12-Alarm Cowboys (152 page)

“Will she need
blood?” Titan asked Doc Procter as he stitched up the cut in Makenna’s shoulder.

“I don’t think so.” The doctor finished the last stitch. “Her heart rate is good. Her lungs aren’t damaged. I think she just got too hot.” He stood and looked at Titan. “Of course, if she ever does and you’re with her, make sure the attendants know she has a rare blood type, the same as yours.”

Titan looked shocked. “I didn’t know. At least there’s a supply kept in storage here for me. I want you to make sure she’s added to the list to use it.”

The doctor smiled. “She knows. Who do you think donated it for you?”

“Makenna,” Titan whispered. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Kiss me,” she murmured.

Hearing her speak, Titan jumped to her side. “I ought to paddle your butt. Don’t you ever scare me like that again!” He kissed her. “Do you hear me?” He kissed her again.

“Hold me tight.” She wrapped her arms around him and he lifted her close, following her directions to a T.

As soon as he could take her home he did, placing her in his truck like she would break at the least little jolt. “How do you feel?”

“With my fingers,” she said, dryly.

He rolled his eyes. “Smart ass.”

“You like my ass.”

“Yes, I do,” he agreed. “I think your pain meds have kicked in, suddenly you’re a comedian.”

“No,” she sighed, “I’m just happy we’re both alive.”

“Me too.” He went around and climbed in the driver’s side, shutting the door and starting the truck. “Do you want to get a hamburger on the way home?”

“Could we get it to go?” she asked. “I just want to go home and cuddle with you on the couch.”

“Sounds good to me,” he agreed.

As they drove toward the burger joint, Makenna began to feel sick. “Damien knew how I felt about the nursing home, Titan. I think you all need to take that into consideration.” No one had died, but to think she was ultimately responsible for all the cost and devastation was paralyzing.

“I already thought about it,” Titan admitted. “The Fire Marshal knows what to look for. We’re just dealing with a much bigger area. The guys told me when they arrived the fire seemed to originate from more than one place.”

He pulled up to the front of the small café. “Fries?”

“Tater tots.” She grinned at him. “And extra pickles.”

“Sure thing. You’re not pregnant, are you?” He teased, shutting the door before she could answer.

It was probably a good thing he had walked off, he didn’t hear her squeal. “Oh, my God!” She certainly could be pregnant. She wasn’t on birth control and they had done absolutely nothing to prevent pregnancy. When Damien had slept with her, he’d always insisted on a condom. In his sick mind, Makenna had never been quite good enough for him, nor clean enough. Her period wasn’t heavy, and she wasn’t terribly regular. So, she tried to think back to when her last period had actually come. “Allie, Allie, I need to talk to you.” Makenna dug in her purse for her cell phone. When her friend answered, she just started yelling. “I can’t believe this! I might be pregnant! How are you?”

Allie started laughing. “Sounds like I’m better than you. Are you pregnant?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t taken a test. I just realized I’ve been having unprotected sex.”

“With Titan.”

“Yes, with Titan.”

“You lucky woman.”

Makenna laughed. “True.”

“And if you are pregnant, is that such a bad thing?”

“Well, no.” She took a deep breath. “Although I’m not so sure Titan would agree.”

“Have you asked him?”

“No, I just thought about it,” she confessed. “We’ve been at another fire. This time it was the nursing home.”

“I can tell from your tone, you think it was Damien. Don’t you?”

Makenna let out a long breath. “Yes, I do. He’s determined to punish me for living.”

“Don’t let him win,” Allie said with conviction. “Be strong. You’ve got a hero on your side. Damien will slip up. They’ll eventually tie him to these fires and catch him. Until then, stay strong.”

“I’ll try. How’s the work coming on your house?”

“The insurance money came in and I have contractors there now. I’m still staying at my cousin’s house, mainly because you were worried. I don’t think Damien is concerned about me anymore. I think he’s moved on.”

“Yea, moved on to hurt me in other ways.” Makenna looked up to see Titan returning. “Well, Titan’s coming back. We’re headed home. You take care.”

