Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,15
gone for the day. It was Christmas Eve and they were having a large Christmas party for all the wedding guests, townspeople, and guests of the resort this afternoon and evening. She felt a pang. She was the only one who wouldn’t be welcomed at that party. She’d be all alone for Christmas.
She shook off the longing to spend Christmas with Ren, Grams, and their incredible family. Maybe after Cora and Quill connected tonight at his hockey game, they’d come back for Christmas. At least Cora would want her around.
No. She was used to being alone. It was fine. She was strong. She’d go visit her mom. Maybe her mom would be sober enough to cook dinner together and watch a Hallmark show.
She squared her shoulders and carried her heavy suitcase down the stairs. The first order of business was to get out of Mystical Lake, drive to Missoula, and fly back to San Francisco. She should get on her phone and book a plane ticket right now, but escaping this beautiful, welcoming, light-filled house where she would never belong was a much higher priority.
Halfway down the stairs, she saw him standing next to the Christmas tree with a wrapped present in his hand. Ren looked around and gave her a welcoming smile, his blue eyes lighting up. She tripped and rolled down the remaining stairs, landing in a heap on the thankfully carpeted floor with a groan.
“Mavyn!” Ren sprinted to her side and gently helped her up, holding her waist with firm hands. “Are you okay?”
The fall would only give her a few bruises, but being in his arms with his blue gaze shining so brightly on her was definitely not okay. It felt incredible. If she stayed in this spot, she’d lose all rational thought again and before she knew it, she’d be unbuttoning his shirt—or worse—and forcing him to push her away for his own safety. The humiliation was still strong enough she could taste it.
“I’m fine,” she said shortly, pulling away and reaching down to put her suitcase on its wheels.
“Are you sure?” he asked, not backing away like she needed him to. “That was quite the fall.”
“I’m okay, just a klutz.” She managed a fake smile and said, “If you’ll excuse me, I have a flight to catch.”
His jaw clenched and his blue eyes flashed, first with hurt and then with a dangerous look she didn’t think would turn out well for her. “I had heaven in my arms for a brief time again and now you’re running away like you did four months ago?”
She gaped at him. “Heaven in your arms? I tried to undress you!” She sucked in a shocked breath and glanced around for Grams. She hated the thought of disappointing the older lady. Luckily it was just her and Ren. What was she thinking bringing that up? Last night was nothing she should ever discuss. She grabbed her suitcase and tried to make for the door.
Ren didn’t grab her like she thought he might, but he did say to her back, “I didn’t run from your room last night because I was upset with you for trying to undress me.”
She stopped in her tracks, surprised at his words and wanting to hear more. She didn’t allow herself to turn around.
“I ran because you’re so incredibly appealing that I was losing all self-control. I won’t allow myself to be intimate with you until Pastor Brent seals you mine and me yours with heaven looking down with approval.”
Those words filled her with light and joy. She turned to face him, wishing she could discuss the unfathomable dream of them being wed. He was insane to have even gone there. She had to know though. He stood there looking so perfect, still in his dress clothes because he’d left his bag in her room. “You were out of control?”
He slowly crossed the room toward her, his blue gaze intent. He was far too serious and that terrified her. “I’ve never in my life felt out of control, even in the midst of wildfires that should’ve killed me, but one touch of your lips and I lose all rational thought.”
She loved everything he said. If only they could be one like he’d intoned. Pastor Brent seals you mine and me yours with heaven looking down with approval. Those were glorious words that she couldn’t let herself dwell on. This Pastor Brent would probably agree with Pastor Johnston and warn Ren to stay far away from