Her Holiday Fireman

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The collision knocked her backward, and Leah went reeling into the stair rail. Her head slammed against the wood, and instantly she saw stars. A pair of strong arms caught her and pulled her upright to steady her on her feet.

“Look out, there. Did you hit your head?”

“I’m fine,” she said, though her field of vision was limited to a gray Firemen’s Training School T-shirt and, oddly, something that looked like a belt draped over one shoulder. When her brain caught up with her eyes, she realized the belt was actually a leash. Leah moved her gaze higher and noticed her rescuer looked very familiar.

Ryan Owen.

Before Leah could respond, the massive dog returned and began dancing circles around the two of them. Baby, now safely out of reach in the rafters over the carport, peered down with disdain, offering only the occasional hiss or switch of her tail.

“Sit, Chief,” Ryan said sharply, and the dog obeyed at once. And though his tail continued to thump against the concrete, his attention was now completely on the man with the leash. The man who still held her in his grip.

Their eyes met. One dark brow rose.

“You’re my neighbor?” she said as she made the connection.

“If you live here, then yes, I am.” He seemed even more surprised than Leah.

“I guess that must be the reason Riley Burkett thought I’d seen your new place,” she said.

“You feel a little unsteady on your feet,” he said as he leaned back to give her an appraising look.

“I’m fine,” she said despite the fact the fireman’s presence was more than a little disconcerting. Especially when he held her this close. And she could smell the masculine combination of soap and salt air on his clothes. See the curve of his smile from a whole new angle.

“Leah?”

Her senses cleared. “Yes, I’m fine. Really.”

When he released her, however, Leah took a step back and the horizon tilted. He caught her before her head could slam into the rail again.

She said a quick prayer that the ground might swallow her up before she said, did or thought anything else that might cause further humiliation.

“You need to sit down.” Ryan led her by the elbow to a chair. “Okay, now I’m going to go put Chief inside, but I’ll be right back.”

He quickly attached the leash to the dog’s collar and led him away through a gap in the hedge. Leah let out a sigh as she closed her eyes and rested her hands in her lap. Above her, Baby yowled. She opened her eyes to look up. The cat appeared to be more upset with her than with the dog.

“Look you,” she said to the fuzzy feline. “You’re the one who went over there and asked for trouble. Don’t blame me if it followed you home.”

The sound of footsteps coming around the corner alerted Leah to Ryan’s return. She mustered a neutral expression.

The fireman stepped into view. “Don’t think he’ll be paying you another visit anytime soon. At least I hope not. No clue what got into him.”

“Oh, I know exactly what caused the excitement. Wait right here,” Leah said as she recalled the dog toy that Baby had hauled home. “I’ve got something that I think might belong to you.”

She turned and grabbed for the nearest solid object to steady herself then made her way as best she could through the sun-dappled shade to the stairs. Reaching the second-floor deck, she heard the unmistakable tread of sneakers on wood behind her.

Turning, she saw he’d followed, though at a respectable distance. “Looks like you listen about as well as your dog.” Regretting her harsh tone, Leah added a quick but somewhat nicer, “Please wait.”

“No offense, but you’re looking a little unsteady. Just wanted to be sure you didn’t fall.” Ryan crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the rail. “If it looks appetizing, you’re welcome to keep it to cook for dinner.”