Page 7 of Flame Kissed

And yeah, maybe driving her home was going above and beyond, but it was still completely professional in nature.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why were you on a boat that big all by yourself?”

“Because it’s my boat,” Adaze said as she crossed her arms. “I didn’t know there was going to be such rough water or I wouldn’t have gone.”

“I wasn’t trying to lecture you,” Leilani said quickly. “It's just unusual to see someone out on something like that on their own so I was curious what made you go out.”

Adaze hesitated then sighed. What the hell, it wasn’t like she was ever going to see her again. She might as well tell her the truth.

“It’s the third anniversary of my divorce. I wanted to be alone, to think.”

“I see. Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s…” she hesitated. It wasn’t fine. In some ways it still felt like a freshly cut wound, but she didn’t want this warm, wonderful woman to feel bad. Finally, she settled on, “It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past.”

It still wasn’t quite true, but it seemed to smooth things over.

There were a few moments of silence before Leilani started to speak again. Adaze narrowly held in a sigh of relief at the sound.

“I haven’t lived in Phenix Ridge long, but the water is still my favorite place. Reminds me of home.”

“Where is home?”

“Hawaii,” she said with a wistful sigh.

“If you miss it so much why did you leave?” Adaze winced. That sounded so rude.

“Fair question. A lot of reasons. Mostly work.”

“They don’t need firefighters in Hawaii?”

Leilani let out a bright laugh, and it was easily one of the most beautiful sounds Adaze had ever heard. “They’ve got plenty. That’s the thing, I might have been the first of my siblings to go into it, but two of my cousins beat me to it. Then one of my brothers followed me. When I got an offer from another department looking for someone to help with water and coastal rescues, I thought it might do me some good to leave the nest.”

“One of your brothers. Makes it sound like you’ve got dozens.”

“Just two brothers, both younger, two older sisters, and one younger sister.”

Adaze choked, “But that would mean there were six of you!”

“Yep! Six siblings, then there were also about seven of my cousins who lived right on the same street.”

“That never felt…crowded?”

“No, I loved it, but I could see how it wouldn’t be for everyone. I always thought someday—” she cut herself off shaking her head.

“What?”

“It’s nothing. Anyways, here we are.” She pulled to a stop outside the newly constructed high rise. It’s sleek exterior already lost its luster for Adaze. “Nice place. Swanky.”

“Right.” She shook her head, reminding herself what they were doing here. She was just going to drop her off then they would go their separate ways. “Well, thanks for the ride.” She turned to go.

“Wait!”

She paused, hand on the door handle. “Yeah?”

“Could I get your number?”

Adaze’s heart hammered. She couldn’t be asking what she thought she was. Adaze wasn’t someone who gave her number out to random women. Even if they did just save her life. Even if her strong arms did look particularly sexy and enticing under that navy blue fire department shirt. “You mean in case you have any questions about the accident for me?”

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