All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)

“You love her,” Clay said, opening the driver’s side of the truck and getting in.

Shane climbed in on the passenger’s side. “I know, but why does she have to be so stubborn? Why would anyone care that she’s pregnant? Okay, sure, it’s unconventional, but so what? We love each other. We’re spending the rest of our lives together. But can we start that now? Nope. We have to wait so she can be the perfect bride.”

“She wants to have the right kind of memories.”

“She wants to drive me crazy.”

“That’s a bonus. Accept it, bro. From now on, she’s going to run your life.”

Shane grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You’re a lucky man.”

“Yes, I am.”

Clay started the engine and headed back for the main house. “Annabelle’s not the only one’s who’s stubborn,” he said. “Charlie insisted on replacing her dishwasher herself, even though it was clearly a two-person job. By the time I got there to help, she was wedged between the counter and the dishwasher.” He glanced at his brother. “It’s not just you.”

“I don’t really find that knowledge comforting.”

Clay grinned as he turned down the dirt road. They bounced along in comfortable silence. His thoughts once again returned to Charlie. Because he liked and respected her. She was fun, interesting and one of the sexiest women he knew. A lethal combination.

He knew it wasn’t love. Love was dramatic. It was meeting someone’s eyes for the first time and knowing that you wanted to be with her forever. But what he felt for Charlie was still significant. She was the first woman to interest him in years. The first one he wanted to spend time with. They were friends and lovers. It wasn’t being in love, but it was still good. Something he wanted to hold on to.

“What are you going to do when Rafe and Heidi finally come home?” Shane asked.

Clay grinned. “You hinting I won’t want to live with the newlyweds?”

“It’s up to you.”

“I’ll figure something out. Mom and Glen are moving into their place next week. So I’ll stay in the main house until Rafe and Heidi get back. Maybe rent a house in town.” He wondered what Charlie would say to having a roommate.

* * *

CHARLIE LIFTED THE boy up so he could run his chubby fingers along the side of the hose.

“Pretty cool, huh?”

The four-year-old’s eyes widened as he nodded.

She laughed and set him back on the ground. “Thinking you want to be a fireman when you grow up?”

Another nod.

“Thanks,” his mom said. “I’m sorry he’s so shy now. This morning all he talked about was seeing the big red fire engine.”

“Don’t worry about it. I love having big strong boys like him come by.” She winked at the kid. “I’m here all day. Come back and see me.”

Charlie waved as they walked away. Getting kids excited about the fire department was all part of the job. Traditionally, the Fall Festival was one of the times when the equipment was set up in town for everyone to admire and learn about. Although she considered herself a somewhat crabby person, she liked the public meet-and-greets. Especially with the little kids who were so wide-eyed and intrigued.

“Here you go.”

Clay walked up and handed her a large lemonade from the stand by the park. Charlie took it.

“Thanks. I love these and I don’t care that they use real sugar.”

Clay held up his own drink. “I tried mine on the way back and I agree. The best ever.”

As he wasn’t with the fire department in any capacity yet, his presence was strictly as a civilian, but she was willing to admit, she liked having him around. He was good company. Too good, she thought, aware she wasn’t as immune to him as she would like.

In truth, their deal should be over. Based on what happened the other day while they were out riding, she was plenty healed. The captain’s actions after the fire proved that he was being given a fair shot. They’d both gotten what they wanted. She needed to cut him loose. Even if she didn’t want to.

“What’s next?” he asked.

Charlie stared at him, wondering how he’d figured out what she was thinking. Then she saw him pointing to the schedule posted by the rig.

“I have a fire-safety talk at eleven,” she said. “Seven-to twelve-year-olds, so it’s more entertainment with a few facts hidden in fun demonstrations than lecture.”

“Get ’em while they’re young,” he said.

“Exactly. The holidays will be here before we know it and that’s a prime time for house fires. People can be so stupid.”

Clay grinned. “Ah, my delicate flower. You have to learn to open up and share your feelings.”

“Shut up.”

“Whoa! You didn’t threaten me. I must be getting to you.” He winked and lowered his voice. “As a reward, I have an idea about something we could do later.”