Page 37 of Always Heated

Travis pulls me to him, kissing the top of my head. He asks quietly enough that only I hear, “I love your family and mine, but can I have you to myself tonight? Please?”

I tilt my head and whisper beside his ear, “You figured out what Ashlyn had to pack up, didn’t you?”

A rumble comes from his chest and I stifle a laugh as I pull back. Pop asks, “Well, what sounds good for dinner?”

“Something light, maybe chicken?” I reply, needing protein; hospital food is less than desirable.

“We can order in, or?—”

“Didn’t you check the fridge, David?” Ashlyn laughs, and I honestly can’t remember the last time someone called my father by his first name. “Cay brought over chicken breasts to grill, and my parents prepared macaroni and cheese, and a spinach salad. There’s fresh fruit for the morning too.”

“Oh,” Travis’ dad chimes in, “I figured you’d want a quiet night in, and I ordered groceries to be delivered.”

Every single one of them wants to take care of me. I’m on the verge of crying when Caleb’s kids come running inside. His son, Sebastian, makes a bee line for me, wrapping his arms around my thigh. “Auntie Cass, you’re okay! Did you see the backyard? Uncle Travis is making a?—”

“Surprise for her,” Travis finishes. “She’s not allowed to see it until it’s finished.”

Seb grabs my hand and pulls me to the backyard. Travis calls after him, and nearly all of the adults try to stop him, but I wave them off. When we reach the back porch overlooking the lake, there’s a vintage, silver bullet trailer. Travis catches up with us and grumbles, “You’re not allowed to see inside until it’s done.”

“What do you mean?” I frown at him. “What’s inside?”

“A surprise,” Seb answers.

The crisp lake air feels amazing in my lungs, and I take a deep breath before telling him, “Well, kiddo, if your uncle says I’m not supposed to see it, then let it be a surprise.”

“But it’s going to be?—”

Cay clamps his hand over Seb’s mouth, making my nephew giggle. “That’s enough. If Cass wants chicken, I’ll fire up the grill.”

As Caleb cooks dinner outside, Ashlyn and Pop are laughing about something in the kitchen, while Seb and Darcy play with Travis’ dad. The only one missing is Ingrid.

Travis hasn’t let me out of his sight since the hospital. He’s always been so fun, playful, carefree. I hate that he’s so worried. Sitting on the couch with his arm around me, he asks, “Do you want to take a quick shower?”

“You just want an excuse to get me naked, don’t you?“ I wiggle my eyebrows at him.

Travis glances around to make sure nobody could be listening in. “Absolutely, but I’ll only join you if you want me to.”

“Hey Pop!” I shout toward the kitchen. It hurts my chest, and I lower my voice. “I’m going to take a quick shower. How much longer until dinner is ready?”

Pop opens the sliding glass door to ask Caleb. When he returns, he replies, “About ten minutes.“

Travis and I make our way to the bedroom, and the moment the door shuts, his gaze becomes molten. It’s been a while since we’ve slept together, but I’m certainly not going to let him try anything while our family is here. He prowls toward me, not stopping until his hands are cupping my cheeks, bringing me in for a searing kiss. I can’t help melting into him, wanting nothing more than for him to touch me—it isn’t the time or place, and my doctor has warned me about physical activity.

Travis slowly peels off his shirt, revealing his perfectly sculpted chest. I can’t help tracing every peak and valley in his muscle definition. He tosses his shirt to the ground, then slowly undresses me until I’m left bare for him. “Fuck, Cass, I love you so much. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…”

“Shh.” I press the finger to his lips. “I’m right here, I’m not broken. I’m going to be okay.Weare okay.” His hands slide up my body until he’s cupping my breasts, swiping his thumbs over my peaked nipples.

“That fucking book you love so much? He has no idea what it means to burn for her. There’s fucking lava in my veins, Cass. The love I have for you courses through me. You’re mine to protect, but I can’t protect you from accidents like today.” Hestifles a sob. “I’m a fucking firefighter, and I couldn’t protect you.”

I slip my hands around his neck and pull my body flush with him. His rough jeans press against me, and no matter how much I try to hide my discomfort, he knows me.

Travis pulls back an inch, our lips still millimeters apart. My breath is labored, adding fuel to his fire. “Are you okay? I’m sorry! If I hurt you, I?—”

“I’m fine, Travis,” I reply softly. “What do you need?”

“What do I need? Fuck, Cass, you were in a fire. My needs are?—”

“What do you need?” I interrupt again, careful to keep my voice quiet and not strain my lungs.

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