Where There's Smoke:

by Bancroft, S. D.

  “Room?” Annie practically shrieked the word. “There’s no way I’m staying here tonight.”

  Three sets of worried eyes turned in her direction.

  “I already told you that, Mom.” She rushed on before Charlotte could interject. “I’ll be fine. It’s not as bad as it looked.”

  “We’ll see what the doctor says about that.” Mason stated, walking from the room.

  “Oh good grief.” Annie flopped her good arm over her eyes. “Now I’ve got three of you to deal with.”

  Several minutes passed before Mason returned with a haggard looking doctor close behind.

  “Dr. Turner.” Annie greeted the tall, thin man. “Would you please explain to everyone here that I’m not in any grave danger?”

  “Truth be told, Annie.” She groaned at his choice of opening words. Her eyes scanned the faces staring at Dr. Turner. This was the exact ammunition they’d all been waiting for. “I don’t think it’s a wise idea for you to leave tonight. But,” he hurried on, “if you’re insisting on doing so, you should at least consider staying with someone.” His hand shot up to halt any interruption before she could voice it. “Or, at the very least, have someone stay with you.”

  “I don’t understand why it’s so important. Didn’t you say that no vital structures had been damaged?”

  She leaned forward on the bed.

  “Yes I did. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other concerns we need to watch for. Things like bleeding and possible infections are critical items to monitor in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”

  “Not a problem. Those are things I’m capable of doing.”

  “I have no doubt you’re capable under normal circumstances, Annie.” Dr. Turner’s dark brows drew together in admonishment. “But, considering the fact that you’ve been given a pretty heavy pain killer, you may not be aware of any changes until it’s too late.”

  Annie fell back against the bed. A move she regretted instantly as the pain rocketed through her shoulder. She gritted her teeth together, sucking in a long, deep breath to alleviate the hurt.

  “How about if I have someone stop by and check on me every so often?” She couldn’t bring herself to meet any of the ‘I told you so’ stares on the faces around her. “Would that appease everyone?”

  “Better yet,” Charlotte began, “isn’t Mason a paramedic too?”

  “That I am. I’m also off for the next couple days.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Her mother’s authoritative tone brooked no argument. “Since you’re too stubborn to stay here, and your father and I live too far out of town, Mason can stay in your guest room until you’re up and about.” Charlotte turned toward the doctor. “Will that suffice?”

  “It sure will.” He grabbed Annie’s chart from the counter near the door. “I’ll take this to the discharge coordinator and we’ll get this show on the road.”

  “Show? Don’t you mean three ring circus?” Annie mumbled. Covering her eyes once again, she gave into the drowsiness swarming over her exhausted mind.

  Her mother’s soft kiss, and whispered words promising to call and check on her in the morning, barely registered as she drifted off.

  ~&~

  CHAPTER NINE

  “Damn it.” Annie spat the words. “I hate this.”

  “I know you do, but it’s only for a few more days.” Mason slipped the gray hoodie around her shoulders, using care on the injured one. “Your wound is looking good. I don’t see any reason why your stitches shouldn’t be ready to come out by then.”

  Annie’s face flushed hot with his words. Mason had been by her since her release from the hospital. Though she’d griped and groaned, he’d insisted on helping her in just about every aspect of her day. Despite her protests of being fully capable of taking care of herself, Annie had needed help with the easiest tasks. Simply raising her arm to brush her teeth and to eat had required every ounce of energy she had possessed.

  Forget dressing herself. The morning after her release from the hospital, she’d attempted that feat, it had taken her nearly twenty minutes to slip a tank top half-way on. She’d only succeeded in opening her wound again.

  From that day, she’d succumbed to Masons insistence that he be allowed to care for her.

  “Well I don’t know why I have to wait any longer. It barely hurts at all. I need to start using it.” Annie snapped. “I’m sure you’d like nothing better than to get back to your own place.”

  “You sound like you’re trying to get rid of me, Annie.” Mason laughed, ignoring her surly attitude.

  “Not trying to get rid of you. Trying to get back to reality is more like it.” Her gaze swept over the dishes stacked in the dish drain board beside the kitchen sink. “I’ve let you spoil me these last few days and I’m not happy about it.”

  “I would think that a person would be happy to be waited on hand and foot.” He wiggled his dark brows in amusement, but the smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame. “Isn’t that what all women want?”

  Heat soared through Annie despite her internal chiding that he was a player. None of his actions or statements held the same meaning to him as she might give them.

  Still, he had taken time out of his busy schedule to help her. The least she could do was show her appreciation.

  “Well, I’m not all women, but I do appreciate your help.” She looked away from the mocha brown gaze that had the power to hold her prisoner. “I know I’m not the easiest patient.”

  “Hell, show me one person who’s been given any form of medical training, who is.”

  “True.” Annie laughed. “One of the bad aspects of the trade I suppose.”

  “Well if it’s the only bad one, you’re doing good.” He hooked a finger beneath her chin, and raised it so her gaze met his again. “And I want you to be clear on one thing. I didn’t stay to help you out of some demented professional obligation.” He leaned in, placing a quick, yet tender kiss on her lips. “It’s been entirely personal.” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “Now how about we get going? I’m curious to see this festival you and your mother have been ranting about.”

