Reluctant Rescue Read online

  Reluctant Rescue

  Park City Firefighter Romance

  Cami Checketts

  Birch River Publishing

  Contents

  Free Billionaire Bride Pact Romance

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  About the Author

  Excerpt from Rescued by Love

  Park City Firefighter Romances

  How to See with Your Heart

  Also by Cami Checketts

  Copyright

  Reluctant Rescue: Park City Firefighter Romance

  Copyright © 2017 by Cami Checketts

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Dedication

  To all my Coats’ family and the fabulous Lake Powell memories.

  Free Billionaire Bride Pact Romance

  Sign up for Cami’s newsletter and receive a free ebook copy of The Feisty One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance here.

  Introduction

  A Conversation from Summer 2016

  3 Bestselling Authors (Checketts, Hart, and Kersey): Hey Daniel, we’re writing a firefighter romance series. Do you want in?

  Me (on the inside): Yes I totally do, oh, I can’t wait, how long should my book be, when should I have it done holy cow you ladies are the greatest ever of all time!

  Me (on the outside): Cool. Why me?

  3 Bestselling Authors: You’re a firefighter. Oh, and uh, you have mad writing and editing skills.

  3 Bestselling Authors (to each other): Should we tell him Nicolas Sparks wasn’t available?

  Six months, seven million emails, and dozens of interviews later, four Park City Firefighter Romance books are ready to thrill you, touch you, inspire you, and make you swoon.

  In my 15 years on the job, I’ve worked side-by-side with over a thousand of America’s Bravest. The men and women I’ve known make excellent studies for romance characters because they are fit, selfless, daring, passionate and without exception—imperfect. Kersey, Hart, and Checketts (dare I include myself?) have captured the essence of the beautifully flawed lives that so often result from a career that injects its members into the public’s worst day. When true love is added to the mix, sparks fly and things really heat up.

  Experience the bravery, the struggle, the emotional pain, and the passion of heroes as they face their fears, their demons, and their pasts en route to finding lasting love. It may just surprise you who is the hero and who is the one in need of rescue.

  It is my pleasure to introduce the Park City Firefighter Romance Series.

  Chapter One

  Caylee slunk to the back of the group, everyone but her anxiously awaiting the glorious return of their brother and son, Captain Levi Turner, from the battlefields of Afghanistan. She didn’t like the guy at all, and she wasn’t related so she didn’t have to pretend he was perfect. But she did recognize and appreciate that he was heroic and honorable for serving their country in the military. She wondered what horrors he’d seen overseas and how that had affected him. Maybe that was the reason he was such a judgmental, overbearing, hypocritical grump.

  Okay, she was being a little judgmental herself and she’d promised her brother Cam, and his almost-fiancée, Sage Turner, that she’d play nice. She groaned. It would be much easier to be nice if she didn’t have to be here to see everyone gush over Levi and paste a plastic smile on her face.

  Cam had already proposed to Sage, and of course she’d said yes, but they couldn’t make it official until he got her brother, Levi’s, “permission”. How old school and cocky was this guy? Cam had already gotten approval from Sage’s dad. What right did this high and mighty Air Force physician have to determine if Sage and Cam got married? They were perfect for each other and she’d never seen her brother this happy. If Captain Turner dared to mess that up, Caylee would personally take him down. Dang, she was getting ticked at him again and he wasn’t even here to defend himself.

  Think positive thoughts.

  Sage turned and caught her eye. “Any minute now,” she said, smiling brightly.

  Cam’s broad arm was slung around Sage. They were such a perfect couple. Both tall and gorgeous, but most importantly, good people who truly loved each other and loved the Lord. Thoughts of Captain Turner flared in her again and she swore with a vengeance she wouldn’t let him disturb their happiness.

  Caylee gave Sage a weak smile and pushed her highlighted curly hair out of her face. She wished she could miss all the fuss and having to see Captain Turner’s gloating, handsome face when he came down the stairs at the Salt Lake City airport. She wished he wouldn’t have chosen to fly home commercially because then maybe they wouldn’t have let her in the military compound. It would have been so easy to break a law, steal a candy bar or pack of gum so she wasn’t approved to enter. Being in prison might’ve been preferable to this magical moment.

  Her positive thinking wasn’t working. She would run to use the bathroom, take an extra long time washing her hands, and meet them all by the baggage terminal. Maybe their ecstatic joy would wear down by then. She glanced at Levi and Sage’s parents. It’d be hard to find nicer and more committed parents. Why did a jerk like Levi get a mom and dad like that and she and her older brother Cam, had nobody?

  “I need to run to the restroom,” she mumbled to Sage.

  “Okay. We’ll be right here.”

  “Don’t worry about me if he gets here soon.” They’d had word that his plane landed ten minutes ago so he should be there any second. “I’ll meet you by the baggage claim.”

