Page 81 of Annika's Aurora

“But …”

“No buts. I would never ask you to give up the job you love.”

“But the danger, Annika,” he still insisted.

“If anybody should understand the unpredictability of life, it should be us. You never know what might happen. It’s dangerous to cross a street, but that doesn’t stop us if we need to get to the other side. Is it dangerous to rescue people who need help? I imagine sometimes it can be, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the call. You are a born hero. It’s part of who you are. It’s part of what I love about you. Please don’t give up that part of your life. And don’t ask me to ask you to do it because I never will.”

Logan lightly ran his fingers down her cheek. “You are too good for me, Sunfire.”

She smiled that wonderful smile that filled his heart with joy. “No, Logan, I am just right for you.”

Marcus

Breathing a sigh of relief, Marcus parked his rental in the Nighthawks’ lot. He was finally away from LA and all the ridiculousness of his celebrity life. Opening his car door, he took a deep breath of pure Michigan air, happy to be back and ready to work hard.

Looking around, he noticed the lot was nearly empty. Only one car remained besides his own. He knew the Nighthawks probably wouldn’t be here since it was New Year’s Eve, but he’d hoped to run into some of them.

Hearing the squeak of a door open, he looked up to see a tall woman step out of the building in front of him. He remembered seeing her that night at Jolene’s when he’d made the deal with Graham to make a movie about the Nighthawks. He remembered she took his breath away. She hadn’t noticed him yet, so he took advantage of her distraction to study her.

She was taller than the average woman but would be a perfect complement to his six-foot-four stature. Her brown hair was cut short and accented her sharp cheekbones. Black leggings covered her long legs, and a forest green sweater hugged her curves. She shivered and he smiled. It was cold out, but she wasn’t wearing a coat; no wonder she was shivering.

She finally noticed him and stopped in the center of a halo of light from a lamppost. Startled, she looked up at him, and he felt lost in her deep brown eyes. She still took his breath away.

“Umm … hi, Mr. Rayne,” she said in a smooth voice that settled over him like a warm blanket. “Were we expecting you?”

“It’s Marcus, please,” he replied. “And I was in the area and was hoping to catch up with Graham and the others.”

“Oh, well, everyone is at a New Year’s party at Logan and Annika’s place. I was just headed there myself if you’d like to join me.”

He was surprised at the offer but pleased she’d included him. He smiled his best movie star smile, which for some reason, made her narrow her eyes. He nearly laughed out loud.Figuresshewouldn’tfall formyLAcharm.“If you’re sure they won’t mind.”

“Not at all. Besides, I’m sure Graham will bethrilledto see you,” she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Marcus knew how much Graham hated the attention that his rescue had brought him and his Nighthawks, and his team took great joy in teasing their boss about it every chance they got.

“Well then, let’s not keep him waiting.” He stepped towards her car, opening the door for her when she unlocked it. “I’ll follow behind you if that’s all right.”

She ducked her head as she passed him and sat in her seat, swinging her long legs into the car.

He bent down to meet her eyes, one arm on the roof, the other still on the door. “I met a lot of you that night a few months ago. You’ll have to forgive me for not remembering your name.”

She blushed, a fascinating rosy glow coloring her sharp cheekbones. “I’m sorry, it’s Emma.”

He smiled and watched as her blush darkened. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emma.” Then he stepped back and shut her door.

Emma. Her name wrapped itself around his heart. When she smiled through the windshield at him, he felt that organ clench tightly in his chest. He had been anticipating the enjoyment of working with the Nighthawks and learning their skills, but now, he had more to look forward to.

New Year’s Eve had arrived, and since Logan was still recuperating, they’d decided to have everybody out to the lake house instead of going to Jolene’s. And Jolene being who she is, decided she would bring all the food from her restaurant, claiming they could do without her for one night. Annika listened to her hum to herself as she flitted about the kitchen, preparing everything as she and the other women waited nearby to do her bidding when needed.

“Where is Emma with the rest of the food? I thought she’d be here by now,” Jolene lamented. “I need those other ingredients.”

There was a knock on the door just then, and Annika moved to answer it. “That must be Emma now.”

Annika pulled the door open to find that indeed Emma had arrived, arms laden with supplies. “Emma! Good. Jolene’s been frantic,” she winked. “Come in. Here let me take …” It was then Annika noticed Emma wasn’t alone. Marcus Rayne stood behind her, his arms equally loaded with boxes.

“Sorry about this, Annika,” Emma said.

“No, It’s okay. Come in. Both of you.” She stood back to let them enter then took a box from Emma. “You can put that stuff over there.” Annika indicated the island in the kitchen.

“Emma! It’s about time,” Jolene began, then she saw Marcus. “Holy shit!”

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