering how he could possibly stay impervious to her charms. She was light, beauty, and intrigue rolled into one. Staying close to her was suddenly more important than conquering the next fire that sprung up.

She seemed to agree. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips and she blinked beautifully up at him. His breath shortened as anticipation overcame him. Should he kiss her here