Read Online Her Firefighter Hero by Leigh Bale - Free Book Online

Jared’s ears felt hot with embarrassment.
    A few moments later, Jared joined her at the hearth, standing instead of sitting. He couldn’t help liking this woman. The way she tried so hard to be kind. Her sense of humor, in spite of being forced into a blind date with him. But he’d promised himself he wouldn’t get sucked into a relationship for a very long time, if ever. And now, he was in trouble. Because tonight had given him a glimpse of what it could be like with a woman like Megan. And he pitied her husband for dying. For not being able to be here with her anymore.
    They didn’t speak much for the rest of the evening, which went by in a haze. Brian and Gayle won the prize. And honestly, Jared was beyond relieved. It took all the pressure off.
    Darkness covered the yard, with a gentle breeze blowing in the scent of lilacs. And when Megan walked outside with the rest of the guests to go home, her truck wouldn’t start. Knowing Jared and Tim would take care of the problem, Sean and Brian took their sweethearts home. Jared and Tim checked the engine to Megan’s truck, but it was almost impossible to see anything in the dark. Tim got a couple of flashlights out of his garage, but it didn’t help much. Megan’s frustration showed in her desolate expression.
    â€œFirst my washing machine, now my truck. I can’t believe this is happening now. The last thing I need is car trouble. I seem to be having a bit of bad breaks lately,” she said with a wan smile.
    â€œWhy don’t I plan to open the restaurant tomorrow for you?” Connie offered. “Then you won’t have to worry about it. I don’t want you and the kids walking over there alone so early in the morning.”
    Standing in the graveled driveway, Megan gave the woman a squeeze of gratitude. “I’d sure appreciate that. Thank you. I’ll make it up to you with some time off later in the week. I promise.”
    â€œIt’s no problem,” Connie reassured her.
    â€œJared, since you’re headed that way, would you mind giving Megan a ride home?” Tim asked.
    Hmm. If Jared didn’t know better, he might think that Connie and Tim had planned this situation on purpose. His common sense told him that wasn’t the case, but after the evening of surprises they’d had, he wouldn’t put it past Tim to pull a spark plug or two in order to stop the engine from working.
    â€œSure, I’d be happy to,” Jared said.
    He spoke the words with misgivings. As he looked at Megan’s rusty old truck, he figured it had seen much better days. He wanted to get her home safely, but then what? She needed wheels to get around town with her kids. And to drive up onto the mountain to cater meals to the firefighters. The last thing he wanted was for her to be stranded midway on the mountain while the fire crews went hungry. He didn’t want to worry about her, but she was one of his contractors now. She needed a reliable vehicle that would get her from point A to point B without any trouble.
    So, what could he do about it?
    â€œJared and I will see about repairs for you first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t you worry about a thing,” Tim told Megan.
    â€œThanks. I’d appreciate that.”
    Jared opened the passenger door to his truck and waited while she climbed inside. Closing the door, he walked around to the driver’s seat. He’d inserted the key, started the engine and flipped on the headlights before she spoke again.
    â€œI’m sorry about this.” Her voice sounded soft and sincere.
    He stared out the windshield as he pulled onto the narrow road. “It’s no problem. Car troubles are a part of life. And I live just a couple of blocks away from you, so we’re in the same neighborhood.”
    She glanced his way. “Yes, I know.”
    Of course she did. She’d come over to see him last week, when she’d agreed to work as a