Heart on Fire

by Brandy L Rivers

  Kyle’s brow knit together. “No husband?”

  “She’s never been married. Her precious little girl is the result of a one-night stand.”

  Not one to judge, he smiled. “Raising a child on your own isn’t easy. I know Dad struggled with me after Mom passed away. She has my respect.”

  “You’re such a great guy, Kyle. Too bad you aren’t twenty or so years older, or I would show you the benefits of having a real woman in your life.”

  “One day I’ll find the right woman. Right now, I’m content on my own.”

  Now he wondered if Dee was hoping he would be interested in her niece. He was, but based on the little he knew of her history, he had a feeling slow and easy was the way to her heart.

  He took his time walking back to her place, and started up the porch steps exactly thirty minutes later. He gave the door one solid knock and waited.

  A few seconds later, Mila opened with a smile. Her voice sent a shock of warmth through him. “Hey, Cherish is painting in the kitchen. Come on in.”

  “Thanks.” He carried the tray to her counter. The paneling he remembered was gone, replaced with fresh paint in warm, inviting colors. Comfortable, but nice furniture. No clutter in sight. The house was a thousand times nicer than the Larkays had kept it.

  He smiled over at Mila. “I like what you’ve done with the place.”

  “Thank you. I visited when I first bought it, and contracted for some work to be done. Deanna helped with quite a bit. In fact, my aunt kept Cherish the first night so I could get everything situated.”

  “You did a fine job. Your home is welcoming. And only two days? I’m impressed, you must be very organized.”

  She laughed, her hands sliding in her pockets as she lifted a single shoulder in a shrug. “Yeah. Well, when you deal with a bunch of teenagers every day, it helps to be organized. I’m not a total neat freak, but I don’t like too much mess either.”

  “Hey, nothing wrong with being tidy.” He handed her drink over, before taking Cherish a creamsicle with extra whipped cream.

  “Here you go, kiddo.” He studied the painting. “Wow, you’re talented.”

  Her whole face lit up. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He winked and stood back up with a smile for Mila.

  “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mila.” He turned to Cherish, expression never dimming. “And you, too.”

  The slight frown on Mila’s face was an unintentional jab. His heart fell. “What’s wrong?”

  She looked down at her daughter’s painting. “Nothing, sorry. Planning, you know, mom stuff.” Her eyes met his, a blush on her cheeks.

  He didn’t like the way she was shutting him out. He knew there was something wrong, and damn him, but he wanted to know what it was so he could fix it.

  Stopping himself from touching her cheek, he dipped his head toward the door. “Right, well, I need to get to work, so I’ll catch you later. Thank you for the company today.”

  “Thank you for the chai, and the help.” She walked him to the door. “Really, I appreciate it. So far I like the neighborhood.”

  “We’re a friendly bunch. I hope to see more of you. Both of you. Cherish seems like a great kid.”

  Her whole face lit up. “She is.”

  “Enjoy your day, Mila. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

  Her breath caught, and she answered, “You too, Kyle.”

  * * * *

  “Mommy, he’s cute.” Cherish giggled, skipping over two minutes after the door shut.

  Like an idiot, Mila stood frozen, staring at the door, trying to figure out why it felt like she knew Kyle.

  His voice, those hands.

  Yeah, but I’m totally imagining things.

  There is no way in hell.

  Mentally shaking herself, Mila nodded. “He is.” More than that. Everything about Kyle was appealing. At least from what she'd seen.

  No sense in thinking about the hot fireman next door. She wasn’t looking for a man. Besides, he probably had a following of beautiful women, not to mention a girlfriend.

  “He’s really nice too.” Cherish batted her lashes, playing innocent, noisily slurping on her straw.

  “Yes, but honey, we don’t know him.” And she was so far out of his league it was ridiculous.

  “He likes you.”

  “Doubtful. Why don’t you finish your drink, then go back to your art?” She gently turned Cherish, and led her back to the kitchen, hoping to drop the conversation. “So, you want pizza? What kind?”