  Annie stood rooted in place. A part of her reveled in his admission, but another found it hard to believe that a man like Mason Ramsay, could be interested in someone like her. It was getting harder for her to fight her own growing feelings for this man. Being with him twenty-four hours a day only made it more difficult. Then when she added the little actions and comments like he’d just delivered, and it was damn near impossible for her to keep them reined in.

  She searched his face for any signs of insincerity. Damned if she could find one.

  What she needed to do was find a nice quiet place on the mountain side to think. Not go to the biggest social event of the year and flaunt whatever was happening between them, for all to see. Her logical mind screamed for some space from this intoxicating man.

  Logic was not on the winning team today.

  She dropped her gaze, and puffed out a breath.

  “I don’t suppose I can talk you into letting me drive can I?”

  “`Fraid not.” He draped an arm across her shoulders, pulling her uninjured side against his. “Enjoy the chauffeurs treatment while you can, Annie.”

  “Seems like I have no choice in the matter.”

  ~&~

  Everyone who was anyone turned out for Hammond’s Bend Days. The entire main street of town was closed off to vehicle traffic, with the exception of a single lane left open for emergency access.

  Annie loved the vibe that emanated from every nook and cranny of the small town.

  They strolled through the booths, eyeing the different wares each offered. The scent of barbeque meat wafted on the slight breeze. Annie’s mouth watered.

  Her stomach growled drawing a huge grin from Mason.

  “Hungry?” He ushered her towards one of the two available picnic tables. “Do you want fries?”

  “No, thank you.” She smiled up at him
. “Need to leave some room. We haven’t made it to the dessert booths yet.”

  “I’m not sure where you put all the food you eat, Annie.” He smiled in return. “But it’s damn nice to be with a woman who’s not afraid to eat. I’ll be right back.”

  Annie’s heart seemed to flip over in her chest. Her gaze locked on his magnificent backside as it strode confidently to the booth. She could so get used to doing these things with Mason.

  Not good, Annie. She stared down at the picnic table. Not good at all.

  Mason returned a short time later bearing a heaping plate. Annie groaned as she inhaled the delicious aroma. She focused her attention on the tantalizing meal he held, and not the man holding it. If she had any chance of getting things back on an even footing, she needed to reclaim some of the self-control she used to possess when it came to men. As if sensing her need for space, Mason sat the plate in the middle of the table, before he circled it, and sat down on the opposite side.

  A breath of relief escaped Annie. She wasn’t afraid of Mason physically. In fact, she rather liked that part of him. What scared her almost beyond any fear she’d ever felt before, was the emotional damage she would endure when he left. And she knew for certain, he would leave.

  She eyed him across the table. What would a small town like Hammond’s Bend have to offer a man like Mason Ramsay? Besides, he most likely had a girlfriend back home. Where ever it was he called home. She shook her head in disbelief as the realization struck. Here she was, letting herself fantasize about the great Mason, and she had no idea in hell who he really was. Where did he live? Was he married?

  She cut her eyes toward his left hand. Every inch of it was as tan as the rest. Still, that didn’t mean anything. Annie knew lots of men who didn’t wear wedding bands, but who were very much married.

  Lost in thought, she chose a small rib from the top of the pile, and began nibbling on it.

  “A penny for your thoughts.”

  The statement pulled her drifting thoughts back to the present. With a blink, she refocused on the man in front of her.

  “Afraid you’d be losing money on that exchange.” She smiled before delving into the meat with more gusto.

  “Maybe, maybe not.”

  “They’re nothing you’d be interested in anyway, Mason.”

  “Try me.”

  She locked gazes with him for a split second before turning away. “Maybe another time.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  They ate in a comfortable silence until nearly the entire plate had been consumed.

  “I swear I can’t eat another bite.” Annie laughed, rubbing her free hand across her stomach. “Now I really need to start working out again.”

  “Nah, it wouldn’t hurt you to gain a few pounds.”

  “Now you sound like my mother.” She laughed an unguarded sound. “Have you two been talking when I’m sleeping?”

  “Nope, but you’re mom’s one smart cookie.” He winked, reaching for the plate. “How about we walk around for a bit before we hit the dessert stands then? I could use some time to let this settle.”

  He patted the trim stomach Annie knew lay beneath the white polo. Her mouth began to water again. He stood and gathered the plate. She watched with fascination as the muscles rippled beneath his shirt. Her pulse leapt into high gear, pounding through her body. She forced her gaze away from his body, and met his gaze. Her middle quickened at the knowing smile dancing in the depths of his stare.

  Lord, was she in mad trouble.

  Using her good arm, she pushed into a standing position. Mason was at her side, tucking her snug against his warm body.

  Her hip tingled where his hand cupped it in deference to her injured shoulder. If she were smart, she’d step away, and break the sizzling contact.

  Unfortunately, when she was around Mason, much of her common sense took a hike. So, for tonight, she would enjoy the comfort he seemed determined to offer.

  Tomorrow would be soon enough for her to insist that it was time for him to go.

