Page 5 of Rescue My Heart

Mazey nodded, her breath hitching slightly as she met McKenna’s gaze. “I trust you,” she said, her tone sincere. That simple phrase hung in the air between them, heavy with significance, and McKenna felt her heart swell.

With the last clip secured, McKenna’s focus sharpened again, but she couldn’t shake the warmth radiating from their brief encounter. She felt an undeniable pull, as if the universe had conspired to bring them together in this chaotic moment. And as she prepared to lift Mazey back to safety, she couldn’t help but wonder if this encounter would mark the beginning of something more than just a rescue. It felt like the start of a connection that would linger long after the adrenaline faded.

With a surge of determination, McKenna took a deep breath, anchoring herself in the moment, ready to pull them both back to solid ground.

Mazey laughed softly, but it quickly turned into a wince as she adjusted her grip. “You know, if I survive this, I might just consider a career as a firefighter myself.”

“Hey, why not? You’ve got the strength and bravery,” McKenna shot back, finally securing the last clips. “Alright, let’s do this. On the count of three, we’re going to make our way back up. Ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Mazey replied, her voice steady despite the situation, a flicker of trust in her gaze.

McKenna radioed up to Kaia Montgomery at the top of the cliff.

“Good to go,” she said.

“Roger,” came back Kaia’s singsong voice.

“Just climb behind me. The team will take your weight so it should be easy,” McKenna said to Mazey. Mazey’s blue eyes were wide and clear and looked at her with absolute trust.

With a heave and a tug, McKenna began the ascent, careful to keep her footing as they began the climb back up. The team above was ready, bracing for Mazey’s return. As they neared the top, the cheers of her crew rang out, echoing through the canyon. McKenna felt a surge of pride as she pulled Mazey Snow the movie star safely over the edge.

“Welcome back to solid ground, Mazey,” McKenna said, panting but exhilarated.

Mazey flashed a grateful smile, breathing heavily. “Thanks for saving my life. I owe you one.”

She looked at Mazey, now safely back on solid ground after her perilous hang on the cliff, and couldn't help but marvel at how Mazey managed to maintain her composure. Despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, the actress appearedflawless. Mazey's shiny dark hair, tousled yet perfectly styled, framed her face in a way that seemed almost effortless, and her makeup remained untouched, enhancing her striking features even in the aftermath of chaos. It was a surreal contrast, this glamorous Hollywood star who had just escaped danger exuding an air of poise that was almost otherworldly.

But it wasn’t just Mazey's appearance that caught McKenna’s attention; it was the undeniable spark that ignited within her. There was something electric in the air between them, a palpable tension that sent shivers down McKenna’s spine. It was more than just the adrenaline of the rescue; it was a connection she couldn’t quite articulate. As their eyes locked, she felt an inexplicable pull toward Mazey, a mix of admiration and attraction that both thrilled and unsettled her. What was this feeling? Could it be that Mazey felt it too?

McKenna’s mind raced with questions. She knew Mazey’s public persona well. She was known for dating high-profile men in Hollywood, her romantic life often splashed across tabloids. The actress was portrayed as the quintessential straight starlet, the kind of woman who graced magazine covers and red carpets, always linked with handsome actors. But as McKenna gazed into those expressive eyes, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that there was more to Mazey than what the media portrayed.

Was it possible that Mazey could be anything other than straight? The thought sent a rush of warmth through McKenna. It felt audacious to even entertain the idea, yet the way Mazey looked at her, so intently, as if she were more than just a rescuer, suggested there was a depth to her that defied the labels typically assigned in Hollywood.

“You don’t owe me anything. I was just doing my job,” McKenna said, trying to maintain her professional demeanor even as her heart raced.

Mazey tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. “Do you save actresses hanging off cliffs often??”

“This is my first time,” McKenna admitted with a chuckle, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.

Mazey grinned, her smile infectious. “This is my first time being rescued by a hot firefighter, so today is a day of firsts for both of us. How fun!”

McKenna couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. “Yeah, that’s right. I hope I’ll run into you again while you’re here. But, you know, maybe in less dangerous circumstances.”

“Oh, it depends. I might just make cliff climbing my new hobby,” Mazey replied, feigning seriousness as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.

“Well, if you get stuck, I’ll come and rescue you again,” McKenna shot back, a teasing lilt in her voice. “But next time, I’ll bring snacks.”

Mazey raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Snacks? Now you’re speaking my language! What’s your go-to snack for cliff rescues?”

“Definitely something high-energy. Gotta keep my strength up, you know? Maybe some protein bars, trail mix, or…just a giant bag of chips,” McKenna said, her voice light. “What about you? What’s your rescuee snack of choice?”

“Oh, I’m all about the chocolate,” Mazey confessed, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. “Nothing like a little sugar rush after dangling off a cliff. Do you think chocolate’s a valid cliff-climbing fuel?”

“Absolutely! If it helps you get through a rescue, I’d say it’s essential,” McKenna replied, feeling the warmth of their banter draw her closer to Mazey.

“You might be onto something,” Mazey mused, her eyes sparkling. “If I have to hang off a cliff again, I’ll make sure to pack a stash of chocolate.”

“Just promise me one thing,” McKenna said, her tone turning mock-serious. “If you do, I want to be your official cliff-rescue partner. I’ll bring the snacks; you bring the charm.”

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