“I couldn’t possibly pick,” Aaron said. “And truthfully anything would be great. I’m sorry I missed breakfast.”
“How does chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy sound?” That was a specialty of his and one of his brother’s favorite meals. And if Carter promised Hudson leftovers, he was certain he could bribe Hudson and Bastian into giving them a few hours alone.
Aaron moaned. “That sounds so good.”
The sound Aaron made had Carter’s body waking up. Or at least one part of him. How else could he get Aaron to make that sound? Carter would love to find out. And maybe find out what other sounds that Aaron made.
“Chocolate cake for dessert,” Carter added, sweetening the offer.
“You’re killing me!” Aaron whined.
“And…” Carter teased. “Puppy kisses.”
Aaron laughed. “Oh! You’re pulling out the big guns there.”
“I’m trying,” Carter admitted. “I know you haven’t been sleeping well. If you’re too tired, I’ll understand.”
Aaron made some weird sound before replying quickly. “I already agreed. I’m not too tired. I’d love to have dinner with you and the puppies.”
Perfect. “Seven o’clock?”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Aaron said.
Looking up and out of the front windshield, Carter grinned. He had a date. Or kind of had a date. Dinner at least. It was like being a teenager again with the anticipation and fear that pumped through his veins.
Wait! Was that smoke?
Carter leaned forward to peer out the window.
“Carter? Are you still there?”
“Yeah, sorry.” Carter put the truck into drive. “I think I see smoke.”
“Smoke?” Aaron’s voice rose. “What do you mean you see smoke? Where?”
Pulling back onto the road, Carter pressed his foot down on the gas. “Just off the highway and headed back into town. I need to call the fire in.”
“No!” Aaron yelled. “I mean yes, call the fire in, but don’t drive out there.”
“I’m close. I need to make sure no one’s in danger. I can’t tell what’s on fire,” Carter told him. He took the next right and then a left, taking him even closer to the fire. He was right on the edge of the state park. Between the state park and town. There were no buildings out here. Was the fire inside the forest?
“Carter! Please don’t do this.”
“I really need to call this in. I’ll talk to you later.” Carter disconnected the call as Aaron was still yelling at him before he dialed 9-1-1.
* * * * *
Aaron
“Fuck!” Aaron threw the bottle of water at the wall before he took off at a run. He raced through the office and toward the conference room. “Leo! Bas!”
Leo popped his head out from the door. “What’s wrong?”
“Fire,” Aaron shouted. “Carter is out there. He wouldn’t listen to me.”
“Let’s go,” Leo said turning and strode toward the front door while pulling out his keys.
“Where?” Bas demanded as he jogged to catch up.
