The closeness of Dan’s voice took me by surprise. My drifting off worrying about the fire was dangerous if it meant I wasn’t paying attention. “Sure thing,” I answered, hoping he hadn’t seen my small jolt. I angled towards the man at my side, my heart stuttering once more, but this time in reaction to him flicking his attention briefly to my mouth.
I daren’t hope that it was the universal sign for wanting a kiss. That could only lead to humiliation and heartbreak. Plus, this was so not the time. I seriously needed to get my head on straight.
“You stay safe too.” I managed a grin before stepping away from him and bounding towards the house in search of Mum.
“That you, Ross?” Mum called out as soon as my boots thudded on the hallway floorboards.
“Yep. Where do you need me?”
Mum proceeded to set me to task. We were still planning to secure the property should the fire edge closer, but she wanted to prepare should they need to evacuate too.
Fifteen minutes into loading the car with some files, I headed outside to see if Craig needed help. As I made my way towards him and Dan while they secured hoses to Dad’s water tanker, which was by far older than I was, my attention was diverted to the driveway and the oncoming vehicle.
Dad was home.
