Ollie looks over at me. “This is the owner, Samantha Lane. She just got here.”
The Fire Authority shifts his gaze. Our eyes meet, and the world seems to pause for instant attraction to wreak havoc on me.
Suddenly, I’m warm and weak. It’s glorious and completely unexpected. I didn’t think it was possible to feel this kind of undeniable, and undeniably sexy, connection ever again.
But here I am with a perfect stranger, and I can practically feel his hard body against mine.
It’s shocking, childish, and refreshingly liberating. It’s also completely incongruous with the situation at hand.
“I’m Brady Wilkinson from the Fire Authority. I’ve been working on the fire since we got the call. I’m afraid there’s been damage.”
“How bad?” Judging by the grave expression on Brady’s face, I've already got my answer.
“We believe the B&B is unsalvageable. We’re going to have to tear it down. The fire started on the basement level. Under other circumstances, at other times of the year, the building could be left to stand. But September is wildfire season.”
“I grew up in Whispering Pines. I know about wildfire season.” I sound snappish, but I wasn’t taking an unreasonable risk in buying the property. Wildfire season has never gotten completely out of hand in my lifetime.
“Good to know you understand what we’re up against. Is there anything we should know about the building or the property? Anything sentimental you want us to look out for?”
I shake my head. “Nothing. I bought the B&B only six months ago. I was renovating it to be a digital detox retreat.”
“That’s what I heard.”
I can’t tell if there’s judgment in his voice. Some people think I’ve lost my marbles in deciding to build the retreat. But I’m too passionate about the idea to back off.
I truly believe the world needs fewer screens and devices and more nature and human connection. After the divorce, that’s what I needed, but I couldn’t make it work in Los Angeles.
I'm not sure I can make it work in the forests outside Whispering Pines. But at least I can afford to try.
Can I at this point?
Ollie gives me a half-hug, which is sweet and thoughtful. The urge to cry catches in my throat.
“So, just to confirm, there was no one in there?” Brady asks.
I shake my head. “No one.”
“Alright, then. Do you have any questions or concerns?”
“When will I get to see what’s left?”
“We’ll keep you notified about safety issues regarding the property and give you guidelines for land care after we’ve removed the debris. In the meantime, you’ll want to start up a conversation with your insurer. They’ll probably want one of their guys out here as soon as possible. Our inspector is gathering all the information he can, taking pictures and measurements so we can figure out the cause and spread.”
Brady turns to Ollie. “I’m headed back in. If you hear anything we should know, get in touch.”
We watch Brady, the too-handsome fireman, get back into the wildland fire vehicle.
“I’m sorry about all this,” Ollie says as the vehicle careens down Bearclaw Pass toward the lake.
“At least no one was hurt. Keep me posted on what’s happening. I’ll go back home and start talking to the insurance company.”
“Sure thing, Sammy.”
I take Bearclaw Pass in a state of shock. I haven’t felt this numb since the divorce. I never thought it was possible to feel this horrible again. But here I am. Only this time, I’ve exhausted my abilities to start over. I’ve invested all my savings in the retreat. I’m stuck in Whispering Pines.
This is where I want to be. This is the best place for Lara and I.
Is it?
