Fighting the Flames (Firefighter Romance #1)(16)

Bill smiled. “Good, good. I’ll transfer your security deposit over to him, if you’d like. One less thing you have to worry about. Come by the house tomorrow and I’ll give you his number and directions.”

“Thanks.” As far as landlords went, Bill was a good one, and she’d miss renting from him. Jessie sighed. “Oh, hey, excuse me.” She motioned for the passing fireman. “Do you know who pulled me out of the house?”

“That man over there.” He pointed to a very tall fireman standing near her mailbox, talking with a police officer.

Jessie shrugged off the blanket wrapped around her shoulders, hopped out of the ambulance, and made her way toward him. “Excuse me, sir?” The fireman turned to look at her and she nearly fainted from the shock. Those piercing green eyes, strong jaw that softened only when he smiled, and the fullest lips she’d ever seen on a man—there was no way she’d ever forget him. Ryan James. She hadn’t seen him in over three years, but she was positive it was him.

“Can I help you with something? How are you feeling?” he asked.

The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine and erupted into a flood of memories—hot summer nights spent skinny dipping, making love beneath the stars, sharing their passion, their bodies melding together so perfectly…

“Ma’am, are you okay?”

Jessie blinked several times, trying to compose herself. “Yeah.” The way he spoke... didn’t he remember her? “I, uh, I was told you’re the one who pulled me out of the house.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Well, I just wanted to say thanks. Thank you for saving me.” She went to tuck her hands into her pockets when she realized she was dressed in a flimsy silk nightgown and nothing else. Her face flushed with warmth. Oh my god, how mortifying! Worse, the sight of him, the sound of his voice, had caused her nipples to harden and her panties dampen. She crossed her arms over her chest in a feeble attempt to cover herself.

Ryan nodded. “You’re very welcome.” He emphasized the word ‘very’ and for a moment Jessie wondered if he did remember her, especially considering the way his gaze raked over her body.

She smiled and walked away. Well, that was awkward, she thought as she retrieved the blanket from the ambulance and wrapped it around her. What were the chances? Of all the people in the world she could’ve run into, it had to be him. God, he looked so much better than she remembered. It broke her heart to think he didn’t remember her. After the summer they’d spent together, how could he have forgotten? Of course, it’s not like she could really blame him. She’d broken his heart. I’d want to forget me too, she thought.

It’s for the best, she told herself. By now, he probably had a gorgeous wife, a couple of beautiful children, and a perfect house. Did she really want to go down memory lane? Dredge up those emotions and unanswered questions? The guilt. She was still trying to figure out who she was—she didn’t need to complicate it further by waxing nostalgic about their summer romance or continue to second guess, or more accurately, beat herself up for the decision she had made.

She sighed and pulled the blanket tighter around her. All she wanted to do was get out of here and curl up in a nice warm bed. Her cell phone had been in the house, which meant she didn’t have a way to call her sister. Well, that was just perfect. She looked around to see if she could find her landlord anywhere. Surely he’d have a cell phone she could use. He was nowhere to be found. Jessie didn’t want to have to ask Miss Philips. That woman loved to talk, bless her nosey little heart, and Jessie didn’t want to get stuck in an elongated conversation with her.

“Looking for someone?” Ryan’s voice interrupted her thoughts.


His mere presence had her heart racing and her body heating up to an unmanageable level. She looked at him. He was leaning against the corner of the ambulance, arms crossed over his chest, and a smile she’d dreamed about more than she cared to admit. “I was looking for my landlord so I can borrow his phone.” Ryan remained silent. “I have to call my sister and my cell phone was in the house.”

Without a word he reached into his suit and pulled out his cell. He handed it to her, but when she took it, he tightened his grip. Their gazes locked, and in that instant, she knew. “You do remember,” she whispered. Everything they’d ever felt for each other re-ignited, blazing hotter than the fire that had just consumed her house.

He leaned closer to her. “You’re as beautiful as ever, Jess.”

She inhaled sharply. He was the only one to ever call her Jess. “So are you,” she breathed, her voice barely over a whisper. Good grief, could she have said anything dumber? Ryan smiled and her heart melted. He still had that effect on her, which wasn’t a good thing.

“Hey! Ryan!” someone shouted from across the yard.

Ryan straightened. “Call whoever you need to. I’ll be right back.”

Jessie blew out the breath she’d been holding. Holy hell! That man was dangerous to her good sense. Her hand shook as she dialed her sister’s number. She had to get out of here fast, before she fell back into the bad habits she only seemed to have when Ryan was around.





Chapter 11


Ryan woke with a start. He glanced at the bedside clock and muttered a curse. Who the hell was banging on his door on his day off? Normally it wouldn’t bother him as he was a morning person, but he hadn’t slept a wink the past several nights. His mind had wandered with thoughts of Jess. He must’ve relived every single memory he had of that summer three years ago, including the not-so-pleasant ones. Ryan got out of bed, pulled on a pair of jeans, and rubbed his eyes as he made his way to the door. “Jim?”