Page 78 of Sunkissed Colorado

“We’re almost to the driveway.”

“Right now.”

Darius cursed, braking hard. “Let me know if I can help.”

“I’ve got it.” My friend was being a solid guy, but the instinct that leaped to my throat was,Keep your distance. She’s mine.

Not really true. Not helpful either, but damn, that was what my gut told me.

Z’s mine.

I jumped out and headed for Zandra’s car. If she needed me right now, then nothing else mattered.

She was slumped in the front seat with a thin blanket wrapped around her. I panicked for a moment, tugging on the locked handle, but as soon as I knocked on the window, she startled and sat up. Hurried to unlock the door. I had to back up for her to push it open.

And then she lunged for me, wrapping her arms around my middle.

“You’re okay,” she said.

“Yeah, I am. Areyouokay?” I held her close, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. This was unexpected. But felt so fucking right. “What happened, Z?”

“Everyone was talking about the fire. I downloaded an app. It finally said the fire was contained, but that was after… And I didn’t know…”

“Hey, slow down. I’m just fine. Okay?” I stroked her hair. “I’m fine.”

“Your roommates? And the other firefighters?”

I nodded toward Darius, who’d pulled into the driveway. “Dare is over there. Niko is heading home, and Connor was elsewhere. No injuries. It all went well.”

She nodded, still clinging to me. “I know I’m being ridiculous. I’m sorry to show up like this.”

“I don’t mind. We should go inside, though. I’m getting dirt all over you.”

“I know I’ve been avoiding you. But when I heard you were in danger…” Her fingers lifted to trace my jaw, clearly unconcerned about how dirty I was, and my heart did some kind of dance inside my rib cage.

I had never seen Zandra like this before. Made me wonder if somethingelsehappened, beyond just worrying about me.

“Don’t stress about it. Come on. Let’s just go inside, and we can talk.”

Z glanced at her car. “Maybe I should…”

I held her chin, gently turning her head to face me again. “Don’t even think about leaving here. If you do, I’m just gonna chase you.”

She blinked, making a sharp sound with a quick intake of breath. I felt the movement of her chest against my torso. Thealivenessof her, like something soft and beautiful in my hands.

“I’m so confused. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

That honesty slayed me. “Baby,” I murmured, lips brushing her hairline. She shivered.

“You shouldn’t call me that.” But there was zero conviction in her voice.

“Just come inside, and I’ll make everything better. If you let me.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

“Good.”

Whatever this was, whatever was happening between us, we’d figure it out. But I wasnotgoing to let her go.