Igniting the Flame (Firebrand Series) Read Free

hidden underneath the surface, I came to realize what snorkeling was all about. It was taking delight in all the things you couldn’t see from the outside. That’s what truly knowing someone is like. Only when you discover those things deep in a person’s soul, those things hidden beneath the surface, can you come to understand the wonder of how their mind and heart works.”
    Her words sent chills up his spine, and he swallowed as he stared into her blue eyes. They looked like deep pools of water, and he felt he might drown if he got too close. “So you’re saying you can’t really know someone until you reach the depths of their inner soul and touch their most sacred, hidden places.”
    Her cheeks flushed. “I know I sound crazy.”
    He shook his head. “I’ve never really thought about it, but I think you’re right.” He mulled over her words for a moment before he spoke. “Have you ever known anyone that intimately?”
    “No, but I hope to someday.”
    He exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I never have either.”
    They stared at each other a moment, unable to break the bond he felt they’d just forged before she cocked her head to one side and grinned. “And you never will if you keep saying that cheesy line every time you meet someone.”
    He laughed and nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
    Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “And now you can understand why I wasn’t friends with any of your crowd in high school. I mean, who sits in the rain with a guy she remembers from six years ago and talks about exploring the depths of the ‘hidden places inthe soul?’”
    He took a deep breath, and his gaze raked her face. “A fascinating woman who I’m glad I met today. And I might add, one I’d like to get to know better.” She ducked her head as a shy smile pulled at his lips. Disappointed that she hadn’t responded to his statement, he took a deep breath. “Okay, tell me more about yourself.”
    She smiled and shrugged. “There’s not much more to tell. My mother gave me her maiden name of Delainey, but my parents called me Lainey from the time I was born. We lived in Colorado until I was twelve, when my parents were killed in a rock climbing accident. My dad’s mother was my only relative. I lived with her until I left for college.”
    “And now you’ve come back to live with her again?”
    She shook her head. “She died last summer. I inherited her house.”
    “Are you planning to stay in St. Claire?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know,” she said, “I liked growing up in a Smoky Mountain resort town, and I’m starting a job at Hathaway and Morrison Accounting Services tomorrow. But if that doesn’t work out, I may sell and go somewhere else. What about you? Are you home to stay?”
    He swiveled on the bench to face the open side of the shelter and stretched his legs out in front of him. After a moment he sighed. “I don’t know. After being in the army for six years, I’m not sure I can settle down at all.”
    He glanced back at her, and she tilted her head to one side as she stared at him. “Ever thought about going to work for your father?”
    “I’ve thought about it, but I haven’t decided yet.”
    “I’m sure you have a lot of choices, and you’ll make the right one. The people in St. Claire look up to your family, and everybody’s proud of you for the bravery you showed in combat.”
    Ash shook his head in disgust. “They shouldn’t be,” he growled.
    Lainey gasped “And why not? I read the articles in the paper how you risked your life to evacuate wounded soldiers. I’m sure those you saved are thankful for what you did that day.”
    He gritted his teeth. “What about the ones I couldn’t save? They’re the ones I think about.”
    He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to ignore the memories. All he’d done. All he’d lost. Then he felt her cool hand on top of his, and he opened his eyes to see a sad smile pulling at her mouth. “You’re home now.