Make Me Burn

by Marie Harte

  “You’d be surprised.”

  “Not really. I have talked to a lot of people in this city.”

  “I guess you have.” They smiled at each other.

  The waiter brought their drinks and food, and they dug in.

  “So, what about you?” he asked.

  “No, we’re not done with you. I find your job fascinating. First of all, you run into fire, not away from it.”

  “Not exactly.” He tensed, wondering if this was where she would dig for the secrets she’d once tried to find.

  “You get what I mean. It’s a dangerous job. I’ve met you and your friends. You all work together and spend time together outside of work too. They seem like great guys, but don’t you get sick of each other?”

  He relaxed, realizing she really didn’t want to pry into his history, not like that. And suddenly he liked that she wanted to know more about him. “Yeah, we do. But it’s like family. You love ’em, but you don’t always like them.”

  She nodded.

  “I’ve been with Reggie, Mack, and Tex for years. We all bonded pretty fast because we fight fires, but also because we were all in the military. We know what it’s like to go from the military to the civilian world to public service. Reggie’s pretty chill. Tex is funny. We usually get paired together when we go out. Mack is a trip, but he can get on my last nerve.”

  “Why?” She munched on nachos, her attention like a laser beam, focused on him.

  She made him nervous, which surprised him, and he had to work not to bounce his knee. “He just knows how to hit where it counts.”

  Avery laughed. “I like him and the other guys. I was kind of annoyed when you ruined my maybe-date with Tex at the festival.”

  “Is that right?” Jealousy struck hard and fast.

  “But that was before. Now it would just be awkward. Tex would want to know how he stacked up to you, and I’d have to tell him that no one can compete with the mighty Brad Battle.”

  “Nice save.”

  “I don’t want to hurt your ego more than I have to.”

  “Have to?”

  “You’re a handsome firefighter. A pussy magnet, I’ve heard said.”

  He nearly choked on his beer hearing that.

  “Crass but true. Meanwhile, I’m just a lowly reporter who attracts horny animals. I can’t compete with all that.” She waved at his body.

  “Aren’t you funny?”

  She grinned, and a dimple popped. “I really am.”

  “And clumsy.” He chuckled. “I can’t thank Banana enough for humping your leg.”

  “Brad.”

  “Him and fake dog poop. Man, do we have a great first-meet story or what?”

  She sighed. “We met a long time before that.”

  “I know, but I like our second version better.”

  She softened. “Me too.”

  He leaned over and kissed her.

  She stared, wide-eyed. “What was that for?”

  “Because I can?”

  “Okay, new subject, because if you keep looking at me like that, we’ll end up back at your place playing hide the sausage and I won’t have finished my beer.”

  He cracked up. “You have a way with words, Avery.”

  She smirked. “So I’ve been told. What do you like to do for fun, Brad? And don’t say sex.”

  He opened and closed his mouth, earning more laughter. “Fine. Well, that’s a tough one. I guess I like working out. And not just because I have to for the job, but because it makes me feel good. I’ve tried a lot of hobbies over the years, but not a lot sticks. Mack loves cars. Reggie is really into donating his time.”

  “His time?”

  “Yeah, to Pets Fur Life, kids in need, that kind of thing.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah. I don’t know how he does it. I tried a while ago, but I got so drained. I need more me-time, if that makes sense.”

  “It does.”

  Brad nodded. “Tex likes working out and fixing up his house. Crafty things. I’m pretty simple by comparison, I guess.”

  “You’re like me, trying to find something that’s just yours that’s not work-related.”

  “Yeah.” He finished his beer and drank water. “Fighting fires is a way of life, a lot like the military. There’s a lot of sacrifice, some danger, but that feeling of making a difference. I love it. But sometimes it leaves little left for me at the end of the day.”

  She swirled her bottled, watching him. “What I do isn’t making much of a difference, is it?”

  “Wait. That’s not what I meant at all.”

