“Keep those people back.” Kyle coughed again.
“You need to see the EMTs.” Dylan frowned at him.
“Later. I’ve got to do my job first.” Kyle straightened his shoulders and swiped at his eyes. “Damn smoke.” He turned to the looky-loos and started bellowing at them to get back.
Dylan met Hannah’s gaze. “He’s going to put himself in the hospital.”
“Nothing is more important to him than duty.” She glanced down at Amber. “Except perhaps now.”
“I’ll keep watch on him if you’ll be all right.” Dylan’s care and concern weren’t a surprise, but they definitely made her fall for him even more.
“I’ll be fine. Go help him.” Hannah got to her feet and kissed him hard.
He raised his brows, then kissed her just as hard. “Be safe.”
He jogged across the street and started bellowing louder than Kyle. Hannah’s eyes pricked with tears. She was definitely falling for Dylan. Hard.
The EMTs pulled up and she stepped back to allow them to render first aid. Hannah wished she could turn back time and spare Amber the pain.
Sometimes life wasn’t fair to those who least deserved it.
* * * * *
Hannah sat in the waiting room at the hospital while Amber was examined. It had been over an hour, but no one had come to speak to her. When Tessa Stevens appeared, Hannah jumped to her feet.
They’d been friends since elementary school. Tessa was one of the emergency room nurses and she was damn good at her job. Her petite form, along with short, curly blonde hair and green eyes, made most people treat her like a kewpie doll. However, the moment she opened her mouth and she ordered them around, they realized she was a force of nature.
“Hannah.” Tessa pulled her into a fierce hug. It was like being squeezed by a pixie. An incredibly strong pixie.
“How’s Amber?”
“She’s stable. The burns aren’t as bad as they could have been. She’ll be discharged soon, but she needs someone to help her for the next few days.”
“Oh, then she’s coming to the ranch with me. We’ve got plenty of room and Mama would welcome her with open arms.” Hannah glanced down at the curtained beds. “Can I see her?”
“Not yet. A few more minutes. We’re still treating her for the mild smoke inhalation. It’ll be another hour.” Tessa looked at her watch. “She’ll need clothes to wear. Do you think you could go to her apartment for her? She asked if you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
“Good. Kyle has her purse, so swing by and get the keys from him.” Tessa swiveled around and marched back to her patients.
That’s when Hannah realized she didn’t have a car to do what she needed to do. She pulled out her phone and called Dylan.
He arrived fifteen minutes later, giving her time to call her mother and explain the situation. His expression was harried and annoyed.
“Your cousin said your restaurant was the first building to be burned by the same asshole. Why didn’t you tell me?”
She blinked at the verbal attack. “It didn’t occur to me. You’re rebuilding the restaurant. What difference does it make how the original one burned?”
He ground his teeth together. “If I have to tell you why then we’re done with this conversation. Let’s go.”
She didn’t know what had caused his sudden anger, but she didn’t like it. Not one damn bit. Her own temper bubbled up and she had to beat it back with effort. Right now she had to focus on Amber.
“Can you drive me to get my truck? I’ve got to find Kyle to get Amber’s purse. She’s coming back to the ranch with me to recuperate.” Hannah couldn’t keep the annoyance from her voice.
“Fine. I’ll help you get her settled.”
“No need.”
“Yes, there is a need.”
“You have a job to do, remember? I’m not paying you to boss me around.” She glared at him across the cab of the truck.
“No, you’re paying so you can boss me around.” He pulled out of the parking lot while the air between them crackled with something other than sexual energy.
Hannah wanted to punch something. The man brought out all kinds of emotions in her, powerful ones, and it turned her into a crazy woman. She closed her eyes and remembered all he’d done this morning, including helping with the fire and tending to Amber.
Today had been an overwhelming day for her. She needed to dial back her reactions.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you about the fire because the memory is a nightmare. I was there, upstairs in my apartment, when the fire started. I hadn’t really recovered from Phillip’s death.” She looked out the window at the passing buildings, the noon sun mocking the seriousness of the day, of the conversation. “I’m trying to live again, to find the joy in life again. Reliving the agony of the last two years is the last thing I wanted.”
