There's Trouble: A Friends to Lovers Romance

by Nadine Hudson

  “Did you set up the chairs?” I ask, trying to give him something else to do.

  “Yep. All set.”

  “Do you mind opening up those windows?” I ask motioning to the other side of the room desperate for him to just walk away. “It’s getting really hot in here with all the steam.”

  “Why don’t you just take your clothes off?” he murmurs to me as he walks toward the windows.

  Oh my God, Conner. I feel my whole body clench at his words. I know he’s just kidding but I can’t handle his jokes right now. He is completely twisting me up inside. Both emotionally and physically. I shudder again thinking about his words. Stop it, Brooke!

  ****

  Chief Joe and the rest of the crew arrive a few hours later. Everyone is sitting around talking when suddenly the room grows quiet. I turn in my chair and look to the door to see a perfect depiction of tall, dark, and handsome standing inside the door. His hair is almost black and stands up in a soft, dreamy mess on top of his head. He has serious dark eyes that give nothing away and just a hint of a five o’clock shadow. He is mouthwatering.

  His eyes meet mine and I immediately shift in my chair as a wave of heat runs through my blood. He smiles brightly at me revealing perfect teeth. I feel the blood rush to my face pinking my cheeks and I press my thighs together as a tingle rises in my stomach. He puts his head down in amusement as if he knows exactly what he just did to me. What the hell, Brooke? Get a hold of yourself.

  Chief Joe walks over and greets him, shaking his hand before turning to the rest of us.

  “Okay, everyone,” he says loudly and everyone turns to listen. “This is Ian Thompson, your new Captain.”

  I glance to Conner sitting across the table from me who sucks in a deep breath as Chief talks. I notice his muscles tense and watch his jaw do the same. I know he’s cursing Chief Joe out in his mind. Chief continues to ramble on about Ian’s many accomplishments but I struggle to pay attention. My eyes are fixed on Ian. I look him over and can’t help but be impressed by his build.

  He looks younger than what I was expecting. Late twenties, early thirties maybe? He’s wearing light blue jeans and a tight black t-shirt that exposes incredibly toned biceps. I thought only Conner could look that good in black? He smiles shyly looking around the room as Chief continues his introduction but when his eyes find mine again they stop. I can almost feel his eyes moving down my body as he looks me over and my breath hitches. Is he checking me out? I fidget with my hair and shift in my seat suddenly feeling very self-conscious.

  “So let’s give him a warm welcome,” Chief Joe finishes.

  “Thanks, Joe,” Ian starts to speak. His voice is deep and alluring and I can’t help but to hang on his every word. “I want you all to know that I take my responsibilities as your new Captain very seriously. It was not a decision that I took lightly and I gave it a lot of thought before accepting it. But now that I’m here and am meeting all of you,” he pauses and stares directly at me, “I’m really glad I did.”

  I smile back shyly and hold his gaze as a few people clap. Suddenly I feel a tap on my foot beneath the table and I look over to see Conner staring at me curiously then back at Ian. He’s leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed in front of him. Shit. Did he notice? My cheeks flush again.

  Feeling a bit flustered I get up from the table and go over to the counter to stir the bar-b-que as everyone lines up to eat. I finish stirring the last pot and put the spoon down on the counter. I’m startled as I look up and see Ian standing right in front of me. He smiles brightly.

  “Hi, I’m Ian,” he says, with his hands in his pockets.

  I quickly get lost in the depth of his dark, seductive eyes.

  “Hi.” I manage to get out.

  He smiles and raises his brows.

  “And you are?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Brooke,” I answer clumsily and feel my face flush again. Smooth, Brooke. Now get a fucking grip.

  “Are you the chef?” he asks motioning to all the crockpots.

  “Guilty,” I answer, fidgeting with my hair.

  “I could smell it as soon as I walked through the front door. You have a gift, Brooke.” He smiles at me and I feel my legs get wobbly. Why does my name sound so sexy on his lips?

  “She sure does,” Conner interrupts, putting his hand on the small of my back. Ohh no. Conner, please don’t do this. He could be my chance at happiness. Ian’s eyes flash to Conner’s hand and he shifts his posture standing a little taller. Suddenly, I feel like a slab of meat that’s been tossed on the ground between two lions. But then Ian smiles politely at Conner and holds out his hand. “You must be Conner Smoak. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  Conner looks him up and down before finally taking his hand and shaking it firmly. I release a breath I hadn’t realized I was even holding as I watch both of their muscles tense while they shake hands. For a moment I can’t help but think about how insanely hot they both are right now and a sensation is released below my waist.

  “Likewise,” Conner replies.

  “Well, don’t believe everything you’ve heard. I think Joe embellished a bit. I’m not nearly as impressive in person as I appear on paper,” Ian answers.

  Hmm...he’s humble too. That’s a trait Conner definitely doesn’t possess.

  “I don’t doubt that,” Conner retorts and I quickly backhand him in the chest.

  I can’t believe he just said that.

  “Well, I’m gonna grab something to eat,” Conner says quickly as he starts to turn away. “Brooke, I’ll grab you a plate.” I could tell by his tone it wasn’t a request.

  “Oh, perfect. Could you actually bring that down to this end, buddy?” Ian said pointing to the far end of the room. “I had a few questions left for Brooke. That is if that’s alright with you?” he asks, turning back to me and smiling.

  My face flushes again. “Uh, yeah, sure,” I reply surprised.

  “Questions about what?” Conner intervenes.

  Oh my God, Conner. STOP! I glare at him angrily.

  “Oh yano, just work stuff. Plus, if this bar-b-que tastes as good as it smells I may have to get the recipe,” Ian answers while smiling at me.

  “You cook?” Conner scoffs at him.

