At First Spark (The Spark Brothers Book 4) Read online

  “Genetics, of course.” Her eyes sparkled in the glow of the street lamp next to the car. “I’ve always been interested in genetics, how traits are inherited, things like that.”

  “Do you know much about your birth parents?” The way Danica furrowed her brows made him wonder if this was a sensitive topic. “You don’t have to answer if it’s too personal.”

  “No, I don’t mind. It’s just that I’m not used to talking about them. I really don’t know anything about who they are. Someone dropped me off at the fire station shortly after I was born. I was wrapped in a pink blanket and there was a note attached to me that said, please take care of my baby. They only left this ring.” She held up her hand to show him a gold band holding a green stone. “I used to wonder all the time about them, and if I might have siblings out there. When I was a kid, I would go around looking for similarities in people I saw at school or the store or the library. Half the time I was convinced I’d found my birth parents or a sister or brother. I basically thought any adult or child with blond hair and blue eyes was related to me.” She scoffed softly. “Pretty silly, huh?”

  Darren shook his head. The sadness in her eyes made him want to reach out and wrap her up in his arms. “Not at all,” he reassured her. “If anything, it’s really normal. It’s human to want to belong. Do you think you’d ever want to look for them? I know you don’t have much to go on, but maybe someone at the fire station saw something that day. Was it one in the area? I could ask around, if you like.”

  “It was station number five in Mountain View. My parents already tried; there were no leads to go on. But I did a DNA test a couple of weeks ago, the kind where you mail in a tube of your saliva. I’m hoping to find a distant relative, like a cousin, who could help me.” She paused to twist the ring around her finger. “You’re actually the first person I’ve told about the test.”

  Darren blinked in surprise. “I am?”

  “I didn’t want to make it a big deal in case I don’t find any matches. I’m not sure why I told you. I guess after we had our last conversation about wanting to adopt, I feel like we’re kindred spirits. Like Anne and Matthew from Anne of Green Gables.” Cocking her head to one side, she asked, “Your mom didn’t happen to read that series to you, did she?”

  “I’m afraid not. But I think I know how you feel. Talking to you is like talking to an old friend.”

  “Yes, exactly. Like a friend I’ve known—”

  “All your life? That’s how it feels for me, too,” he admitted with a shy smile.

  The grin she gave him in return warmed him to the core. And that’s when Darren knew he was falling hard for Danica, and the very thought made his heart ache. It was going to be a very hard evening to get through without becoming more attached.

  Chapter Ten

  Danica

  Danica had never had a better date in her life, and she had Darren to thank for it. After they had gotten a table and ordered their meals—two full plates of baby back ribs, buttered corn, and loaded mashed potatoes—their conversation had flowed just as easily as it had in the car. They were seated at a cozy table in a far corner, one of five surrounding a stage and a small dance floor. Despite the noise of the restaurant filled with couples on dates, the spot gave them a secluded place to chat.

  Kindred spirits, indeed. Danica couldn’t believe how patient and kind Darren was; he was such a good listener. She looked down at her still half-full plate of food and realized she’d been so busy talking, she had forgotten to eat. Meanwhile, Darren’s plate was empty, except for a few traces of thick brown barbecue sauce.

  A server came by to refill their water glasses. Danica noticed the young woman’s gaze linger on Darren, but was happy to see him still focused on her and their conversation. “It’s my turn to ask the questions now, if you don’t mind,” Danica suggested. “You need to do the talking, so I can do the eating.”

  Darren chuckled and pushed his plate to the side of their square table. “I’ve been talking, too. I’m just used to wolfing down my food. At the firehouse, there’s always a chance the alarm will sound in the middle of a meal. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up my fork and had to drop it when a call came in. You learn to eat fast after that.”

  “That sounds so different from working in a bookstore. We’re all about peace and quiet. I can’t imagine having to drop everything and rush out the door at a moment’s notice.” She paused to chew her food and quietly admire the man sitting across from her. “What made you decide to become a firefighter? Were you one of those kids who liked to play with matches?” she asked, half-joking. “Or do you like the adrenaline rush?”

  He cracked a smile. “It’s going to sound silly, but I loved fire engines as a kid, how big and red they are and how their siren sounds. When my class took a field trip to the fire station in second grade, I fell in love with the idea of fighting fires. I’d always been good at sports and physical things like climbing walls at home. It was cool to find out there was a job where I could use my physical strength to help people.”

  Danica’s jaw dropped. “Wait, did you say you climbed walls? Like Spiderman? How does that work?”

  “No, nothing like Spiderman. In my parents’ house growing up, there was a doorway downstairs that was about two feet wide. I’d put my feet on either side of the walls starting at the bottom and push myself up with my hands, all the way to the ceiling. I figured it out on my own when I was four. By the time I was nine, though, I’d outgrown the doorway, and moved on to gymnastics. Then I started trying parkour in high school, which freaked out my poor mom.”

  “Isn’t that where you run around and bounce off different objects, like walls and railings?”