  “Yummy, pepperoni and olives.” She picked up her brush and looked at Mila. “But Mommy, Grandma says you need a man around.”

  Or not. With a tight smile, Mila replied, “Grandma is wrong. We do fine on our own. Now let’s paint.”

  Cherish shrugged a shoulder before focusing back on her paper-covered easel.

  * * * *

  “Why are we here?” Gavin asked as they stepped into Main Street Pies. “We did pizza last night.”

  Kyle shrugged, not willing to admit he hoped he’d run into Mila again. He knew that was a move straight from high school, but he couldn’t help himself. He was drawn to the brunette with dazzling blue eyes.

  He stared at his thumbnail when he answered, “Pizza sounds good and it’s my night to choose.”

  “Yeah, okay, even though we had it last night,” Gavin grumbled. “I still want to know what has you all day-dreamy and shit. It’s not like you. Why are you chicking-out on me?”

  Kyle punched Gavin. “Not chicking-out, dude. There’s stuff on my mind.”

  “Oh god, here we go.” He turned to Kyle, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is it my sister? Has she been trying to get you back? Tell me you’re not going to be stupid and give her another opportunity to fuck with your head.”

  “She’s never stopped trying since I left. Don’t worry, I’m not taking her back. I still don’t get why she expects me to quit a job I love only to take one I’ll hate. Yet, she leaves you alone.”

  “Because she wants you to provide for her, and daddy would love it if you worked for him. Then maybe he could convince me to join you.” Gavin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’ve known for years my father expects to get what he wants. Unfortunately, my sister inherited that gene.”

  The chimes rang as the door opened. Then he heard a little girl’s squeal. “Mommy, Mommy, look, it’s Kyle! Can I go say hi?”

  Mila laughed softly. “Sure, but it looks like he’s on duty, so don’t bug him.”

  He couldn’t help grinning as he turned toward them.

  Cherish came charging over and stopped, bouncing in front of him with the biggest smile he’d ever seen. “Good evening, Cherish,” he looked up at her mother, “and you too, Mila.”

  Simple, yet stunning. Her hair was tied up in a loose knot, and she wore jeans with a black fitted t-shirt. Long and lean, but had curves where a woman should.

  There was a shy note to her voice. “Hi. Thank you again, for the help earlier, and the drinks.”

  Internally smacking himself, he forced his eyes to hers. “Anytime.”

  “I see,” Gavin muttered under his breath, a sly grin on his face. “The new neighbor?”

  Kyle shot him a dirty look before kneeling down, “Hey Cherish, how are you and your mom doing?”

  She clasped her hands and shifted side-to-side, batting her lashes. “Good. She thinks you’re cute.”

  Adorable.

  He glanced up to see Mila flush deeper, and winked. “Thanks.” He ruffled Cherish’s hair and stood up with a nod at his buddy. “This is Gavin, a longtime friend. He has a daughter about your age.”

  “You do?” she asked, directing her attention to Gavin.

  A thought occurred to him, and he couldn’t help himself. “Maybe this weekend I’ll barbeque and have everyone over.”

  Cherish bounced again, tugging on Mila’s hand. “Can we, can we?”

  Mila’s mouth fell open as she met his gaze. She blu
stered, “Oh, I don’t want to impose.”

  “Not at all. I enjoy grilling, and I like having company over.” Hoping to calm her nerves, he glanced to his oldest friend. “What do you say, Gavin? You and Cadence busy Saturday?”

  “Nope, we’ll be there, with Jenny.” Gavin grinned at Cherish. “My daughter was telling me about the new girl in class. Said you two were best friends.”

  Cherish nodded, looking up at Mila. “I told you about her, Mommy. She’s nice, and likes the swings. Can we go? Please?” She stretched the last word out, begging with big blue eyes.

  “You did, and if everyone’s going to be there, then I suppose it doesn’t hurt to go over.” She looked nervous as her attention switched to Kyle. “That is, if you’re sure?”

  “Absolutely, I’m sure. It’ll be fun.”

  “I’ll bring some dessert, maybe pie?” Mila blushed again.