The silence in the cab was thicker than molasses. The rest of the drive was the most uncomfortable ten minutes of her life. When they got back to the jobsite, she jumped out of the truck before he even put it in park.
She stalked to her truck only to be stopped by a strong arm around her waist. “Oof!” She flailed for control, but he flipped her around until they were nose to nose, and she dangled a good six inches in the air as he held her tight.
“I’m sorry.”
She blinked, unable to form a response.
“I was worried about you, and angry that you hadn’t told me that the arsonist had burned your restaurant. I don’t do this friendship thing well. I don’t know how.” He sighed. “I’ve been alone most of my life, and it shows. I can be a jerk.”
Her heart went squishy again. “Um, I accept your apology. Now, can you put me down?”
Dylan set her on her feet and stepped back half a pace, but he didn’t let go of her waist. “I’ve been wanting to do this all day.” He kissed her. “Now, let’s go get Amber’s purse and clothes. I’m helping you bring her back to your home.”
Hannah wasn’t sure how she felt about bringing Dylan home to meet her mother. Ready or not, it was about to happen.
“Was that our first fight?”
He snorted. “Not hardly.”
She nodded. “I guess that’s true.”
“I expect we’ll always mix it up a bit.”
“There’s passion there.”
“Damn straight there is.” He glanced at her with a side eye. “I can’t hardly sleep for thinking about it. My hand isn’t the only thing getting chafed.”
At that Hannah laughed so hard her stomach hurt. He glared at her until the corners of his mouth twitched.
“Why the hell are you laughing?”
She could barely get the words out. “I-I th-th-thought it w-w-was j-j-just me!”
At that he joined in, a deep guffaw that vibrated her bones. She needed to get this man into her bed or his, either one would do. It would probably be a few days before they would find time alone. Now that she would be helping Amber, their passion would have to be put on hold again.
“Soon.” His voice, the word, held a promise she intended to keep.
* * * * *
Dylan tucked Amber into the truck and Hannah climbed in beside her. The damn cat had waited for them, snuggling beside the injured woman and purring. They were all relieved her burns weren’t too serious, although everyone was exhausted. The ride out to the Blackwood ranch was quiet. The barista was bundled up with bandages and somewhat sedated.
The ranch had a beautiful wrought iron gate that was open for them. He drove through and up to the sprawling house. He was as impressed with the ranch as he was the first time he came by.
That time, of course, ended with him having sex with Hannah in the backyard. They were lucky they didn’t get caught, but he couldn’t regret the experience. It showed him heaven on earth in the arms of a fiery Texan who was slowly taking over his heart, much as he wanted to stop it. He knew it, yet he still needed to accept it.
“Just pull up to the front
door. Mama should have the guest room ready.” Hannah steadied Amber, then got out of the truck. “I’ll be right back.”
Dylan was left alone with the wounded barista and the cat. She’d always been so sweet and pleasant to him. She damn sure didn’t deserve what happened.
“She’s a good person.” The low murmur from Amber surprised him.
“You’re awake.”
“Sort of. Feels like I’m swimming in the ocean.” Amber’s eyes popped open and she turned her head to look at Dylan. “Hannah is one of the best people I know.”
“Agreed.”
“Don’t hurt her.”
“What?”
“I can feel the air crackle between you two. She lost one man in her life. She doesn’t deserve to be hurt again.” Amber’s eyes drifted closed. “Just love her the best you can.”
Dylan opened his mouth to refute her claim, but the words didn’t come. He wasn’t in love. Not yet. He had a hard time opening himself to anyone. Hell, he’d spent more than half his life only depending on himself. How was he to put his heart in the hands of Hannah?
