Page 1 of Torch’s Wildfire

Chapter 1

Madison

“Jackpot.”

I grin at the narrow gap beneath the window.

Three days.

Three freaking days of driving out to this cabin, freezing my ass off, and contemplating every questionable decision that led me here.

Three days of trying every damn door and window without success.

And now, finally, a window that's not locked.

“It's about damn time.”

I glance toward the empty driveway before sliding my fingers beneath the frame. The window sticks for a moment, then moves upward with a faint squeak.

Beautiful.

Now, if I can just squeeze my ass through without getting stuck, we'll be in business.

I push the window higher and eye the kitchen counter on the other side.

This would've been considerably easier if I'd worn leggings instead of tailored trousers. But when I got dressed this morning, breaking into a stranger's cabin wasn't exactly on my schedule.

Well, it was. I just hadn't expected to succeed.

“Come on, Madison. You've got this.”

I hoist myself onto the sill, get one leg inside, and immediately regret every cookie I've eaten since Christmas.

My hip catches against the frame.

“Oh, you've got to be kidding me.”

A little wiggling, one very undignified grunt, and a near-death experience involving my left shoe later, I tumble into the kitchen.

I land on both feet.

Mostly.

“Ten out of ten.”

My mother would've killed me.

The thought wipes the smile off my face.

Six months since Teresa Compton left this world, and I still catch myself imagining the lectures she'd give me.

This one would've been spectacular.

I straighten my coat and glance around.

For a man whose reputation practically screams trouble, Torch keeps a surprisingly welcoming kitchen.

Well, welcoming might be stretching it.