Page 106 of My Favorite Hero

“She’s not staying, boy. They’ll be gone before you know it,” I informed him, my voice sounding bitter, even to my ears.

Why I was bitter, I had no idea. She had agreed to the rules. My rules.

Our conversation from the other night kept playing in my head. We had agreed not to see other people. Again, something I brought up and she agreed to.

I was having a passionate, incredible affair with my tenant. No strings attached and a time limit since she planned on leaving in a few months or more. Sex was unbelievable. Talking to her was pleasurable—she was intelligent and funny. I even liked sleeping beside her. And although I complained, I liked being the one who was around when she needed help. It made me feel good.

And we did it all under wraps. No one knew.

So why was I so pissed off about the whole thing?

I shut my eyes and shook my head. I had left the house without saying goodbye. Warning her to stay out of trouble. I let her think I was annoyed with her about the garden boxes when I wasn’t. I took Miller with me instead of leaving him the way I’d planned since she felt better with him around. I hadn’t checked in. No texts, no teasing, nothing. And I’d barely slept all night worrying about her. But I stayed silent, not reaching for my phone.

I was acting like the asshole she no doubt thought I was right now.

And I had no idea why.

I had a feeling she wouldn’t come this afternoon. I couldn’t blame her after the way I acted.

I sighed as I headed to the kitchen, Miller following me close.

I would apologize when I got home and hoped she would forgive me.

The alarm went off just before the open house started. I raced to the truck, and we headed out. I noticed the older ladies walking to the station. They came every year to visit and fuss over us, always bringing baked goods with them. I didn’t see Casey, but then, it was still early.

Two hours later, we were back, tired, wet, and dirty. A fire in a restaurant kitchen was always difficult, and this one had been burning a while before we got there, the owner certain he could handle it.

Until it hit the cooking oil. Then he decided to call us.

I scanned the parking lot, but I didn’t see Casey’s SUV. Either she had come and gone, or she wasn’t coming. I felt the heavy rush of disappointment, but I had no one to blame but myself and my stubbornness. I should have left Miller. I should have texted her. I shouldn’t have been a coward and instead manned up and called her.

We jumped off the truck and quickly got to work refurbishing it, ready for the next incident. We changed into fresh gear then we headed into the event inside, knowing how much the kids would love it. I was anxious, hoping Casey would have arrived while we were busy. I’d have a hot shower after I spoke to her.

I scanned the crowd, Casey nowhere to be seen. There was a group of kids, excited and full of questions, and I kneeled down to their level to answer them. The crew that had stayed behind was talking with various people, one person seemingly drawing a lot of attention. Through the small crowd, I spied a vivid blue dress and creamy skin on display, the low back showing off the woman’s shoulders and arms to their advantage. There was something familiar about the set of the shoulders and the dark hair that was piled on her head, long pieces hanging down her neck and back.

I shook my head and returned my attention to the kids, promising to talk more and have pictures taken with them by the fire truck as soon as I met with some people. I rose to my feet, my height giving me the advantage of a clear view of the woman across the room. She turned, and I almost fell back to my knees.

It was Casey.

In a dress.

She told me once she didn’t even own a dress.

Whoever helped her find that one needed to be praised or smacked. I couldn’t decide which.

She was breathtaking. Achingly beautiful. And so fucking sexy, my cock roared to life simply at the sight of her.

And the crew was standing too close and being way too familiar with her. She was laughing and smiling, seemingly not noticing me at all.

I wanted to go over, drag her away, and kiss her senseless. Let them all know she was with me.

Except I had been the one to insist on privacy. Keeping our relationship between us.

And suddenly, I knew why I’d been so upset the past few days.

Because I didn’t want to keep it hidden. I wanted to be able to walk up to her and kiss her. Take her hand and tell her how beautiful she was. It didn’t matter if it was for a month or a year—it was what I wanted.

I wanted exclusive and no more hiding.