Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,45

about it and hadn’t given any details. Mavyn wondered what had happened out there and if Ren really was okay.

“Don’t worry,” Quill said, smiling teasingly at her. “We’ll let you hug and kiss him for ten whole seconds before we pull you two apart.”

The helicopter was landing now. Mavyn wished she was closer. She went onto tiptoes and tried to search through the windows for Ren. “Ten whole seconds?” she scoffed. “You stay back for ten minutes and maybe I’ll let you say hi.”

Cedar chuckled. “Don’t fight with a woman in love, Quill. Nobody could keep Hope away from me. Maybe Cora just doesn’t love you enough.” He winked at Mavyn.

Aster laughed at that as Quill shoved Cedar. “You and Hope are so gross and sappy,” Quill hurled at him. “Just because Cora and I are in a mature relationship doesn’t mean she doesn’t adore me.”

“Mature equals boring.” Cedar winked at Mavyn. “Am I right?”

Mavyn opened her mouth to tease, but at that moment Ren climbed out of the helicopter. He was in a tan t-shirt and pants. He looked dirty, disheveled, tough, and absolutely incredible. Mavyn could not wait one more second. She shoved her purse at Cedar. “Hold this for me.”

Wisely, he didn’t protest.

“Ren!” His name ripped from her throat as she sprinted across the asphalt.

“Ma’am, wait!” the young man, their escort, yelled after her.

She didn’t listen.

Ren couldn’t possibly have heard her cry, but he must’ve seen the motion. He glanced her way and then he was sprinting her direction. Mavyn’s body felt light, like she was bouncing even in her heels and pencil skirt. As she grew closer, she expected to see Ren’s face all lit up to see her. But he was dirty, with black streaks on his handsome face and muscular arms, and his blue eyes were dim and full of anguish.

He reached her and then his arms were around her, holding her close. Everything should’ve been right and perfect. Every other time she’d been in his arms, she’d experienced heaven. She still felt that rush of warm happiness and the rightness of being close to him, but Ren was obviously a mess. She clung to him, hoping she could relay her strength to him. All worries of her own awful secret were pushed aside as she focused on this man that she’d fallen for so completely.

He bent his head and kissed her. He tasted of salt, blood, and something charred. It didn’t matter. Joy infused her as they shut out the world and the worries. The only thing that existed was their love and devotion to each other. Mavyn felt the rightness of their union and knew nothing could pull them apart.

After several wonderful kisses, he pulled back. It wasn’t nearly enough to satiate her, but it was all right. They had the rest of their lives together to catch up on kissing. She wondered if she’d ever get enough of this amazing man. He was such a hero and had rescued her, given her faith and joy she’d never imagined.

He stared down at her. The pain and even a simmering anger seeped back into his blue gaze. She wondered if he was upset she’d broken her promise to stay in Mystical Lake. “How’d you know to be here?” he asked.

“I’m sorry I left when I told you I wouldn’t, but I just knew you needed me here.”

“I do need you.” His gaze softened. “Thanks for being here, Mave.”

He didn’t say any more. He wasn’t upset with her, but something was very wrong. He released her from his embrace, took her hand, and walked with her to his brothers. They shared manly hugs and teased him about needing a shower and ruining their Christmas, etc. Ren responded and even showed his dimple a few times when he smiled, but her worries increased. Mavyn’s insides clenched as she clung to his hand and waited for him to share what had happened.

He didn’t. As the teasing settled, he said, “I’ve got to go meet with the incident commander and the base manager.” He looked at Mavyn. “Will you wait for me?”

“Of course.” He’d said he needed her. He wanted her to wait for him. He was safe. She was turning her heart to the Lord above now. It should’ve felt like everything was falling into place, but she could feel the angst radiating off of him and she still had the lie she needed to clear up and deal with his reaction to. Surely that could