“Call me when you take the pregnancy test.”

“Oh, gosh, I will,” she whispered. Letting herself think about the fire, she’d pushed the idea of a baby out of her head. “Bye, Allie.”

“Bye, girl. Hang in there.”

Titan opened the door, handing her the white bags. A fragrant aroma made Makenna groan. “I am starving!”

“Here, I thought you might like this.” He handed her a chocolate milkshake.

“You are so sweet. I haven’t had a milkshake in years.” She took a sip and closed her eyes, savoring the flavor.

“Why not? Life is short, pretty girl.” Titan backed out of the parking lot and headed home.

“I wasn’t allowed…well, never mind, I don’t want to think about it.” She gave him a smile. “Thank you for thinking of me.” He gave her a long sideways glance as if he was trying to read between the lines. What would it be like to have a child with him? The thought thrilled her and terrified her at the same time. If she didn’t start her period soon, she’d have to find out. Plus, she needed to see about getting on the pill.

Once they were home, Titan came in and ate his burger, then he went out to take care of the animals, instructing her to lock the door. Makenna took an opportunity to just walk around his house, trying to imagine it was her home too. They had been through so much so fast. She and Titan jumped from friends to lovers with nothing much in between. Her heart was involved before they started, so if things didn’t work out, Makenna knew she would be hurt. But she’d survived hell with Damien, sharing heaven with Titan for a time would be worth almost anything.

Upstairs, he’d made room for her in his closet and in his chest-of-drawers. She didn’t need much room, Makenna didn’t have many belongings. Titan didn’t seem to place a great deal of emphasis on material possession and that was one of the reasons Makenna admired him. Damien was very brand conscious, and they’d never had enough money to substantiate his fixations, much less fulfill them. She walked around Titan’s room, running her hand across the smooth wood of the headboard on his bed. Undoubtedly they would make love tonight, or they would if she had any say in the matter. Her uncharacteristic moxie made her smile.

From below, she heard the front door open. “Makenna, whatcha doing?”

His voice put wings on her feet and she flew down the stairs to greet him. “Just exploring.”

“Not much to see, this place needs a woman’s touch.” He hugged her to him, swinging her around, her feet not even touching the ground. “Did you see my wine room?”

“No, I didn’t. How did I miss that?”

“It’s my only splurge item.” Setting her down, he led her back toward the kitchen. “I turned the pantry into a mini-wine cellar.” With obvious pride, he opened the door and showed her the racks of wine, organized by color and geographic location. There was also a small refrigerator unit. “Do you like wine?”

“I don’t know much about it,” Makenna admitted.

“Tomorrow you’ll know more. Like I promised, I’m taking you to some nearby vineyards and out on a date. We’re also heading into Austin to a family thing this weekend. Are you up for that?”

Makenna felt like her head was swimming. But, she couldn’t lie, she was excited to be included in his plans. “Yes, I would love to go with you. You’ll just have to tell me how to dress. I might have to borrow something from Allie.”

“I’ll get you anything you need,” he assured her. “It will be my pleasure.”

“I don’t know…” Makenna hesitated. “I don’t want to be a burden.” Like she’d said the day before. “I need to find a job.”

“Well, let’s talk about it,” Titan said slowly. “Walk with me.” He took her arm. “I want to show you my blacksmith shop.”

Makenna had an image in her mind of the Old West. A roaring fire and Titan, like the god Vulcan, wielding a huge hammer as he struck iron glowing red with heat. “Okay. I want to see it.”

“Have you worked before? I mean, have you held down a job?”

Makenna shook her head. “Just volunteer work.”

Titan held the door for her and they started out across the yard. “You mentioned once that you attended Texas Christian. What degree did you earn?”

“I didn’t finish,” she said, halfway embarrassed. “Damien came along. He didn’t want me to work.” Makenna sighed. “Big mistake. Now I’m not qualified for anything and don’t have a lot of options.”

