Waltz into Fire

by L. J. Garland

  “I think so. Banged up my knee pretty good, but I couldn’t get back up the embankment. It’s too steep.” In truth, she was amazed he’d gotten down so easily. “Did you see another man up there?”

  “Nope. Just me. I came around the corner just as your taillights disappeared over the edge. Called 911.” He took off his overcoat and wrapped it around her shoulders. Glancing at the burning car, he shook his head. “When I heard the explosion, I thought for sure you were dead. Scared the shit out of me.”

  Me, too. She studied the man in the light from the fire, and a déjà vu sensation flowed over her. Something about him was very familiar. He had dark hair and, from what she could see, appeared well built. He must work out a lot. Nobody scaled a bank like the one she’d taken her car over without strength, skill, and experience. Maybe he was some kind of rock climber.

  “My name is Erik, and, yeah, I do a lot of rock and mountain climbing.”

  Fallon frowned. She hadn’t said that aloud. How did he know she’d been wondering about his descent? Maybe her head hurt more than she realized, and she’d mumbled something. It didn’t matter. Right now, she wanted to get out of here and get warm and dry. “Nice to meet you. I’m Fallon. Are you sure there was no one else on the road?”

  “I’m positive, Fallon. There was no one up there.” He glanced back at the cliff then at her. “Look, it’s not safe here. We need to move you before pieces of the car blow off and hit you. I’ve got a harness in my trunk. If I lower it down to you, do you think you can get in it so I can hoist you up from above?”

  She pulled the jacket he given her tighter around her shoulders and nodded. “Yeah. I’m sure I can do it.”

  He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. “You’re gonna be okay. There’s an extra flashlight in my coat pocket. Sit tight, and I’ll holler when I’m ready to throw the harness and rope down to you. We’ll get you warm and dry like you want in no time.”

  He scaled the cliff with little effort. As he disappeared over the edge, she dug in the jacket for the light with one hand while she massaged her temple with the other. He’d done it again. Read her mind. She knew for certain she hadn’t said anything about wanting to be warm and dry out loud.

  Twenty minutes later, she sat in Erik’s SUV, heater full blast, talking to the police officer who had arrived at the scene just as her new friend tugged her up to safety. The officer had taken her statement, but she’d left out the part about seeing a man who was two thousand miles away. When the officer hypothesized she’d hydroplaned on the wet road and lost control, she’d kept her mouth shut and nodded.

  She refused medical care. Her aches were nothing a couple of Tylenol and a hot soak in the tub couldn’t fix. “If someone could just give me a ride to the Sea Breeze Motel in Sentinel Harbor, I can call the rental company from there.”

  Erik leaned in the open driver’s side window. “You’re in luck. That’s where I’m staying tonight. I’d be happy to give you a ride.”

  The officer handed her his card then backed away from the car so she could shut the door. “My cell number is on there as well as the station phone number. Just give the rental company my contact information, and I’ll fax them a copy of the accident report as soon as I get it done. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to call.”

  She slid the card into her purse. “Thank you very much, Officer Lennox.”

  “I hope your stay here is much better than it started out. Have a good night.” He tipped his hat to her and headed toward the wrecker that had just arrived.

  Erik slid into the driver’s seat and shut the door. As he buckled up, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done. I didn’t pass a lot of cars out here earlier. If you hadn’t shown up, there’s no telling how long I would’ve been stuck down there.”

  Steering the SUV onto the road, he spared her a quick smile. “I’m just glad I was there. You’re one lucky woman. Are you sure you don’t want to stop at the hospital?”

  “Positive. I just want a hot bath and soft bed.”

  “I hear ya. I just flew in from Colorado, and I’m beat.”

  Fallon sighed, the heater at last dissolving the bone-deep chill that had invaded her. “Wow. Colorado, huh? Are you here on vacation?”

  “No. A will reading, actually.”

  She jerked her head toward Erik. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Sorry. Wouldn’t kid about a thing like that. She was supposedly my aunt. Never met her though, and I’ve no idea why she would name me in her will. But my parents thought I should come, so here I am.”