  Sage gave her an understanding smile. Caylee appreciated that Sage loved her brother, but her future sister-in-law was also sensitive to the fact that Caylee hadn’t fallen head over heels for Levi during their one shouting match where he kept accusing Cam of treating Sage poorly. The man had no basis for his prejudice against her brother and he ticked her off. Cam was the best guy Caylee knew. He’d taken care of her since she was six and Sage made him so happy.

  Caylee scooted away from the group, and when she was certain they were all focused on Levi’s imminent approach, she rushed past baggage claim to the women’s restroom on the far north end of the airport. Not the most fragrant spot to hang out, but much better than facing the handsome mug of Levi Turner.

  She was washing her hands when she heard a faint cheer from the small crowd. Smiling grimly at the mirror, she muttered, “Well, he’s here. Figure out how to play nice, chickie.”

  Pulling her makeup bag out of her red leather purse, she applied some powder to her shiny nose and touched up her eyeliner and lipstick. The eyeliner made her dark blue eyes pop, but it frustrated her that she cared what she looked like. It would be much better to not give this man any kind of attention, but feeling confident was crucial when going into battle.

  Finally, when she figured she couldn’t hide out in there any longer without being completely obvious, she slowly made her way out of the restroom. She bent down to take a drink from the water fountain and when she straightened, she bumped into a tall, absolutely exquisite-looking man in a military uniform. Her eyes narrowed as she took
in his features. There was no way to describe him but perfect—bright blue eyes, full lips, dark-blond hair, and his face was just regal with manly lines, yet he was definitely a pretty boy. Captain Levi Turner. Welcome home, jerkbait.

  “Excuse me.” She tried to back away, but ran into the drinking fountain.

  His full lips turned up in a welcoming smile. “No, excuse me. I’ve been on a plane or in an airport for the past thirty-seven hours and I’m a little tipsy.”

  She returned the smile before she could consciously stop herself. He didn’t remember her. That stung, but they had only had that one conversation on FaceTime and she’d been so livid, her face had probably been distorted. Plus, she knew he would be here and in uniform, but he probably wasn’t expecting her to be part of the welcoming committee.

  “Nothing as miserable as being stuck in a plane or an airport,” she said.

  His smile disappeared. “Actually there is, it’s called Afghanistan.”

  “Just returning home?”

  “Yes. Thank heavens.”

  “Thank you for your service.” It came out all breathy like she was an Air Force groupie or something. Yes, men in uniform were hot and she was grateful to all of them. Unfortunately, Levi Turner was one of the hottest men she’d ever seen, but she didn’t like this guy, even if he was an accomplished doctor and had served their country faithfully.

  He nodded, seeming uncomfortable with the praise. “Hey. I’m kind of out of practice when it comes to meeting beautiful women, but I’d love to, um … go to dinner or something with you?”

  Caylee couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. His awkwardness was endearing, but when he figured out who she was he’d be ticked at himself for hitting on her, and probably ticked at her for not telling him.

  At least the makeup touchup seemed to have worked, as he had just called her beautiful. “How about right now?”

  “Oh.” He grimaced. “I can’t right now. The family’s all here to welcome me home.” He pointed over at the baggage claim where Cam, Sage, and Sage’s parents were waiting. “We’re supposed to go to—”

  “In ‘n Out Burger?” she supplied, hiding a smile.

  “Yeah.” He brushed a hand through his short locks and Caylee found herself wondering what they would feel like under her fingertips. She’d seen a picture of him with longer hair and it had about done her in. She loved long hair on men. Levi was just too good-looking to be such a punk. “It used to be my favorite,” he continued, “and I haven’t had a decent hamburger and fries in eighteen months, so my sister suggested we go there.” He smiled at her and the full effect of that made her knees go a little gooey. “How did you guess?”

  “I have a brother. We ate at that place after every lacrosse game in high school and college.” She should stop this now. She was having a civil conversation with a man she’d sworn to hate, and when he found out who she was, he was going to be mad.

  “It’s definitely boy heaven.” He flicked his thumb against his hand. “Would you give me your number?”

  “Pretty brave. I know you’re a military man so I should be able to trust you, but I might be a mass murderer for all you know.” He had no way of knowing the full-extent of her lying tongue—she never trusted a man she didn’t know.

  He laughed. “I think I could handle a little thing like you.”

  “Hmm.” She arched her eyebrows. Ah, and just like that the cocky man she’d expected to loathe surfaced. “If you’re willing to risk your life, I’m game. Shall we meet in a public, well-lit place to keep you safe?” The type of place she met all her dates. She knew this date was never going to happen, but it was just too fun to tease him.

  His grin crinkled the skin around his eyes. “You name it and I’ll be there. Do you live in Salt Lake?”

  “Park City actually. Home for a couple of months then I’m going back to L.A. to finish my doctorate degree.”

  “Impressive. What’s your degree in?”

  Sage appeared and wrapped her arm around Levi’s waist. “You officially met Caylee.”

  Caylee hadn’t even noticed her coming, so wrapped up in this guy’s handsome mug, and actually having fun flirting with him.

  “Caylee?” Levi’s eyes darted from his sister to Caylee then back again. His brow squiggled. “Cam’s sister?”

