Page 7 of Some Like It Hot

She laughed.

“So how many brothers do I need to watch out for?”

“Three. Triplets. And all in different branches of the military—Navy, Army, Air Force. It’s always a competition with them.”

“I was going to join the Marines before my dad died. Became a hotshot instead.”

She leaned up on one elbow. He still wore the ice pack, and she lifted it off. “Why didn’t you join up?”

She was probing his shoulder, felt the softness in between the joints, the swelling. Yeah, this could easily become a dislocation if he stressed it.

“Because I’m not him,” Riley said. “He was brave and smart and steady. Always followed the rules. And I’m not that guy. I’m not a hero.”

“Whatever.” She shook her head, grinning at him.

He grinned back, his brown eyes sweet, just enough heat in them to stir desire back through her.

“So why did you join the smokejumpers? It’s so dangerous. Aren’t you afraid of burning to death?”

He raised an eyebrow. “We have fire shelters. They’re not exactly safe—people still die—but they give you a chance when the fire is on top of you.”

“A fire shelter?”

“It’s like a tent, only with pockets—you put your hands and feet in the pockets and hold it down to the ground, make a little well for your face and bury it into the soil, breathing the clean air. The rest of the air is toxic, so—I’ve never actually had to deploy my shelter, and I hope I never do.”

He looked away from her, his face twisting. Oh, she knew exactly how to spoil a mood.

“Actually, I had never thought about being a firefighter—it was my buddy Thad’s idea. He had worked as a hotshot in Yellowstone for a couple summers and decided he wanted to be a jumper. We both tried out—I made it.”

“And he…”

“Went back to Chicago. Got into trouble.” He took a breath and looked away from her.

And she didn’t want to ask what kind of trouble, but—

“He died about three months ago, drunk driving accident.”

Oh, Riley.“I’m so sorry.”

He swallowed, met her eyes. “See, I’m a fun date, too.”

She traced her fingers across his lips. And couldn’t stop herself from leaning down to kiss him, this time sinking into his touch, letting herself relish his arms around her, the quiet sanctity of his embrace. He pulled her tight against himself and returned the kiss, deep, savoring, as if he also needed her, just a little.

And it came to her that, at least right now, she might be able to turn the page. To put Freeman in the past. At least long enough to enjoy the sunset in Riley’s arms.

He groaned, something deep and affirming, a hum of banked desire and…um. Okay. Brakes. Especially because desire stirred inside her, too.

But no, she couldn’t.

Her heart thundered as she rolled away from him.

He said nothing for a long time. Then, finally, “I’m getting a few mixed signals here, so I’m going to err on the side ofNo.Just so we’re clear, you’re in charge, Larke. But in case you’re wondering, this doesn’t need to be anything more than right now.”

Of course. She’d expected that.

“Or it could be, Larke. I don’t have to be the guy you wanted in the bar.”

She caught her breath.