Chapter 4
FOUR
ASPEN
The little firebomb sitting beside me seems to have cooled down.
She's feisty and I like that in my women, but the bratty part is a bit undesirable.
I understand I should have found another way to get into her house, but it was a true emergency.
I had to break down that door. She looked in genuine distress.
From what I've gathered so far, there's some trauma in her life, and she's still dealing with it. Having a big emergency like a fire that will probably take your home from you has worsened that trauma. But damn, she can scream with the best of them.
Even though we started off on the wrong foot, I think I'd like to know more about her. I know, I'm probably crazy for wanting to date a banshee, but I guess I like women that are a challenge. She seems to have calmed down some while I drive to the houses we're supposed to visit.
I clear my throat, intending to start a conversation, but she beats me to it.
"Do you like being a firefighter?"
"It's been part of my family for generations. I didn't start out wanting to be a firefighter, though. I enlisted in the military first and spent some years traveling the world."
"Why did you change your mind?"
"I missed home. Yes, I saw the world and had some adventures. Some scarier than others, but my home and family were calling to me."
"Does your family live here in Black Timber Peak?"
"My grandparents do. When I told them about my work in the fire department and how wonderful it was living with such a close-knit community, they followed me here. The rest of my family lives in another mountain town called Hunter's Peak in Colorado."
"Oh wow."
"What about you? Where was home before coming to the Black Timber Peak Mountains?"
She goes silent and a shuttered look crosses her features. Shit, I touched a nerve without meaning to. In my defense, this woman seems all nerves since I met her.
"I don't have a happy family story to tell."
"I'm sorry, Mel. We've only just met, but I was hoping to get to know you better."
I don't know why those words come out from my mouth, but they do. Do I want to find out more about this woman that has caused me nothing but trouble? My eyes roam over her curvy figure and that fiery red hair that matches her temper. Maybe I do want to know her better.
"My previous life was a nightmare. My husband, ex-husband now, was abusive and I literally had to run away from home to start a new life after I finally got him to sign the divorce papers. I changed my name and everything."
"Your name is not Melissa?"
"It is. I just changed my last name, because my first name reminds me of my mother who had the same name."
"How long were you married?"
"The longest five years in the existence of mankind."
Her lips curve a little as if giving a small smile, but it's quickly replaced again by a thin-lipped mouth that shows me how bitter she is about her past relationship.
"I'm glad you got out."
"This town, this mountain, means more to me than you can imagine. For the first time I've been able to be myself and be free. I don't want to lose all the things that I've worked so hard for."
"I understand."
The truth is, part of me understands, but I could never know what it's like to be abused by the person that's supposed to love you above all others. I'm suddenly outraged on Melissa's behalf and vow to help her keep living that life of freedom she has worked so hard for.
We finally get to the first house on our list. It's a large cabin and it's supposed to house a couple with three children. As soon as we get out of the car there are little faces glued to the window waving to us.
I knock on the door and a thirty something woman opens the door. I tell her we're from the fire department and that we want to make sure they are organized and ready to leave if it comes to it because of the fires coming down the mountain.
She invites us inside and offers refreshments.
We go through the same routine at every single house we stop at during the afternoon.
I can't help but notice that Mel is enchanted by children.
At every stop she pays attention to them and helps them be at ease, telling them about evacuation procedures –-a talk we had while driving toward the houses-– in a simple, no-nonsense way to get the children on board.
When we are finished and on our way to Ms. Vivian's house I decide to ask her about her job at the school.
"What do you teach?"
She seems surprised at the question and sort of shrugs awkwardly.
"I teach Spanish. Arts and crafts when there's no one to teach it. But it's mostly eight- to ten-year-olds."
"You have the magic touch with children. I saw it today as we visited all the homes. You were amazing."
Her cheeks turn pink and she lowers her eyes as if embarrassed.
"I might get a group of teenagers next year. I just have to finish my master's online."
"You really have built up a new life for yourself, Mel. I admire that."
I love how my words make her blush and I start to think of naughty things I could tell her to make her cheeks even brighter. We might have started off in a bad place, but my interest for this curvy redhead is growing with each passing minute.
When we get to Ms. Teagarden's house I park in the driveway but don't get out of the car. I don't want my time with Mel to end.
"Take a walk with me?"
She gives me a surprised look but nods her assent almost immediately. We get out of the car and move to the sidewalk. The first minute is silent as I let my thoughts simmer. I'm not exactly sure what I want to say, just that I want to spend this quiet time with Mel at my side.
"When I joined the military, it was an act of rebellion. I'd been the good son all my life, doing what was expected, but I doubted that I could become a firefighter. It takes a lot of discipline. That's what drew me to the military."