  “No, it’s okay. I think about it all the time.” She sighed. “I have always liked writing. My dad’s a big-name journalist who’s won a ton of awards for his dedication to the truth. He’s been all over the world, in wartime, scouting major crime, threats to countries. You name it, he’s done it.”

  He’d have to look the guy up.

  “His name is Lennox King.”

  Brad blinked. “I’ve seen him on TV.” Avery wasn’t kidding. Her dad was famous when it came to serious news.

  She wore a long face. “I grew up idolizing the man. Then when I showed some potential for reporting—and heck, I liked it back then—he was so proud of me. I wrote in high school and college, but I didn’t like digging into people’s lives. Sometimes I don’t want the truth, you know? And that’s anathema to my dad. He doesn’t understand anything but going after a goal and achieving it.” She paused. “That’s why I was all over you for that interview back then. More to please my dad than the paper, if you want the truth. And I have to say I did a great job.”

  He gave her a sour look. “I know. I couldn’t leave my house without someone telling me how great I was for months.”

  “You’re welcome.” She sighed. “But ever after that, my dad was always pushing me to find the next big story. Hell, he was mad I went so easy on you, wanting me to keep digging until I struck some real dirt.” She must have seen the caution on his face because she hurried to say, “I kept on with the serious reporting for another year, but my heart wasn’t in it. I hated it, started hating myself.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I wasn’t being me.” She gave a self-deprecating smile. “I’m a puppies and festivals girl. I like sharing stories about the wolf man spotted in Fremont, about the haunted house in Green Lake, the alien sightings in Magnolia.”

  “In Magnolia, eh?”

  They shared a smile.

  “I like sharing positive news. Life can be so ugly sometimes. I want to share the good stuff, the stories that make people laugh.” She looked so earnest, and he saw the real Avery under the film of her past. “Seeing how awful you felt after I kept bugging you for a story was one of the most miserable things I’ve ever done. And that made my dad proud.” She huffed. “I told you I have issues—daddy issues. I’m never going to make that man happy, and it kills me. I’m an only child. I have one dad, one mom, and a small family on my mom’s side that I never see. I still feel like a kid wondering what I’m going to be when I grow up.” She paused, picked at the nachos, and shook her head. “I’m sorry I told you all that. I didn’t mean to.”

  “I feel you,” he said to make her feel better, believing her. Hell, believing in her. “Parents can be tough. My dad died when I was seven. A Marine who was on a mission and never came home. My brother never knew him, but my mom has spent the time since grieving him. I love her, but sometimes I don’t like her. I can’t rely on her for much because I don’t want to burden her. She’s so damn frail I feel like the wrong word will break her.”

  “That’s rough.”

  “Yeah, and Oscar has had his own share of issues.”

  “No way. Gerty says he’s a saint.”

  “Oscar?” Brad had to laugh. “Oh, hell no. He’s a great guy,
but he’s far from perfect.”

  “Good. Perfect would be wasted on Gerty.”

  They paused to drink, and he ordered another beer. “Do you still want to make your dad proud?”

  “Yes, and I hate that I do. My mom gives me unconditional love, and that should be enough.”

  “But it’s not.” He nodded. “I keep wanting my mom to be someone she’s not. I want her to be more like her girlfriend. Her lover,” he clarified, in case Avery didn’t understand.

  She just nodded.

  He didn’t mean to pour it out, but the anger had been festering for so long. “Rochelle moved next door to us back when I was a teenager. She and Mom became close friends, then more than that. Rochelle helped me when I needed it. She’s a licensed therapist, and it’s a natural fit. There’s just something about her that calms you. She’s an amazing woman. So strong and caring. And she’s been in love with my mother for over a decade. But my mom won’t acknowledge her. It’s so fucking weird. We all know they’re a couple. Rochelle practically lives at our house. But Mom won’t come out and admit it. It drives me insane.”

  “That’s got to be tough.”