  ~&~

  “Oh my God.” Annie tossed her head back and laughed. “I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in a long time.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “Did you see the look on her face when you climbed up on the counter?” She brought her hand up to stifle the giggles. “I’ll probably never be able to show my face around her salon again.”

  “Well damn it. The least they can do is increase the odds that a person can win the darn game.” Mason plastered an innocent look on his face. “I just wanted to win a teddy bear.”

  She tried to suppress a giggle. “That’s a truly pathetic face Mr. Ramsay.” She clutched his hand in hers, and Mason let her pull him along. “Now come on before she calls the Chief.” She grinned up at him. “He doesn’t like to field those kinds of calls. He has this little vein in his forehead that really gets to throbbing when he gets one.”

  “Okay, but I’m giving you fair warning. Next time I’m not quitting until I get you a bear.”

  Mason tugged her in under his arm. He’d gotten mighty used to her occupying that spot tonight. They strolled through the vendors, toward the fairgrounds that housed the livestock.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Honestly?” Tiredness laced her response. “I’m about ready for bed.” She laughed. “Pathetic huh?”

  “Nope, not at all.” He deftly turned them back in the direction of his truck. “You’re still recovering. Regardless of what you want, it’s going to take a little time for your body to heal.”

  “Yeah I know,” she turned her face into his body, stifling a yawn, “but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

  “True.” He kissed her gently. “Now let’s get you home to bed.”

  And with any luck, he’d be able to get some sleep instead of tossing and turning like he’d done the past three nights.

  “I want to get some cheese Danishes for breakfast.” She leaned lightly into him, tilting her face toward his. “Unless you don’t like them.”

  “Sounds great.”

  Twenty minutes later, Mason pulled into the drive, and stopped next to Annie’s truck.

  “Hang tight and I’ll help you out.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Hmm, I like the sound of that.”

  “Good grief.” Annie closed her eyes and tipped her head back against the headrest. “You’re impossible, do you know that?”

  “I believe you’ve told me that a time or two.”

  Mason climbed out of the truck and made his way around to the passenger’s door. He removed the pastry box from her grasp, and set it on the roof of the truck before turning back.

  She curled an arm around his neck. His large hands bracketed her narrow waist as she slid down the length of his body until her feet touched the ground.

  His gaze travelled over her face and searched her eyes. Desire dilated her pupils, matching the need coursing through his own body. The vulnerability dancing in her eyes struck a chord of guilt within him.

  He’d be a damned fool if he took advantage of their current situation. Once things returned to normal, and it surely would, could there be any kind of future for them together?

  Hell, he had no idea what her future plans even were. Maybe she wanted to settle down and become a housewife. Have a husband with a nine-to-five job who was home every night to help her tuck little Johnny and Suzy into bed. Someone who would be there to take the trash out every Friday morning and mow the lawn on Saturday. Assuming that Annie would even want him to be that special someone in her life, those scenarios where something that his current position didn’t afford.

  But, hard as he tried to fight it, he was beginning to like the possibilities more and more each day.

  Not good, Mason. Not good at all.

  “You can let go now, Mason.” Annie’s voice broke into his thoughts. “I can walk on my own you know.”

  “I like holding you like this.” The hands cradling her hips convulsed. “Get used to it.�
��

  A sigh escaped Annie when he tucked her into his side and retrieved the box from the roof. He ushered her in the direction of the front door.

  ~&~

  Lord but the man could be aggravating. Annie fought the urge to melt closer to his warmth as they crossed the front lawn and ascended the porch steps.

  Mason handed her the box of breakfast danishes and fished the house key from his snug front pocket. Funny how, in less than a week, the man was now in possession of her house key. Her life had certainly taken some crazy turns of late.

  Once the door was opened, a big hand in the small of her back shepherded her through.

  She breathed a sigh of contentment. As much fun as she’d had at the festival, it was great to be home. She wasn’t about to admit it to Mason, but she was bone weary tired and ready for bed.

  “Thanks for being my escort tonight, Mason.” She stepped away under the pretense of putting the breakfast rolls away. “I think I’m going to call it a night.” Annie set the box on the countertop, and started for the bedroom.

  “I’ll be back in a minute to help you change.”

  Her steps faltered with the softly spoken words. Regaining what was left of her composure, she wheeled around with the intention of telling him that his help wouldn’t be necessary tonight. A faint cry of alarm rushed from her lips when she crashed into Mason. His ability to move so quietly was a bit disturbing.

  Annie inhaled deeply, and took half a step backward before meeting his gaze.

  “Thanks, Mason, but I’m sure I can manage it now.” She hurried on when it looked like he was about to protest the fact. “I really do appreciate all the help you’ve given me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

  “Like I’ve told you a million times in the past week, you’re welcome, Annie.” He stepped forward again, closing the distance, until she was left with no option but to walk backward or be run over by him. “As of five hours ago, you couldn’t even get an arm into your sweat jacket without help. What makes you think that you’ll suddenly be able to pull a shirt off over your head?”

  The distinct impression of being herded in the direction her room, rushed over Annie. She needed to stop his progress and quickly. The way her emotions had been bouncing all over the place, there was no telling what would happen if Mason came into her room tonight.