His Passion (Snowflake Falls Fire Department #4)

1. Marigold

Chapter One

MARIGOLD

Ring. Ring. Ring.

My eyes are gritty, my back sticking to the leather sofa as I fumble for the phone. The fan whirling above is pushing hot air around the room. It’s making that squeaking noise again. My phone’s out of reach and I stretch to pick it up. For one stupid second, I forget about the boot on my right foot and shift my weight, raising the handset to my ear. A sharp pang runs from my toe up through my ankle.

“ Fudge nuggets !”

My sister laughs. “What did you say?”

“Fudge nuggets. I’m trying to stop cursing before I have to go back to the museum. The manager takes a dim view of anything he thinks is unladylike.”

“Gotcha. How are you doing?”

“Same old. I was having a nap. Are you at the hospital?” I heave myself up to a sitting position. Moose, my sister’s enormous foster dog, raises one of his elephant-sized ears but stays splayed out on the stone floor.

“Yeah. Mom’s okay. Elias is looking after Dad. The doctor is due to visit in an hour or so. I hate leaving you.”

“I’ll be fine, Poppy. I have Moose to take care of me.” The dog opens an eye at the sound of his name, then closes it again.

“Moose is part of the problem. He’d be a handful even without a broken ankle.”

“He’s just lying around, looking morose. Like me.”

“Well, I have a solution for you both.” Poppy’s voice is business-like. She’s a natural caretaker, so I’m not surprised she’s taking things in hand even though she’s now a hundred miles away. She may be five years younger than me, but sometimes she acts like she’s my parent.

“I’m not sure I need solutions. Unless you can wave a magic wand and fix my foot?”

“Not long to go now, Mari. Once that ankle brace is on, you’ll be way more mobile. But until I get back, someone from the Snowflake Falls home volunteer squad will be looking after you. Oh, and walking Moose.”

I sit up straighter, pushing my hair away from my face. “Poppy, it’s fine. It’s so hot that Moose doesn’t want to walk anywhere. And neither do I. I mean, I can use the crutches to get to the kitchen and…”

“No, Mari. What if something happens? Don’t be ridiculous. I love how independent you are but be practical. Anyway, it’s all organized! You’ll be getting a visit at three. The volunteer will bring Moose’s food, too. It’s heavy.”

I check the time on my phone. “That’s in twenty minutes! I look like such a mess, I crashed out on the sofa.”

Poppy giggles. “Those volunteers see people in much worse states than you. Anyway, it’ll be some sweet old lady from the church. Maybe she’ll bring you some cookies…”

I sigh. “You’re talking me round. Give my love to Mom.”

“You concentrate on healing. I’ll call you if anything happens.”

Putting the phone back on the table, I wiggle my toes in the boot, trying to ignore the itch inside. I can’t wait to get this thing off.

I grab my laptop, my headphones, and a cushion. At least working remotely has been a revelation. Not being under the eagle eye of my micromanaging boss is like a weight off my shoulders. If it weren’t for my painful ankle, this time away from the museum would be one of the most relaxed summers I’ve ever had.

I’m sketching a priceless vase from the Slate collection when a slight breeze behind me blows on the back of my neck. Moose stretches and rises to his feet. He’s staring at the open front door.

A tall figure carrying a huge pile of boxes navigates their way through the door. The stack is so high I can’t see a face, but those long, strong legs appear to be one hundred per cent male.

“Where do you want ‘em?” His voice is deep and rich. This sure isn’t an old church lady.

I run my hands through my bird's nest hair. “Over on the kitchen counter, thanks. There’s a drawer underneath where the cans go.”

The man carries the boxes through the living room. He’s tall, at least six-two, muscular and broad-shouldered. I silently curse my sister using words that would turn my boss’s hair white. I’m wearing a ragged old Snowflake Falls Grizzlies T-shirt and short shorts. And the alluring boot of course.

Sexy.

“How’re you doing today?” The hot guy’s voice is familiar.

I crane my neck, trying to get a look at his face. The boxes are already piled high on the countertop. I get the occasional glimpse of dark hair over the top of the boxes as he stacks the cans in the drawer.

“A little tired from this heat. But okay. My sister Poppy’s organized these visits, but they’re really for the dog.”

“Well, this dog’s got enough chow to keep him happy for the next month. How’d you do it?” The cans clank as he stacks them. Moose lumbers to the kitchen to watch the guy.

“Do what?”

“The ankle.”

“Oh.” I try to place his voice. He sounds Snowflake born and bred. “I fell off a ladder while helping my sister paint the porch. Meant to be here for a week, but it turned into a longer stay. I get the boot off in a few days, then go back to the city. You sound like you’re from around here?”

“I’m kinda devastated you don’t recognize my voice, Goldie .”

I freeze in place. “ Wait a second . There’s only one guy who used to call me that and he sure as shizzle wouldn’t be volunteering…”

“What makes you say that?” His tone is amused.

“Stop lurking behind those boxes and come out here where I can see you!” My heart is thumping in my chest.

“Nearly done…hold your horses.”

I take a deep breath as he closes the drawer and walks around from behind the boxes. Moose wags his tail.

“Dean Frickin’ Montag. No way.”

“Are you starstruck, Goldie? I thought you weren’t impressed by arrogant athletes. You told me that more than once in school.”

I let my breath out. Dean towers over me on the couch with his hands on his hips, a stupidly wide beaming smile on his ridiculously handsome face. Why the fudge does he look so delighted to see me?

“I’m not impressed.” My voice doesn’t sound convincing, so I double down. “In fact, Dean , I’m so unimpressed that I want you to tell the church I need a new volunteer. ASAP.”

His wide grin falters for a second. “That won’t be possible. You’re stuck with me. And this isn’t a church thing. Unless you want it to be? I can still remember some hymns.”

“Stop teasing me, Dean. Who’s in charge?”

“The minister. He has the flu. I’m the backup.”

“But you aren’t religious. At least…you weren’t in high school.”

“Why do you say that?” Dean’s hazel eyes are curious as he crouches down so he’s on my level. He’s wearing a spicy cologne that does something to my already-addled brain.

“Because anyone with an ounce of faith wouldn’t have been such a jerk to me all the time. Or is this some kind of penance thing?” I draw myself up on the sofa, wincing as I jostle my leg again.

“I’m an EMT. I work for the fire department. You’re in safe hands. Anyway, I thought I was mainly needed for the dog. What’s this handsome boy called?”

“Moose.” I cross my arms in front of my chest.

“Here’s what I’ll do. I’m going to pour you a glass of icy cold lemonade. Then I’m taking Mr. Moose here for a walk while you get used to the fact that I’m your volunteer. It’s either me or nothing, and you can’t walk the dog, Goldie.”

I grunt.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners. It’s one of those smiles that make you want to smile too. I have to remind myself not to get taken in by his superficial charm. Despite what he says, there’s no way I can trust him. Even if he makes my heart race and my stomach flip, I have to be careful.

Dean Montag is the enemy.