Читать книгу Firefighter's Doorstep Baby / The Soldier's Untamed Heart онлайн | страница 43

Instant compassion shone in her face when she swung back. “I’m sorry. And on top of that you had the ordeal of carrying me away from the fire. I can’t believe how fast the cottage burned.”

“Entire houses can burn in less time given the right fuel and no safety precautions,” he said. “How’s the baby?”

“He’s doing well. The Bertatalis are bending over backward to be accommodating. Did you know she has three children of her own, all grown now? She says she loves babies and almost begged to watch Dante for me while I walked here. Her husband has offered to take me on one of the fishing excursions on the lake.”

“He leads fishing expeditions in the summer. Take him up on it if you get the chance—you’ll like it.”

“Hmm, maybe. It seems a little cool to be boating.”

“I’ll give you a ride back when you’re ready to leave. Save walking on that foot.”

“That would put you out. Which was not my intention. I truly wanted to thank you. You’re a hero.”

“No, I’m not.” Why did people keep saying that? If they knew the truth—“I’ll give you a ride,” he said.

His motorcycle sat beneath the carport at the rear. Beyond that was a small building, door firmly closed.

Mariella followed, glancing around the kitchen again as she stepped outside.

“I could come back tomorrow and clean up the kitchen for you. As a token of appreciation.”

Cristiano shook his head. “I don’t need it.”

He started the bike and helped her climb on. Instructing her to hold on tight, he didn’t expect the jolt of awareness when she wrapped her arms around him. Her body was pressed against his back, her hands linked over his stomach. He closed his eyes, relishing the feel of her. Her hands were small, gripping over his belly. Her breasts pressed against his back and for a moment he wanted to turn around and pull her into a kiss.

“So how long will Signora Bertatali watch Dante?” he asked.

“No time limit.”

“Want to take the long way home?”

“Sure.”

“Will you be warm enough?”

“Oh, yes.”

He started out slowly and then picked up speed when they reached the road. Turning away from the lake, he took the road he loved to ride when trying to outrun the demons and nightmares. It wound through the forest, dappled in shade in places, in full sunshine in others.