  “And jump off roofs and try to land on the ground in one piece? Yeah, that’s why my mom was actually happy I decided to go to the fire academy. Being a firefighter can be dangerous, but you at least have a crew to watch out for you. We all have each other’s backs, whether we’re at the station or on a call.”

  “I bet you have to. You actually live with your coworkers half the time. You guys must be really close.”

  “We are. You can’t help it. I see them more than my brothers, except for Colin since we live together. But that’s going to change once he moves out when he and Candy get married.”

  “Then your place will be empty almost half the week. Too bad you can’t just live at the station. Then you wouldn’t have to pay rent.”

  Darren pursed his lips and shook his head. “As nice as it would be to save some money, it wouldn’t be a good idea. For one thing, there aren’t enough beds for everyone. And to be honest, the job takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, and mentally. After a shift, we all can’t wait to get leave and have a quiet place to go to.”

  “Of course, that makes complete sense. It’s such a taxing job, much more stressful than a lot of other careers. I was totally joking about living at the station, by the way.”

  “I know.” One corner of his mouth tilted up. “The job does take a lot out of you, but I love it. I feel like it’s what God created me to do.”

  Danica’s chest twinged. For a split second, she spotted a weariness in Darren’s eyes that betrayed just how much pressure he faced at work. She suddenly realized she had no idea how strong he must be—inside and out—to be able to handle the work of a firefighter. But even he admitted to needing time away from the job. “Do you hang out with your firefighter buddies outside of work? I’m just wondering if there are people you can talk to, to decompress with.”

  “Most of the guys are married with families, so they’re busy taking their kids to practices or lessons on their days off. Brandon’s always good at listening, but he has less time now that he’s got his own family. It’s the same with Aiden, Colin, and Evan now that they’re all in serious relationships.” Crumpling a used napkin in his hand, Darren shrugged. “It’s okay though. I’m more of an introvert anyway. I don’t mind some silence for now. I figure things will be a lot n
oisier and busier once I have a family. I actually just signed up for an orientation to find out about getting licensed as a foster parent. It’s on the day before we leave for our bachelor/bachelorette trip.”

  “Oh.” Danica cocked her head, unsure if she was understanding Darren correctly. “Wait, are you thinking of fostering soon?”

  Darren smiled, his deep brown eyes lighting up. “The sooner, the better. I know I still need to figure out the logistics of it all, like who’ll take care of the child while I’m at work, but maybe I could do some short-term assignments on my days off. I have the time; why let it go to waste? If I can even provide a safe place for a child to stay for a night or two, I’d love to do that. God’s given me so much, I want to share it with others.”

  Warmth bubbled up in Danica’s chest as she regarded Darren. Could this guy be any more amazing? Everything she’d thought about him was right. He was one of the most giving and kind people she’d ever met, second to her parents. How was it that no one had snatched him up yet? “I can’t believe you’re still single. Women love men in uniform, but you’re not just hot, you have a big heart as well.”

  Darren’s jaw went slack with surprise.

  “Oh my goodness, did I just say that out loud?” Danica covered her face with her hands. The heat from her cheeks confirmed she had once again stuck her foot in her mouth. She was probably as red as a fire engine. Peeking out between her fingers, she saw Darren smiling good-naturedly at her. There was no judgment in his eyes, only amusement. She set her hands down on her lap and faced him squarely, knowing there was no hiding at this point. “I meant you’re very handsome.”

  He shook his head. “That’s nice of you to say, but Evan’s the one people call hot. That’s why the paparazzi follow him around and his face is all over those supermarket tabloids.”

  She shook her head at his humility. “You might not realize it, but you have your own paparazzi as well. You know our server? She’s been looking over at you all night. I bet you as soon as you finish your water, she’ll be over here to refill it before you can even put your cup down.”

  “What? No,” he protested, “that’s crazy. Here, I’ll prove you wrong.” He picked up his glass and downed the rest of the liquid in one gulp. Just as he was about to set it next to his plate, their server rushed up and took it from him.

  “More water?” The leggy brunette flashed a bright grin Darren’s way as she poured more water for him from her plastic pitcher. She ignored Danica, only turning toward her when Danica cleared her throat and held up her glass. With a much less enthusiastic smile, the server filled Danica’s water before moving on from their table.

  As soon as the young woman was out of hearing range, Danica leaned across the table to whisper, “See, I told you! Do you believe me now?”

  Darren shook his head, the corners of his eyes creasing as he smirked. “I don’t know, Danica. She filled your glass, too.”

  “Only after I finally got her attention.” She gave him a pointed look, knowing he couldn’t argue with her about that point. “She was so wrapped up in helping you, she forgot I was sitting here. If she had the last pitcher of water on earth, you can bet she’d give it to you and leave me high and dry—literally.”

  At this statement, Darren burst out laughing. “Don’t worry. I’d share it with you, every last drop.”

