Page 22 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Sounds good,” I agreed, though my chest felt tight.

We dragged ourselves to a state of readiness the next morning and headed out, sharing a few protein bars and some juice in silence.

“Want another bar?” he asked, holding out the last one.

I smiled. “Thanks.”

Smack nodded, then turned a little, wincing. He pressed a hand to his calf and massaged it.

“Problem?”

“Just happens when I get only a little sleep.”

“Want some water? It can ease a muscle cramp.”

“I’m good,” he grumbled.

I pursed my lips but didn’t argue, and we started out for the day.

We navigated the GPS on my phone while Smack conferred with the other team about meeting up in an hour.

The pine trees’ fresh scent mixed with the smell of smoke. Neither of us attempted any small talk as the sunrise started.

“Want to separate?” Smack asked.

“Um, yeah, sure.”

I didn’t, really. But it would sound needy and over-the-top to ask Smack to stay with me. We were here to do a job. Why I was feeling raw shouldn’t matter.

Smack took a sharp inhale through his mask. “Be careful. Keep your radio on and keep in touch.”

He took a step toward some charred trees, and I went the other way.

Up ahead of me, I found a barn. No animals. The structure had old wood. It would burn fast if the flames got to it. I wrinkled my nose at the smell. I stepped out of the barn and lookedtoward the woods. Behind me, where Smack had gone, I got an eerie feeling. I turned and saw the flames. They hadn’t been near us moments ago.

“Captain?” I radioed him. “Everything okay on your end?”

There was a flash in the sky. Lightning? Rain would be good, but this looked like heat lightning.

I radioed him and began to jog toward his path. “Fuck, answer me.”

I heard his message at the same time I spotted a small house, the roof half caved in.

“I’m in the house—twisted an ankle. Lots of smoke. Donotcome after me. Call for backup.”

“I see it,” I shouted. I gripped the radio in a tight fist. “I’ll come to you.”

“No.”

Everything changed with the message. I knew his danger must be bad, that he wasn’t safe. Captain Smack wouldn’t say no in that tone otherwise.

“I’m coming,” I repeated.

“Don’t,” he croaked. “That’s—an—order.”

“Wait for backup,” I said.

“Yeah…” His voice faded.

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