Titan stopped her in her tracks. “Now wait a minute.” He placed a big hand on each shoulder. “Let’s get one thing straight. I think you should have a career if you want it, but you have something everyone else doesn’t have.”

“What’s that?” Makenna didn’t understand.

“Me.”

“Oh.” Makenna was struck speechless.

BUZZ! BUZZ!

As she was thinking of a response, his phone rang. “Sloan.” He listened for a few seconds, then just said, “Thanks, Kirk.”

Recognizing the Fire Marshal’s name, she asked, “What did they find?”

“Paraffin, so it’s the same perpetrator.”

“Damien.” Makenna said the one word like it tasted bad.

“Now, we just have to prove it. Conner’s about to try and get a warrant to search his house, but the judge he has to go through is the same one who let him walk after hurting you.”

Makenna crossed her arms and stared at Titan. “It’s my house too. As much as I hate to admit it, we’re still married. Why can’t I give the Sheriff permission to search the place? That way they don’t have to alert him.”

“Baby!” Titan smiled. “You’re a genius.” He immediately got back on the phone to call Conner. While he was talking, they headed on to the small outbuilding to the left of the barn. “Sure thing, Conner. Keep us informed.” As soon as he was off the phone, he invited her into his sanctuary. “Come in, look around. When it’s cold outside, this is the place to be. Right now, you either have to strip down to your skivvies or turn on the A/C.”

She wandered in and was immediately fascinated. Big steel tables held every kind of tool imaginable. There was a huge forge and several vices. “What do you make? Horseshoes?”

“Well, I do shoe horses,” he admitted, pointing out a whole row of horseshoes hung on the wall. “But I specialize in making knives.” He proudly showed her several he was working on.

Makenna was fascinated. “I’m so impressed.” She looked at the intricate work on the handles and the fine edge on the blades. “You are talented. These are magnificent. I want one!”

She was teasing, but he jumped on her comment like white on rice. “I’ll make you one. Every woman needs protection. I’ll feel better if you have it with you.” He began to show her blades and handles, even asking her what kind of things meant a lot to her. By the time his questions had subsided, he had a plan in mind.

“I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”

“Are you kidding?” Titan asked, amazed. “I love to do things for you. It makes me happy.”

Makenna wanted to cry. She was happier than she’d ever been in her life.

*

It wasn’t the
way he looked at her, even though his intense gaze made her wet. It wasn’t the nice things he did for her, although his thoughtfulness made her feel important. She wanted Titan and the main reason was just…him. He was sexy, sweet, smart and hot as hell. By the time they were ready to go to bed, Makenna was so ready for him, she wanted to ride him like a horse. Her bold thought made her blush, but she just went with it. They’d been relaxing in front of the television. He’d been enjoying a glass of local Moscato, but Makenna had only taken a sip. Until she found out for sure about the baby, she wouldn’t risk alcohol.

But right now she wanted something more potent—him. Makenna took his glass from his hand and set it down. Standing up slowly, she walked to the door. It took a lot of courage, but she turned, giving him a heated glance. “Titan, I can’t wait any longer. I need you. In bed. Now.” Then, she just turned and walked to his room.

Titan didn’t delay long, only enough to come to his senses. He sprang from the couch, bounded up the stairs, kicked the door closed and ripped off his shirt in one mighty move. Makenna’s eyes widened, not only at all the muscle he’d exposed but because he was stalking her across the room like a great big cat. When he reached her, she kissed him right over his heart but eased away when he tried to catch her hand. “No, I want a chance to just…look at you.” Slowly, she started to circle him. “I’ve watched you, wanted you for so long. The day of the calendar shoot, I stood at the back of the room…and my panties got wet from looking at you. Just you. The only sex in my life that counted was what I’ve had with you.”

Titan went still. This was the sexiest damn thing he’d ever experienced. “You like looking at me about half as much as I enjoy looking at you.” But he wasn’t crazy. If Titan could make her a little crazier for him, he would. After all, he figured it would pay off—in bed. He tried to make it look natural, but he stretched a little, moved his body and flexed a muscle or two.