  “I know you would.” Danica’s heart skipped a beat as their gazes locked. For a second, the room stilled as if they were somehow removed from all the conversations going on around them. It was like how romance novels described time stopping when two characters connected on an emotional level. That was her and Darren in this moment, the two of them oblivious to all that was going on around them.

  It wasn’t until Danica heard the booming rhythm of the bass that she realized the other customers had quieted down. The cover band was taking their place on stage. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw five men in their forties, wearing matching blue blazers, pick up their microphones and introduce themselves to the crowd. Soon after, they began playing a popular Backstreet Boys song, one where the man pledged to never break the girl’s heart.

  Maybe it was the nostalgic music or the tenderness in Darren’s eyes, but something in Danica prompted her to stand up and offer her hand. “Want to dance?”

  His eyes widened in surprise before he rose to meet her. He led her from their table to the dance floor where several middle-aged couples were already holding each other closely. They squeezed into an empty spot and faced each other. Darren gazed at her tenderly, but hesitation flickered across his face.

  Danica squeezed his hand, which prompted him to pull her toward him. She took a step, then two, until she was close enough to feel the heat emanating from his body. He lifted her hand up to his neck, leaving it there so he could circle his arms around her waist. She brought her other hand up to rest on his broad shoulder.

  They swayed like this, flush against each other, as the singers crooned along to the strumming of a guitar. Peering up into his face, she was taken aback by the intensity in his dark brown eyes. After a moment, his hold on her tightened, his large hands pressing along the small of her back.

  His chest expanded and contracted against hers. She sensed his breathing pick up speed—or maybe it was her own. Everything within Danica moved with an unstoppable rush—her thoughts, her pulse, and the butterflies in her stomach. The air between them intensified with warmth and anticipation as Darren’s gaze dropped to her mouth. She leaned forward slightly. Was he going to kiss her?

  Chapter Eleven

  Darren

  Darren couldn’t believe he was holding Danica in his arms. His entire body heated from feeling her soft curves against his torso. She was close, oh-so close. Close enough for him to see the golden halo surrounding her irises, reminding him of a brilliant sunflower against the backdrop of a blue-gray sky. Her feminine scent was exactly like that image—warm, sweet, and soothing.

  It was one of those “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” moments, where he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her beauty. A hint of pink in the apples of her cheeks added a lovely glow to her creamy complexion. His gaze traveled down the curve of her cheekbones to where the top of her lips dipped to form a delicate cupid’s bow. Her breath came out in quick bursts, drawing him near with its warmth.

  Darren knew he was treading a dangerous, thin line. He shouldn’t be touching Danica, much less thinking about kissing her. And boy, was he thinking about that. How easy it would be to lower his head a few inches. How it would feel to brush his lips across hers. Could he? Should he?

  Kissing her would mean crossing the friendship line; there would be no going back after that. Kissing Danica would open up the floodgates currently holding back all the passion and longing in his heart. Longing for someone who was literally in his grasp, but who also felt like she could slip out of his reach at any moment.

  His gaze moved from her mouth up to her eyes. Emotions warred within him, like two equal weights, barely tipping the scale in any one direction. He couldn’t make up his mind which way to go. How was it that he could make a split-second decision when he was fighting a fire, but he couldn’t decide whether or not to kiss Danica? Probably because his life didn’t depend on it. But his heart sure felt like it did. He reasoned with himself to hold back—that was the only way to protect himself from rejection and disappointment—yet his body seemed to have a will of its own.

  Without planning to, Darren reached up and brushed a lock of hair from Danica’s cheek. His fingers grazed her smooth, warm skin, feeling a slight tingle at the touch. He let his hand linger there, not wanting to break off contact so soon. Danica must have felt the same because she tilted her head to rest against his palm. Her eyes lit up, making them look more blue than gray, like the color of cool, refreshing water. The air between them, though, was hot and charged. Everything in him wanted to give into his desire to run his thumb along her full lower lip.

  Completely mesmerized, Darren didn’
t realize his steps had slowed to a complete stop until Danica, who was still moving, stepped on his foot. The pressure didn’t faze him, but her rosy cheeks and wide eyes caught his attention.

  “I’m so sorry!” she burst out, wincing. She straightened her posture, lifting her head from his hand. “Did I hurt you?”

  Yes, he wanted to answer, because now that Darren knew what it felt like to hold Danica in his arms, it pained him to think of how it would feel once he let go. But he shook his head and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. I barely felt anything.”

  She ducked her head and mumbled into his chest, “I’m supposed to be showing you how to dance, and here I am, stepping all over you.”

  “Hey, it’s no big deal.” He brought a hand under her chin, lifting it until she met his gaze. He was surprised to see her close to tears. “Danica, please don’t feel bad. I’m okay, really.”

  She sniffled, her eyes filled with regret. “I know, but …”

  “But what?”

  “It’s … it’s nothing.” She sighed. “I’m being silly, that’s all.”

  He frowned. This wasn’t like Danica at all. She was usually an open book. What could be bothering her? With a gentle tone, he encouraged her to speak. “I’m sure whatever it is, it’s not silly. Tell me.”