Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,8

his blue eyes warmed and his lips looked soft and ready to kiss her. She thought all might be right with the world. Then he straightened, held her away from him, and released her.

“Mavyn,” he said coldly. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she managed, though his words were hardly a compliment, more an observation.

They stood there awkwardly for a few seconds then she admitted, “I told Grams I’d give you an apology and a dance.”

Ren’s eyebrows lifted. “Neither is necessary.”

She could hardly catch a breath. He hated her. How could she blame him? She should never have come. Well, that wasn’t true. Cora had needed her, so of course she’d come, but she should never have stayed in Mystical Lake after she helped her friend. Cora had needed to show her own strength and independence by going after Quill by herself, but Mavyn should’ve walked out the door after her friend and driven straight back to the Missoula airport. She was an idiot to think she had any right to be around the Chadwick family—but especially around Ren—after what she’d done to him. But if she had to do it again, would she make a different choice? She didn’t know. He was too powerful, alluring, and good for her and she knew it.

“Well,” she managed through trembling lips. “I’ll at least say I’m sorry. I should’ve simply told you at Scoma’s that a relationship would never have worked for us. I shouldn’t have come with a date. That was classless of me.”

She turned to go, but Ren’s low voice stopped her. “Why were you so certain it wouldn’t work between us? The night we spent together was perfect for me. I was certain you were perfect for me.”

Ah, Ren. That’s why she couldn’t be around him. What kind of tough, hero smokejumper ground out sweet words like that? She let herself look at him, hoping it wouldn’t be her downfall. His blue eyes were wary yet soft, as if she still might have a chance with him. She couldn’t take it though. “We’re too different,” she said. “I will never believe in God being part of my life. You’re a great man, Ren. I wouldn’t want to drag you down with my cynicism.”

His eyebrows lifted. “I didn’t sense any cynicism in you.”

Being near him that night, it had all disappeared. She’d been the person she always wished she could be. The person she only was for Cora—even better, truthfully. But it was a lie, a farce, an illusion she could never live up to.

“You would have,” she insisted. “I’m of this world: dark, dreary, and bitter. You’re like a manly angel of light. Definitely not a good dating setup.” She forced a smile, turned, and hurried away from him.

Ren caught her before she’d gone five steps. His warm hand on her arm might be her undoing. She glanced up at him, catching the sweet scent of pine needles and man, powerless as his blue gaze captivated her.

“There’s nothing dark, dreary, or bitter about you, except for the way you ditched me.”

His words warmed her clear through. “The way I ditched you is only an indicator of how cold I am inside. No man matters to me and no man can touch me.”

He released her arm and she instantly felt the loss. She hoped he’d say more or prevent her from leaving, but he only stared at her.

She spun away and ran into Grams. Oh, criminy.

“I love this song,” Grams said, smiling.

Mavyn listened and recognized the song, “Fools Rush In.” She wanted to laugh but was too full of torment. It was the perfect song for her. She was such a fool to think she had a chance with Ren.

“Perfect for a slow dance,” Grams said. She tugged her around. This lady was strong.

Ren hadn’t moved. He brushed a hand through his dark hair and stared at her. He was the perfect broody, broken hero, but Mavyn knew he wasn’t broody—Ren was light and joy. Maybe he was broken. If that was true, it was her fault. Could she really dance with him and stay strong?

“You two are going to dance,” Grams insisted.

Ren’s jaw clenched. Mavyn wished he’d smile. She wanted to see his dimple one last time before she ran and hopefully never saw him again in this miserable life.

“You know I’ll do anything for you, Grams,” he said quietly as his gaze never left Mavyn’s face.

Mavyn flinched. He would do anything for his grandmother. That was sweet but also a