“Everything’s ready.” Hannah’s voice startled him. Her brows went up when he started. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s get her inside. I’ll come around and carry her.” Dylan got out of the truck and walked around to the passenger side. He scooped up the slender barista and followed Hannah into the house.
The décor was rustic ranch mixed with industrial. He was surprised but pleased to find it. Dylan might be a dumb general contractor, but he had taken courses in interior design along with all the other subjects. The decorator of this house had skills.
“Follow me.” Hannah led him through to the main staircase and up to the second floor.
A door was open down the hallway with warm light spilling onto what he knew to be the hand-scraped wooden floors. The Blackwoods spared no expense in this house, but it was done tastefully.
He walked into the room to find a smaller, older version of Hannah. Mrs. Blackwood was a beautiful woman in her sixties with bright, intelligent eyes. Hannah definitely took after her mother in looks. Her father must’ve been tall, since her mom was no bigger than a minute.
“Lay her here.” Mrs. Blackwood had the covers turned down on a bed with cream sheets, a patchwork quilt and a mound of fluffy pillows.
Dylan set Amber on the bed and Mrs. Blackwood took over, tucking her in and murmuring to the injured woman. The cat must’ve followed them because it jumped on the bed and settled beside Amber.
He backed out of the room into the hallway. Hannah poked her head out.
“Why don’t you go downstairs and get some coffee? I’m sure there’s a pot in the kitchen. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
He nodded and left the women to take care of Amber. He was here in Hannah’s childhood home and the only thing he could think about was when he could escape. Families made him twitchy.
Mothers made him want to leave town.
Dylan forced himself to find the kitchen and the mugs in the third cabinet he opened. He hunted down milk in the fridge and the sugar bowl on the table. The smell of the cinnamon pastries Hannah had made lingered in the air hours later. His stomach rumbled at the fact he hadn’t had any food all day.
“Can I make you some lunch?” Mrs. Blackwood’s voice made him tense like a guitar string.
He turned to find her smiling at him. Hannah definitely had her smile. “No need to put yourself out. I’ll wait for Hannah to take her back to town.”
“Oh, she’ll be here all day with Amber. Might as well have some food. I could hear your stomach growling like a bear.” Mrs. Blackwood opened the fridge. “A sandwich okay? I think there are some of Hannah’s pretzel rolls.”
“I, uh, sure.” Dylan sipped at the coffee so he didn’t have to speak more. Why the hell did Hannah leave him alone with her mom?
“What Hannah does with her life is her business, but I’ll not allow someone to fiddle with her heart.” Mrs. Blackwood gave him the mama death stare. “Don’t think I’m a feeble old lady.”
“I’d never assume such a thing, ma’am.” He wondered if there might be an earthquake handy to open up the floor for him.
“Good. Then that’s settled.” She set down a plate with a sandwich and a cookie along with a glass of milk. Milk! “Now eat.” Bossy like her daughter.
“Thank you, ma’am.” He dutifully ate the meal while she puttered around in the kitchen.
“For the first time in two years, I see happiness in her eyes. I’m not sure if you’re responsible, but if you are, then thank you.” Her words cut through the awkward silence.
“I’m not sure if I’m the cause of anything except indigestion.”
Mrs. Blackwood laughed. “She’s got a big mouth but an even bigger heart.”
“Stop talking about me.” Hannah sailed into the kitchen. “Amber’s asleep, so I thought I’d grab some lunch.”
The older woman left the kitchen after a silent communication with her daughter. Hannah glanced at Dylan’s plate. “She fed you the last pretzel roll.”
“Do you want to share?”
“No, I don’t want your cooties.”
“Suit yourself. Go ahead and eat a substandard roll.” He took a big bite of the sandwich, enjoying the way she stuck out her tongue at him.
“Your mother just warned me she would bury my body in a deep hole if I hurt you.”
“She’ll do it too. She’s the one that taught me how to use a pistol.” Hannah put her own plate on the table and sat down.
“Now I’m actually scared.” He drank the milk, although he didn’t remember the last time he’d even tasted it except in his coffee.