  Cherish tugged her hand, and Mila looked down. “Make your cherry pie, it’s the best.” Then Cherish beamed up at him. “It’s so yummy. You will love it.”

  Gavin coughed back his laugh, and Kyle was tempted to punch him.

  Instead, he nodded. “Sounds delicious.”

  “I think you’re up.” Mila nodded at the counter.

  “Thanks.” Kyle turned to order the pizza.

  * * * *

  “So,” Gavin started in a conspiratorial whisper, “you’re Kyle’s brand new neighbor? He mentioned there was someone moving in the other day.”

  “Yup, that’s me.” Mila nodded, feeling uncomfortable.

  “Just you and Cherish?”

  She nodded again. “Mmhmm.”

  “Kyle is a great guy. If you need help with something, he won’t hesitate to give a hand.”

  Those hands, and an image of similar big hands, flashed through her mind. Swallowing hard she pushed that memory as far back as she could.

  “I’m sure he is,” Mila answered simply.

  Cherish piped in, “Mommy said he was cute.”

  Mila closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Looking down, she patted her daughter’s head. “Cherish told me he was cute, I didn’t disagree. She also told me he was nice, and so far that seems to be true. My little rugrat likes to overshare.”

  “She’s five, they all do. Don’t be embarrassed. She’s darling.”

  “Thanks.”

  Kyle shot Gavin a dark look and nodded toward the door. “Come on, Gav, Let’s get these down to the firehouse while they’re hot.” Kyle made eye contact and gave her a smile that was much too inviting. “Catch you later, Mila, Cherish.”

  Catch? That left her with intriguing images, but she wasn’t about to go there. She waved. “Later.”

  “Don’t forget my pepperoni and olive pizza.” Cherish giggled.

  Forcing herself to turn toward the counter, and not watch Kyle walk out, she grinned at Cherish. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Chapter 3

  Kyle stepped outside and stretched his legs, breathing in the cool air. It might be cloudy, but the breeze would help during his morning run.

  He needed to get his mind off his latest naughty teacher dream. Awake or asleep, Mila occupied every thought. Kyle couldn’t get her out of his head.

  Might help if he stopped running into her every chance he got. All his fault, of course. He’d taken note of her schedule and kept showing up where she would be. Catching a glimpse could fuel hours of fantasies.

  It wasn’t enough. He wanted to hear her voice. Needed to see a real smile, ideally directed at him. First he needed get past her defenses and get to know the real woman.

  They kept playing tug-of-war, and she was winning. Kyle would pull her in, and get her to open up a tiny bit before Mila pulled away. He followed, and sometimes she’d let him pull her back, allowing him in for another moment before pulling back again. Other times, she’d let go of the rope and walk away. She always picked the rope back up though, eventually, fueling his hope.

  Kyle started down the driveway, his feet hitting pavement. He turned toward her house. The corners of his mouth lifted as he caught sight of Mila ushering Cherish into the back of her Passat.

  As usual, Mila seemed to tame her sexy side for school. It didn’t stop the boys in her class from watching her every move.

  He’d know—and he was starting to feel like a stalker—because the firehouse was right next to the school, her classroom across from the workout room. These days he spent even more time in the gym, pathetic or not.

  For school, Mila appeared to be going for boring. Blouses that covered everything, and her plain slacks did nothing to hide her firm, round ass. Her long luscious locks were twisted into a bun at the back of her head. There wasn’t a trace of makeup on her face, not that she needed it.

  Having been a teenager himself, he had a good idea of what the boys in her class thought. They ogled her, or stared, probably drooled in some cases. Her conservative dress did nothing to stop the attention.

  Mila hurried Cherish, “Come on, love, we’re going to be late. We already had to change your coat.”

  Cherish pouted. “Ah, Mom. I didn’t mean to spill my juice.”

  “You aren’t in trouble, but we need to go, munchkin. So let’s get moving.”

  “Oh look, it’s Kyle.” Cherish lit up.