  Caylee curtsied and grinned at him. “In the flesh.”

  Sage smiled encouragingly. “I’m so glad you two are getting along. Thank you. It means a lot to Cam and me that you become friends.”

  Levi’s eyes had narrowed, but he gave Sage a squeeze and muttered, “Yeah, sure. Caylee and I are going to be great friends.”

  Sage’s smile widened. “Your luggage is here. You all ready to go?”

  “Sure.” Levi was completely focused on Caylee’s face. “We’ll be right there.”

  She looked uncertainly between the two of them then walked back to where Cam and her parents had all the suitcases between them.

  Caylee moved to dart around Levi, but he caught her arm. She glanced up, his blue eyes were sparking fire at her. “You knew who I was.”

  She shrugged. “Kind of hard to miss the famous and hoity-toity Captain Levi Turner.”

  He released her arm, but stayed in her personal space. Why did he have to smell like citrus and the ocean? Who smelled good after being on an airplane that long?

  “There’s the Caylee that I’ve known I would love to hate.”

  She gave him an imperious grin. Her thoughts exactly. “It’s going to be so joyous hanging out with you at all the family parties and exchanging snide remarks.”

  His eyebrows arched up. “You hope you get that privilege. I have to give my approval of Cam first.”

  Caylee’s stomach tightened. She pressed up on her tiptoes and got into his face. “Don’t you dare ruin Cam and Sage’s happiness because you just can’t help yourself acting like a dipwad. You try it and you’ll have me to deal with.”

  He smirked at her. “What’s a model-looking pipsqueak like you going to do to me?”

  “Just you wait. I’ve got tricks up my sleeve you’ve never seen before.”

  He chuckled and it ticked her off. “Tricks I believe, but I doubt their effectiveness.”

  “Don’t turn your back, pretty boy.”

  He laughed louder still. “I won’t. Oh, and forgive my massive brain lapse in asking you out. I’d rather do another tour in Afghanistan than go out with a feisty, bratty woman.”

  “You would only be so lucky to have a chance with someone like me.” Even as she said it her insides were tumbling. She used to dream of finding a man who she could love, but that ship had sunk and she was perfectly happy with her life. Especially happy to not be dating a jerk like Levi.

  “Lucky.” He chuckled drily. “That’s right. The man who has to endure you for a lifetime is one lucky sucker.”

  “Cay?” Cam’s voice came from behind Levi. “Everything okay?”

  Caylee gave Levi one more haughty look then scooted around him. The sight of her burly older brother helped her find her inner peace again. Levi had no power over her and she could only pray that he wouldn’t jeopardize her brother’s happiness.

  “Yeah. Ready to go eat a slab of cow?” Caylee asked.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Cam grinned at her then focused on Levi. “Sage and I really hope you two will become good friends.” The slightly veiled threat was there in his voice and steely gaze and Caylee loved him for it. He wouldn’t put up with Levi treating her like crap, even though this loser was going to be his future brother-in-law.

  Levi smiled tightly. “I’m looking forward to that, too.”

  Caylee rolled her eyes at him from behind Cam’s back and hurried away to find Sage. Cam could deal with Levi and she would just try to stay far away from him.

  Levi watched Cam’s sister throughout their meal at In ‘n Out Burger. She was absolutely breathtaking with her deep blue eyes, heart-shaped face, smooth, tanned skin, and crazy curls that were brown, gold, a
nd red. Her hair fit her personality—wild and unaccommodating. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t recognized her and had been so taken in by her next to the drinking fountain at the airport. She must’ve been laughing at him on the inside. His stomach tightened and he vowed to get back at her.

  He forced his eyes away from her and sank his teeth into his second double-double burger—onions, meat, special sauce—it all blended together perfectly. He’d definitely missed American food. He glanced across the table at his parents, quietly taking in the conversation. He’d missed them more than the food, but it ripped at him that his dad seemed to have shrunken over the past eighteen months with his illness.

  Sage lifted her left hand to wipe some hair from her face and the large square diamond on her ring finger sent a wave of apprehension through him. Sage getting married? She grinned at her fiancé and leaned closer to him. They looked like a happy couple, but was this guy really worthy of Levi’s sister? Especially with Cam’s sister being a complete brat? Why should Sage have to put up with a sister-in-law like Caylee her entire life?

  “So.” Levi inclined his chin toward Sage’s finger. “I thought I had to give approval before you got engaged.”

  Cam wrapped an arm around Sage and smiled. “We decided it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission.”

  Levi didn’t laugh along with his parents and Sage.

  Caylee’s eyes darkened to midnight blue and narrowed at him. “What right do you have to determine someone’s happiness?”

  The table went silent.

  “My sister’s happiness is all I care about,” Levi returned evenly. He stayed focused on Caylee. Always keep the enemy in your sights.

  “And my brother makes her happy.” She folded her arms across her chest and Levi was temporarily distracted. He’d been around women in uniform for too long. V-neck shirts were really nice-looking. He forced himself to focus back on her face.