“Blackwood women are the only females strong enough to birth Blackwood men.” She smiled. “That’s what my grandmother used to say.”
“Your family sounds intimidating.”
“I’ll bet yours is too.”
He managed not to get up and walk away, but it was close. Dylan wasn’t one to talk about his past. To anyone, but if he were to find out if this relationship was going to go anywhere, he had to take a chance.
“Don’t really have family to speak of, intimidating or not. I never knew my father. No brothers or sisters. My mother died when I was sixteen. I’ve been on my own since.” He fiddled with the condensation ring on the table. “I wouldn’t go into foster care, so I lied about my age and started working construction. I was big enough they didn’t care.”
“I’m sorry.” She put her hand over his. “And my family is louder and more overwhelming than an army.”
“True.” He took a bite of his sandwich, but he wasn’t tasting it any longer.
“Since you don’t have a family, do you want to share mine with me?”
He stopped and stared, his pulse picking up while his stomach did that funny flip again. “What are you saying?”
She met his gaze with those beautiful brown doe eyes of hers. “I’m saying I want you to stick around for a while. With me. And my crazy family.”
Dylan could barely swallow the bite in his throat. She just asked him to stay in Tanger. With her.
Holy shit.
Hannah’s heart thumped madly. The fire at the coffee house had reminded her that life is short. Too short to play games when she felt strongly about a man she could love. When Phillip had died, she’d wanted to die too.
Now she wanted to live. She wanted to taste every day with every cell of her being. That included stepping out of the safety net and learning to fly again.
“I’ll be here building the restaurant.” He kept his gaze on his plate, and her heart sank.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know.”
“Then say something that is a reasonable response to my invitation.”
The silence was only broken by the sound of the air conditioner cutting on and the ticks of the cool air hitting the metal ducts.
“I don’t know how.” His voice was quiet
, nearly a whisper.
Hannah scooted her chair closer and took his hand. “I’m scared too. But more than that, I know what I’m feeling for you is more than attraction. Asking you to stay is making me want to run around pulling my hair out.” She leaned in and put her head on his shoulder. “But if we don’t take that leap, how will we know what we could have?”
“I’ll probably piss you off.”
“Same here.”
“You might want to shoot me.”
“Same here.”
He finally looked up, meeting her gaze. In it she saw fear, hope, and something softer. “Do you think we really have a chance?”
“We won’t know if we try.”
“I reckon that’s true.” He kissed her forehead. “We’re gonna fight like cats and dogs.”
“Then we can make up.”
He snorted. “You’re crazy.”
“Probably, but I think I’m your kind of crazy.”
“You’d be right.”
Hannah hugged him, her heart light and her throat tight.
“Ah, pardon me.”
Hannah started at her cousin Kyle’s voice. She grinned at Dylan, who was scowling at her. “Test number one.”
“Shit.”
“Am I interrupting?” Kyle’s voice had hardened.
“No, not at all. I normally hug and kiss my general contractor.” Hannah turned, loping her arm around Dylan’s neck. “Tell me you found the cause of the fire.”
Kyle looked terrible. He had a few burns on his cheek, one eyebrow was half singed and he still had soot on his uniform and arms. “Sophie is down there checking it on behalf of the fire department. She said her preliminary findings indicate it was arson. Same method as the fire at Cindy’s and the old jail.” His jaw tightened. “Son of a bitch could have killed her.”
Hannah didn’t point out she could have been killed too. It seemed like her cousin had taken the fire at the coffee shop personally. Perhaps there was something between him and Amber.
“Are you going to assist in the investigation?” Hannah asked.
“As much as I can. Whoever he or she is, they crossed the line. I won’t let this happen again.” Kyle’s fists clenched. “Is she in the guest room upstairs?”
“She is, but I suggest you don’t walk in there breathing fire. She was sleeping and she needs the rest. Don’t stomp around like Frankenstein’s monster.” Hannah was glad to see her cousin nod.
Her Bucking Bronc Page 8