  She swallowed, anticipating his answer to her next question. “What was her name?”

  “Serida. Serida Garrison.” He glanced at her, his brows furrowed. “Why?”

  “Oh, dear God.” Another wave of déjà vu flowed over her, bringing an icy chill that froze her to the core. She hugged herself. Too much.

  “What is it, Fallon?”

  “She’s the reason I’m here. She was supposedly my aunt, and I’m named in the will as well. I had no idea of her existence, much less any other family.” She shook her head. “This is all so bizarre.”

  “You can say that again.” The voice spoke clearly in her mind.

  She angled toward him. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

  “No, but I was just thinking you were right. This really is bizarre. My parents never said a word about any other family either.”

  He covered her hand with his and click…an instant connection surged through her. Calm. Reassuring. Warm. She eyed the dark-haired guy from Colorado, a sense of trust merging through her. Noble. Strong. Rock solid.

  Familiar.

  “We must be cousins or something,” Erik said, a boyish grin on his face. “I kinda like knowing I’ve got more family.”

  Had he experienced the same sensation she had? Before she could ask, he pulled the SUV into the motel parking lot. Shutting off the engine, he turned to her.

  “Listen, since all your stuff was blown up, I’ll lend you a T-shirt tonight. Then we can meet for breakfast, and I’ll take you to get a few clothes before this mysterious will reading we’re supposed to be at.”

  “Are you sure? You’ve already done so much.”

  “Hey, what’s family for?” He chuckled.

  For the first time in what seemed an eternity, Fallon laughed. “Deal.”

  After checking in, Erik gave her a shirt, and they entered their separate rooms. As motels went, the Sea Breeze was very nice. The scent of fresh flowers met her at the door, and the teal and peach décor lent a bright, cheery ambiance. Fallon tossed her purse on the nightstand and flopped on the bed, fatigue settling in fast.

  Zane. Everything else could wait. She needed to call him and make sure he was okay. Otherwise, she’d never sleep tonight.

  He answered on the first ring, and she sighed with relief.

  “Hi, it’s Fallon.”

  “I was worried about you.” His voice held a mix of relief and concern. “Where are you?”

  “In Maine. I tried to call you, but got your voice mail and chickened out before I left a message.” She rolled her eyes. Why had she admitted that?

  “I wish you had. I was imagining all kinds of crazy shit.”

  “I know what you mean.” Like imagining he was in the middle of the freaking road an hour ago.

  “Are you okay?” Worry rang clear over the line.

  “I will be.” She squeezed her eyes closed and sighed. “I kind of had an accident with my rental car. Just some bumps and bruises though. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure.”

  “You had an accident?” he said, anxiousness resonating his voice. “Tell me where you are. I’ll come to you.”

  “I’m fine, really. Feeling better already just hearing your voice. I have a will reading for a long-lost aunt tomorrow, but I’ll be home the day after that.” Just talking to him, his strong timbre enveloping her, chased her doubts and worries
away.

  “Are you sure? I can be there by morning.”

  Oh, how wonderful it would be to have him here with her. But it was too much to ask. Using every bit of self-control she possessed, she said, “I’m sure. I’m going to go to sleep now. The reading is tomorrow, and I’ll be home before you know it.”

  “Well, then, let me take you to dinner when you get back. I want to see you and make sure you’re okay for myself.”

  The longing in his words brought a smile to her lips, and the memory of their searing kiss rushed into her mind. A sudden and delicious chill rippled through her.

  “I’d like that.” She sighed, remembering the intense passion that had engulfed them. The need to feel his strong arms around her again filled her with overwhelming desire. “A lot.”

  “Me, too. I miss you.”

  After they hung up, she called the rental car company and arranged to have a new car delivered to the motel the next afternoon. Exhaustion threatening, she skipped the hot bath and dashed through the shower instead. She just wanted to curl up in bed and sleep.