  “Yeah. What makes it worse is that Rochelle is understanding and kind about it. She says not to force Mom to admit anything. But I love her. I’m not ashamed of her.”

  Avery sighed. “Shut up.”

  He was taken aback. “What?”

  “Quit being so perfect.”

  It took a moment before he realized she meant it. “You think I’m perfect?”

  “Not always, but right now, yes.” Her eyes warmed. “You love your family, and by family, I mean your mom, brother, Rochelle, and the guys. You’re real. I like that.”

  “Real. Yeah. That’s you too.” He caressed her cheek, feeling as if right now, he knew her. He dropped his hand to hold hers beneath the table. “You’re kind of geeky, you’re clumsy, you hogged the nachos—”

  “Hey.”

  “—and you slurp when you drink coffee.”

  “Only early in the morning,” she qualified.

  “You make me laugh. I smile when I think about you. Especially because you’re funny and sexy and don’t seem to realize it.”

  She blushed. “Yeah, sure. I’m awesome.”

  He heard her disbelief and couldn’t understand how he could see what she couldn’t. “You’re also a pain in the ass, and you don’t let me get away with much.”

  She frowned. “Should I?”

  “No.” His smile widened, seeing her confusion. “Avery, it’s easy to find people who’ll tell you what you want to hear because they want something. A story, sex, attention. You’ve been nothing but difficult since I met you.”

  “Thanks a lot.” She looked miffed.

  “I see you, and I want you. I didn’t want to like you, but I do. You confuse me, and I find myself intrigued instead of put off.” Under the table, he brushed her hand over his crotch, so she could know he spoke the truth, and leaned closer to whisper, “Tonight, I wanted nothing more than to take you from your place back to mine and watch you come.”

  She cleared her throat. “Oh, um, right.” Avery grabbed her beer and finished the rest. “Wow. You’re good at the sex talk, Battle.”

  He loved her off-balance. “I’m even better at the sex act.”

  “Okay, I need another beer.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t get too loopy. We have things to do later tonight.”

  “Only if your brother doesn’t blow it with my roommate.”

  “Trust me, he won’t.” Because if he does, I will personally serve his head to his ass and take pictures.

  * * *

  “Is Klingon asleep?” Oscar asked.

  Gerty nodded. “I just put him down. He’s so cute.” The little golden/setter mix had stolen her heart the first moment she’d looked into his big brown eyes. Born without a front leg, he’d been dumped by his breeder and rejected by the adoptive family when they’d found a “better” puppy for their son.

  But Gerty had known. Klingon belonged to her. She’d fostered her share of pets, all of whom she’d loved. But not like Klingon.

  She felt so warm when she looked at him.

  A lot like the way she felt when she looked at Oscar Battle.

  She wanted to keep them both.

  Silly, since she had never fallen in insta-love with anyone. But talking to Oscar showed how much they both had in common. From loving science fiction and fantasy to eating pizza with ranch dip and reading books backward to know the ending before the beginning. He liked anime. He had a thing for animals, and he loved his mom.

  All traits Gerty found highly encouraging.

  “Gerty, dinner was amazing.” Oscar smiled at her.

  She smiled back, waiting. Should she make her move now? Later? Maybe snuggle closer and gradually cop a feel during a movie?

  His smile faded. “I have to tell you something.” He sounded serious.

  “Okay.” She sat on the floor, her legs crossed, her elbows on her knees.

  He sat on the couch, leaning toward her. Close but not nearly close enough. “I really like you.”

  She waited for the bomb to drop. “Are you married?”

  “What? No.” He appeared genuinely taken aback.

  Thank God. “I like you too.”

  He frowned. Oscar did look a good bit like his brother, which at first had weirded Gerty out. She and Avery had never gone after the same guy. And after what Brad had done to her roommate years ago, Gerty had not been inclined to like him or his family. But Oscar was different.

