Page 7 of Longing for the Ranger

Sighing, not really wanting to do this, but feel the need to prove to us all that I can if I really wanted to. Besides, I really shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn. “Okay.”

Walking over to Shawn, he shows me how to bait the hook. Then, just like he did with the kids, he hands me the pole, showing me where to place my hands.

It’s all I can do to focus on his instructions as his arms wrap around me, showing me what to do. My belly quivers as his hard body brushes up against mine. His woodsy, masculine scent fills my nose, causing my eyes to flutter.

His left hand comes to my hip as we cast the line into the water together, but when it lands successfully, he doesn’t step back. Instead stands right where he is, body so close to mine I can feel the heat of it through the fabric of our clothes. The warmth radiating from his hand still on my hip is enough to burn me.

A squeal from Luke breaks the tenuous moment. Shawn steps away to help him with the fish he's caught. I feel the loss of his innocent embrace much more profoundly than is rational.

Shoving the unexpected feelings aside, I join the boys to cheer for Luke’s catch and take photos of him with it. Focusing back on what is important, the boys and not my long dormant libido suddenly making its self known.

Chapter Six

Shawn

The crack of pool balls smacking together fills the air, along with the country music playing softly in the background. The bitter icy liquid of my beer hits the spot as I take a long swallow. It’s just what I need after the hell of a week I’ve had. I’m beyond relieved it’s finally over.

Rylan groans as he sits next to me. “You know I usually love my job and consider myself a lucky son of a bitch to get paid for being outside, but the shit from this week is almost enough to have me reconsidering my life choices.”

I grunt in agreement. “Dealing with literal shit sure puts a damper on things.”

We had a major backup in the restrooms at the Spruce Run Campground after some asshole kids clogged all the toilets with tp. If that wasn’t enough, they also decided we need to redecorate and graffitied the whole place. Of course, it was mostly profanity, so we quickly had to clean it up as well.

Linc, the owner of the Coyote Creek Bar and Grill, stops in front of Rylan on the other side of the bar from us. “Same for you?”

Rylan nods his head. “Yep and keep ‘em coming.”

Linc chuckles, smirking, “Shawn mentioned your shitty week.”

My phone dings with a text notification. The conversation fades into the background while they continue to trade war stories as I open the text.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night as a thank you for helping with the boys? I’ve been told I make a pretty great lasagna. You can bring Missy so she can play with the boys and doesn’t have to be home alone.

There’s no containing the grin overtaking my face as I read it. My heart races with anticipation as my fingers fly over the keys to answer.

There’s no way I can turn down a homecooked meal. Sounds amazing. Can I bring anything?

Just yourself and Missy. Have a favorite beer?

I enjoy Rocky Mountain Ale, but you don’t have to get it just for me. I appreciate the thought, though.

It’s the least I can do for what you have done for us. The boys haven’t stopped talking about the fish they caught. You have no idea how much what you did for us meant to them.

I told you I was happy to. I had a great time with you all, as well.

Well, I’m glad we weren’t too much torture for you. Dinner will be ready at 6:30.

Already looking forward to it.

We are too. See you then.

Laughter draws my attention as I set my phone down.

“Man, she must be something to have you texting like a thirteen-year-old girl.” Dominic Martin says from the other side of Rylan.

Milo Wilson, sitting next to him, chuckles, “Yeah, I know that grin. Someone’s going to get lucky.”

The two are hotshot firefighters who we work with when we get forest fires.

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