  Relieved Zane was safe, she snuggled beneath the covers and allowed her mind to drift. Having no idea what she would face tomorrow with the will-reading of her departed—and apparently eccentric—Aunt Serida, she was glad she’d met Erik, even though their meeting had been strange as well. She pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the welcome realization she wouldn’t be facing the unknown alone.

  Chapter Seven

  “They sure are packing in today.” Zane tossed two more sausage patties onto the grill, his thoughts on the woman who’d tapped her boots over the tiles while she’d cooked two nights ago.

  “Yes, sir, they are. Like hens on a june bug,” Johnny said and cackled at his joke. “Sure do appreciate having you work the grill.”

  “Not a problem.” He flipped the meat, the juices dripping and causing the flames to sputter and hiss.

  “Looking forward to our girl getting back.” Johnny set two plates in the serving window and rang the bell. “She doesn’t usually take off like this, so I’m guessing it was something important for her to be gone.”

  Zane nodded, the “our girl” term sending an odd thrill through him. He’d dated women but never considered any of them his girl. They’d been engaging distractions, but none had ever lit him up with a single kiss the way Fallon had. There was more than just physical chemistry. He’d felt comfortable just being around her, cooking side by side in the kitchen. They’d worked as a team. Being with her had felt right. If only—

  Johnny set more plates in the window, hit the bell, and snagged another order from the wire. He strolled to the fridge, returning to the grill with a handful of eggs and pancake batter. Breaking the eggs open on the grill, he said, “Been a while since she’s been interested in anyone.”

  Zane focused on turning a steak.

  “You’re new in town. Makes sense she’d take a gander.” He grabbed a container of seasoning and sprinkled the herbs over the home fries. “Her last guy was a flat-out asshole. Tried to warn her, but you know Fallon. She’s got her own way of doing things.”

  “Yes, she does.” Zane kept his gaze on the grill, anticipating a cautionary word from Johnny.

  “That guy tore her up but good.” He set the seasoning back on the shelf. “Not sayin’ you’re anything like him though.”

  Zane scooped the pancakes and deposited them onto the plate next to him. “What are you saying, Johnny?”

  The fry cook frowned. “That I don’t know you from Adam, Zane. But Fallon seems to like you. She doesn’t just ask anyone to work the kitchen.” He took the eggs, placed them next to the pancakes, and carried the plate to the window. The bell’s ding cut through the country music blaring over the speakers. He went to the grill and set down another plate. “All’s I’m sayin’ is do your best not to hurt her.”

  “That’s my plan.” Zane gritted his teeth against the lie that had just left his lips. So, what was his plan? They weren’t going to fall in love, buy a house with a picket fence, and live happily ever after. Fourteen days remained in his life. Who the hell was he really lying to?

  “Good to know.” Johnny set a steak on a plate with scrambled eggs and home fries. On his way to the window, he said, “That girl deserves some happiness in her life.”

  He glanced over his shoulder at the fry cook, who had taken the role as Fallon’s surrogate father. The man adored her. Zane had asked around, and it seemed Fallon had a large fan club in the small town. She was a good woman.

  Darla appeared at the window and smiled. “Hey, Johnny, the soda’s out. Can you replace the canister for me, please?”

  “Sure thing, Darla. I’ll get it in a second.”

  When the bottle blonde returned to her customers, Zane whistled. “Looks like she’s into you, John.”

  He snorted and wiped his hands on a towel. His gaze darted toward the window and the waitress beyond. “Nah.”

  “Sure she is.” Zane came up next to him and took the plate he’d prepped from the counter.

  After taking an order, Darla sashayed to the window and hung the paper on the wire. She grinned at Johnny and whirled back toward the dining room.

  “If that isn’t interest, I don’t know what is.” Zane loaded the plate in his hand with an omelet.

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” The cook heaped grits next to it then rang the bell.

  “Thanks, Johnny,” Darla said, retrieving the order. With a bat of her lashes, she twirled away to deliver the food.

  The fry cook moved from the window, his brow furrowed.

  Zane grinned. “Hey, you deserve a little happiness in your life, too.”