  Unable to resist either one of them, he jogged toward her car. “My two favorite neighbors. Morning, ladies.” He came to a stop next to Mila. “You should listen to your mom. She does know best.”

  “See, your favorite fireman agrees with me. So get your belt on.” Mila reached in to tickle her, causing her burst out in giggles, but she did as told.

  “Bye Kyle. See you later, at school.” Cherish waved and clicked the belt over her booster seat.

  “Bye.” Shutting the door, he turned to Mila.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why are you going to be at her school later?”

  Yup, he had a thing for mama-bear. “Gavin and I are going for career day. We’ll be visiting each class.”

  A tiny smile graced her lips. “Oh, cool.” She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater as she looked down at her feet. “Good luck. That’s a lot of five-year-olds.” Raising her head, he saw mischief dance through her eyes as she stepped toward the car.

  “Wait,” Kyle pleaded.

  With a sigh, she pointedly checked her watch.

  He took a breath. “I know you’re in a hurry, but I wanted to tell you I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

  Her breath caught, as she started to shake her head. “If I’ve given you the wrong impression, I’m sorry, Kyle. Cherish is my—”

  He held up his hands. “Not in the slightest. I like to count my neighbors as my friends.” He sure as hell wanted more than friendship, but he understood she needed to trust him first. Honestly, as frustrating as she was for holding him at a distance, he admired the way she consistently put her daughter first.

  “All right. Sorry I jumped to conclusions.” She reached for the handle, trying to fight a frown.

  So she was thinking about more, but probably telling herself not to. “Hey, I never said I wasn’t interested, but you moved in last week, started a new job, and hardly know me. First, I want to be your friend. Down the line, we can explore what’s between us.”

  Now she did frown. “Look, I really need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “If you don’t run into me before then,” he teased.

  Her head dipped in a nod as she opened the door. “Right. Enjoy your run. We’ve got to go. I don’t want Cherish to be late.”

  “Don’t work too hard,” he called as he backed toward the sidewalk.

  A smile lifted her lips as she waved.

  * * * *

  End of the day, and Cherish was staying the night at Auntie Dee’s, leaving Mila alone. She was preparing to grade papers, the only part of her job she didn’t love, when her phone rang as she arranged her laptop and work on the porch.

  Her mother’s number came up on the screen and she fe
lt a smidge guilty for not calling more often, but she didn’t want to hear any more pleading to come back home.

  Forcing a smile, hoping it would cheer her tone, Mila answered, “Hi, Mom. How are you doing?”

  “I miss you, and Cherish. I want you both to come back. It’s not the same with you so far away.”

  Here we go again.

  Mila took a slow breath, shaking her head. “Mom, I can’t come back. I love my new job. The school is fantastic. Cherish has friends already. Everything is going great. I needed this change.” She needed her independence, and her mother was trying to stifle it.

  “You’ll never look for a man out there. You need a decent man in your life.”

  She groaned. “No, Mom. I don’t. But think about it this way. I might find one out here without you constantly intervening and thrusting potential candidates at me. One who actually cares about my little girl as much as I do. Every man you send my way bails the second he figures out I have Cherish.”

  “I’ll find you the right man.”

  “No. You don’t get it. I don’t want one. Cherish and I have a great life. And you know how most people only find love once they stop looking for it? Didn’t you and Dad fall in that category?”

  “You need someone to take care of you, Mila. I don’t want you to be lonely like your aunt.”

  Aunt Dee wasn’t lonely. Sure, she was divorced and raised two kids mostly on her own, but she was happy, and made it work. Dee understood Mila better than her mother ever did.

  “Hey, I enjoy taking care of myself. Why can’t you accept that? Cherish and I are doing really well out here.”

  Mom sighed. “All right. What are you doing?”

  She couldn’t help a laugh. “Grading papers. Cherish is at Dee’s so I can get this done tonight and have the weekend free to spend time with my girl.”

  “I’ll let you get back to work then, as long as you promise to at least try to meet a man.”

  “I am meeting men, but I’m not trying to date right now. The school year started this week. Give me some time to settle in.”