Page 46 of Burning For You

Because they were blending in with other smaller towns. Busing those kids in.

“Not everyone got along,” she pointed out. “But you did with most.”

“I’m a likeable guy,” he said. “What can I say?”

“That still didn’t really answer my question.”

“And with your background you’re going to keep asking until you get the answer you want, right? Why don’t you tell me what you want?”

“Just the truth is enough.”

He scratched the side of his nose, then took a drink. “I liked you as more than a friend, but you weren’t interested. I get it. It doesn’t mean I’d just turn away. Did I hear maybe you didn’t have the best home life? Sure. When I heard about the fire, I was thrilled you were okay.”

“I busted my leg and needed surgery,” she said.

“You were alive,” he corrected.

“Yeah,” she mumbled.

“And then when there were rumors you had no family, I’d heard you were going into foster care. You could have ended up anywhere in the county. Wouldn’t it have been better to stay where you knew people?”

“It was. I guess. So that’s why you did it?”

He shrugged. “I’m not sure what you want me to say, Skye. My heart went out for you. Did I have a childhood crush and didn’t want to see you leave the area? Yeah. Did I think maybe I could be a shoulder for you? Sure. But you didn’t want any part of it. I’m just glad that Carrie and Jim could give you that.”

But she might not have had any of that if it wasn’t for the man in this room.

The one who thought enough of her to put her comfort first.

She went on instinct. She crossed the room and put her arms around his waist.

She held him tight, and she accepted his warmth. His comfort. His nearness for the moment.

But a moment was all she was going to allow herself.

“Thank you for that. I’m not sure anyone has ever cared about me before then.”

She stepped back, his finger came out and moved down the side of her cheek, brushing her hair behind her ear.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered.

13

REAL REASON

“This is really good,” Ash said twenty minutes later when they were sitting at the table.

The hug Skye had given him was done and over with before he wished, but he’d been too stunned she’d made the first move.

“Thanks. I’d been cooking a lot before I moved in with the Lancasters.”

“Do you want to talk about your life before them? Do you mind or is that off the table?”

She put another bite in her mouth and he was positive that it was answer enough.

“I don’t mind talking about it if you’ll help me with a few things.”

“So it’s a quid pro quo? Is that what it’s called? I mean, English was your jam, not mine. I’m more into raspberry.”