  “I just thought, before this goes any further…” Oscar stood and paced, a towering hunk of nerves.

  “Oscar, just say what’s on your confusing man-brain.”

  He gave her searching look and grinned. “Watch who you’re calling confusing, short stuff.”

  “Oh, snappy comeback.”

  He chuckled. “Damn it. I’m trying to tell you something.” Pause. “I’m an alcoholic.”

  She needed to process that one. “Is that why you don’t drink?”

  “Yep. Been sober for eighteen months, two weeks, and six days. And yes, I keep count. I broke up with my girlfriend a few months ago. She was cheating on me, so I bailed. I live with my mom now, not because I have to but because I haven’t done much to find a new place. She needs some help around the house, and I’ve been lazy about getting a new apartment because of it.” He swallowed, his face seeming to pale. “I want you like crazy, but I’m done with lying and fucking around.”

  “Fucking around?”

  He flushed. “Not literally. I mean, with saying what people want to hear. I’m all about honesty. I can’t ever drink again.”

  “I drank around you.”

  “It’s okay if you do.” He wore a smile. “But never for me. And no drugs, ever. I’m not into that scene.”

  “Me either. I don’t even drink much, honestly. Only socially.” She studied him. “So, I have to know, when I stripped naked last week, did you want me?”

  He groaned and crossed to sit next to her on the floor. “Like you can’t believe.”

  “Do you want me now?”

  He glanced down at himself. She followed his sight and blushed. “Oh.”

  “Yeah, oh,” he said drily. “Does what I said bother you?”

  “Should it?”

  “I take life day by day. I’m far from perfect.”

  “Thank God. You being all nice and polite was driving me nuts.”

  He laughed, and Gerty felt the warmth all the way to her bones.

  Time to go big or go home. And she was already home. Big it is. “Can I take you to bed now, or do you have any other dark skeletons rattling around?”

  “If I tell you I’m just using you to get to Klingon, will that break the mood?” />
  “No, but will it kill you to know I’m adopting him? And I’m still fostering other animals when they need help.”

  He smiled. “Then I have to stick around.”

  “Hooked by my body, snagged by my puppy.”

  “Confession time. I can’t look at you and not see you naked.”

  “Oh, good. Then it’s my turn.” Gerty urged them both to stand and waited until Oscar had completely undressed. She whistled softly. “Holy shit, I hit the mother lode.”

  He stepped forward, and she put a hand to his chest to stop him. “Wait. One question.”

  In a gritty voice, he said, “Make it fast.”

  “How do you feel about cybersex?”

  “As a human or an otherworldly creature? Because I think orcs are sexy.”

  “Good answer.”

  * * *

  Much later, Gerty hugged Oscar under the covers of her bed. “Do you think we’re the only ones getting lucky tonight?”

  “If my brother has any game, then no. But we agreed—we never tell them this was a setup.”

  She linked her little finger with his. “Pinkie promise.”

  Oscar turned to her with a thoughtful look on his face. “So, about that cybersex. Can we do it in real life while also in the virtual world?”

  Gerty leaped out of bed and returned with a set of virtual goggles. “Let’s try it and see.”

  Turned out they could, and orcs really did do it better.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Avery sat with Brad at his place, wondering what he meant with the mood music and wine. “Trying to get me sloppy drunk to take advantage of me?”

  He snorted. “Please. All I have to do is whip off my shirt and you’re drooling for it.”

  She grinned, liking their dynamic. After sharing so much she hadn’t intended to at the bar, she’d been worried she’d gone too fast. But Brad seemed to soften toward her, no longer looking at her as if he wanted her one minute and distrusted her the next.

  They were new, and this “relationship” would take time. What surprised Avery was her desire to try to make it work. Sex with Brad had been incredible. With any luck, it would be just as good tonight—that’s if she could stop thinking about it every five seconds. Honestly, she’d been raring to go since she’d touched him at the bar. Being with him alone at his apartment made it worse.