  “Damn matchmaker,” he grumbled, his face showing a bit of a blush. “I’m going to change the soda.”

  Chuckling, Zane shifted his attention to the meats sizzling on the stainless slats. He could see himself here, working alongside Fallon at this restaurant. Extinguishing fires and saving lives. Nights in her arms, losing himself in her scorching kisses, exploring her delicious body, hearing his name on her lips….

  Two more days, and she would be home. Two less days to share with the sultry firefighter.

  He rubbed his biceps, his thumb kneading the dull ache that never abated—a constant portent of his impending fate and a cruel reminder he would never have time to find the woman meant for him. But worse yet, he was pretty sure he’d already found her in Fallon.

  He slapped the spatula on the steel grate. Damn it. He’d followed Mia without question right into the depths of Hell. He’d had no clue as to her true nature until it was too late.

  Zane leaned against the counter, his fingers gripping the cool, heavy-gauge steel. What was done was done. Fate had snared his heart and soul and now proceeded to rip him apart.

  Two days, and she would be home.

  She’d called him the night before, apologizing for her sudden departure and giving a vague excuse of having to attend the reading of a will for a departed aunt. Still, she’d sounded stressed and more than a little concerned for his safety. Her first question had been to check if he was all right—and then she’d told him she’d been the one in the car crash.

  He tensed, a disturbing thought forming in his mind. Had Mia been behind Fallon’s mishap?

  And just yesterday, he’d visited David in the hospital to check his recovery. The kid had said the fire had talked to Fallon and she’d answered. Yelled at the blaze. Chills had hammered Zane’s spine. Had that been Mia as well? Did the conniving witch have plans for her?

  Anger flashed through him. If that evil woman touched Fallon, he would…what? Kill her? Hell, he couldn’t even find her. He’d searched for over two weeks without a hint as to where she’d gone. The woman had vanished.

  He needed to protect Fallon. But he didn’t know where she’d gone either. She’d mentioned something about Maine, but that was too much ground to cover. Damn. Could he afford to wait two days? If she called again, he’d pin her
down.

  “Done.” Johnny moseyed into the kitchen and rinsed his hands in the sink. He glanced toward the dining room. “Looks like it’s slowing a bit.”

  Zane completed the last of the orders, leaving the grill bare. He carried the plates to the window and tapped the bell, his thoughts on how he might keep his raven-haired beauty safe. He couldn’t bear the idea of Mia harming her because of him.

  He loosened the strings on his apron, wiping his hand on the stained fabric before tossing it in the bin. “Sorry I can’t be here for the lunch or dinner shift, but I’m on call tonight.”

  Johnny nodded. “No problem. Got a high schooler wanting to make a few extra bucks waiting tables. Darla offered to work in the kitchen.”

  Zane lifted an eyebrow, and the fry cook scowled.

  “Now, don’t be getting any ideas in that head of yours, son. You go save some lives and don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

  The expression on Johnny’s face caused Zane to grin. Yeah, the guy was smitten with the sweet waitress. “I just bet you will.”

  Johnny snorted and jerked his thumb toward the rear door. “You just go on. And take the garbage out with you.” He rubbed his lower back and grimaced. “That soda change done stoved-up my old bones.”

  “Sure thing.” Zane chuckled then snagged the large plastic bag and exited out into the alley behind the restaurant.

  Tossing the trash into the immense metal bin, he strode to the far end of the building, heading to where he’d parked his Jeep. He hadn’t missed the gleam in Johnny’s eye when he’d observed the waitress’s attraction. The crotchety fry cook deserved happiness, and Zane hoped he found some with Darla. She seemed nice and just what Johnny needed.

  He rounded the corner of the building and stopped short. On the ground, a murder of crows blocked his path. The black birds tilted their stocky heads, watching him with shiny beaded eyes.

  Zane stepped back. What the hell?

  Wings fluttered. Dark, oily feathers drank in the sunlight, muted hues of blue and purple drowning in sooty black. An eerie choir of twittery shrieks crazed the air.