"Was it hard?"
"Bootcamp is hard, but I like to think it shaped me as a man. The work, though, was challenging at best, gruesome at worst."
"Did you know you wanted to be a firefighter when you came back?"
"I knew I had to do something and a friend from the military was from this town, so we came together. He's turned into a grumpy mountain man now."
"You're one of the famous Hot Shots?"
"I'm trying, but I guess the discipline part didn't stick. I'm still struggling with that. The point I'm trying to make is that change is inevitable, but you grow stronger from it."
I stop walking and turn to her. I put my hands on her shoulders as if to steady her, but I'm just taking advantage of the situation so that I can make a connection between us.
"I know today was hard for you, Mel. I don't particularly like how you handled it, but you handled it and then were brave enough to volunteer to help others. I've watched your interactions this afternoon and I'm in awe of your kindness and willingness to help others."
"Wait, are you calling me a brat?"
Her tone is shrill and I'm afraid I might have said something to set her off.
"I…no, I don't think that's what I said."
A smile covers her face and I sigh a breath of relief.
"I was just kidding with you. Thank you for saying all those things. I was thinking earlier that I might have to go back to therapy. I know I can do better."
We start the walk back to Ms. Teagarden's house and I reach for Mel's hand. She doesn't pull away, making me glad I had this opportunity during the afternoon to get to know her better. When we get to Ms. Teagarden's front steps, I lean down to kiss Mel.
Her eyes seem to welcome my attention and just as our lips are about to touch someone screams Mel's name.
"Melissa Stone, welcome to my home!"
We're both flustered and I take the moment to go get Mel's things from the truck. Vivian embraces Mel like she's known her all of her life and she ushers us into her house. We're corralled into the living room and made to sit.
"I have some tea brewing and some cake that I made this morning."
"Thank you, Ms. Teagarden, you don't have to go to all that trouble. I'm just dropping off Mel here."
"Mel, is it? Hmm. You're Aspen Brooks, right?"
"Yes, ma'am. At your service."
"They call you the golden boy."
I blush at her mention of the nickname my colleagues gave me when I first started at the Black Timber Peak Fire Department. I could do no wrong back then, until I fell in disgrace. I have the scars on my back and part of my face as a reminder of what can happen when you don't follow the rules.
"I'm just a rookie firefighter now."
"They demoted you."
At her words, Melissa's brows go up in surprise. I guess the cat is out of the bag. I'm no longer that shining beacon of excellence I once was. I saved lives, though, and that's all that matters.
"Ms. Teagarden…"
"Call me Vivian."
"Vivian, thanks for your hospitality. I'll leave Mel here with you."
I start to get up but Vivian's gaze on me is like a vise that won't let me leave.
"I'm not done with you yet, young man."
"Ma'am?"
"What are your intentions with my guest here?"
"Um…"
"I saw you two out there, holding hands and almost kissing."
"Mel has had a difficult day, ma'am. I just wanted to make sure she would be alright after I dropped her off here."
My words make Mel frown, and I hope she's not misunderstanding them.
"It seemed like it was more than that. Are you interested in her romantically?"
"Um…"
"I see. Let me get the refreshments."
Her words are like an edict, and I sit tight on my spot at the couch. Mel still looks a bit distressed and I search for words to make her feel better.
"The Teagarden sisters are wonderful members of our community, but they do tend to be very outspoken. Are you okay?"
"I will be, Aspen."
My name on her lips sounds like heaven and I can't keep myself from imagining her moaning it as I slide deep inside her.
I realize I've let my mind get away with my desire for Mel and try to calm myself down.
When Vivian comes back with the most delicious cake I've ever tasted, she starts grilling Melissa this time.
Mel is a champ though and answers her questions without hesitation. At the end they're both smiling and I'm sure they'll become fast friends before long. When I get up to leave, Vivian gives me a plastic container with more cake in it.
"Oh my god, this is incredible, Vivian. Thank you so much. I've never tasted anything as good as this."
"I expect you to visit often."
"What?"
"To visit Melissa, of course."
"Right."
She pulls me down and gives me a kiss on the cheek and a hug and whispers something in my ear. I'm left not knowing whether I'm coming or going, this lady is so full of mischief.
Melissa walks me to the door and goes outside with me.
"Do I get to give you a kiss as well?"
"Only if you want to."
She places her hand on my face. It's been a long day and the gentle gesture makes me melt right at her feet.
As she comes closer I wonder if we're going to have that first kiss, but she kisses my other cheek instead.
A gentle, warm touch of her delicious mouth, and then it's over and I'm left wanting more.