  “Of course. All real men should know how to cook. How else are they supposed to impress a pretty lady?” he grins at me again, but my eyes dart right to Conner to see how he’s going to react to Ian’s jab.

  Conner’s jaw clenches and I can tell he’s pissed. Ohh shit. I’ve got to separate these two before I drown in their testosterone.

  “Uhhh, Conner why don’t I come with you to grab a plate and Ian I’ll grab you one as well if you want to go save us two seats. I’ll be right over and you can ask me your questions,” I offer as politely as I can.

  “That’d be great. Thanks Brooke,” Ian says, turning and finding a seat at the table. I watch him walk away and a slight shiver runs up my spine. Damn that’s a good looking man.

  “What is your problem?” I ask, turning my attention back to Conner.

  “What’s my problem? That arrogant douchebag is my problem.”

  “Conner, he was nothing but nice and professional with you until you fired at him.”

  “Why are you defending him? You don’t even know this guy?”

  He was right. I didn’t know Ian but I wanted to. Ian seems sweet, confident, sexy, and isn’t Conner. He’s safe. He’s the healthy distraction I’ve been waiting for.

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t know him but he is our new Captain and I’d rather not get off on the wrong foot with him and I don’t want you to either.”

  “Ohh, I don’t think you could get off on the wrong foot with him if you tried,” Conner replies, rolling his eyes.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, trying to play dumb, but I already know the answer. He noticed me ogling Ian at the table and has picked up on Ian’s interest in me.

  “C’mon, Brooke. I know you’re
a blonde but you’re not fucking stupid.”

  I glance back over to the table where Ian is sitting waiting for me and I suddenly feel hopeful. Could Ian be the one who is finally able to break my connection to Conner? I know we just met and I’m getting ahead of myself but it’s comforting to entertain the thought.

  “Conner, even if that were the case I don’t see where the problem is,” I say calmly, looking into his deep blue eyes. “He’s not some piece of shit lowlife trying to pick me up in a bar and take me home. You heard Chief. He ranted on and on about Ian’s accomplishments and his distinguished reputation. He seems like a good enough guy and not someone I need protection from. I get it. Your ego is bruised. But please don’t make me part of your retaliation.” I stare back at him waiting for him to say something. Please just be okay with this.

  He rubs his hand through his hair and lets out a deep breath as if I’ve just given him an impossible choice. He glares over at Ian then back at me.

  “Fine,” is all he says before turning away from me and getting in line for food.

  Whew. He may not be happy about it but at least he’s not going to interfere.

  I get two plates of food and meet Ian at the table where he has a seat saved for me beside him. I sit and listen to him telling stories from his time in New York City to the other guys at the table. His hands wave through the air as he talks and I smile at how passionate he seems to be about firefighting. He finishes his story and looks at me, smiling.

  “This looks delicious,” he says quietly, wrapping his arm around the back of my chair and leaning in closer to me.

  I feel my cheeks pink again. “Thanks,” I reply shyly.

  He leans in even closer and breaths in my ear, “Please forgive my bluntness but subtlety really isn’t my thing. I wasn’t talking about the food. Though it looks delicious too.”

  My eyes grow large. I inhale sharply and squeeze my thighs together as a wave of sensation rushes down my stomach and directly into my panties. He unwraps his arm and casually sits back up at the table, a sexy grin on his face. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me. Part of me feels a little embarrassed but another part is completely turned on. How did he get me so hot and bothered with just his words? I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I need to get up and do something. I can’t sit here like this.

  I get up and start clearing empty plates and cups from the table.

  “Where I come from the cook doesn’t clean,” Ian says, standing and taking some of the plates from my hand.

  I laugh.

  “Well if I don’t do it, it won’t get done. I don’t think these boys know how to clean up around here,” I joke and move to the trash can.

  I throw away the trash and turn to find Ian standing behind me inches from my face.

  “Well I guess it’s good you’ve got a man here to help you now,” he smirks and my lower half clenches in response. I want him. I stand there biting my lip dazed for a moment. Jesus, Brooke. At least try to play a little hard to get. I smile at him. “Who said I needed help?” I ask before looking him up and down with a cocky smirk and turning away abruptly.

  “So Bobby, is there anywhere in this podunk town to grab a beer?” Ian asks as he takes a seat across the table from me.

  My heart sinks a little. Why did he sit over there? Did I make him mad?

  “Oh, yeah. You’ve gotta check out Micky’s. It’s right down the street.”

  Bobby continues giving Ian the details and stories about Micky’s. I sit back in my chair and cross my arms. Feeling disconnected from their conversation, I look around the room and spot Conner down the table from us. He looks frustrated and miserable. But even with his sour expression he's still hot. I suddenly feel a bit guilty. I don’t like seeing him like this and I know my flirting with Ian isn’t helping.

  I stand and walk down to where Conner is sitting. Leaning over the table to him I say, “C’mon. Let’s go grab a beer.”

  Four

  Conner

  We make short work of the walk to Micky’s and I quickly find a seat at the bar. Brooke walks to the other end and starts talking with Marcy. Hopefully she’s apologizing for the shit she pulled the other night. The image of her wrapped up in Mitch’s arms flashes back to me and I feel a wave of heat rush over me. I quickly shake the thought as I’m approached by a young beautiful blonde bartender.

  “What can I get you?” She has big blue eyes and she smiles at me shyly. Her low-cut top shows off her impressive rack. Who might you be?

  “Just a beer please, sweetheart,” I answer. I eye her petite, but round ass as she deliberately swings her hips as she walks away.Her legs seem to go on for mines in those cute little jean shorts she’s wearing and I lick my lips in appreciation.

  She returns moments later with a beer. She slaps a coaster down on the bar and puts the beer on top before sliding it toward me.

  “Yano, I know just about every person in this town but you don’t look familiar. You’re not from around here are you?”

  I watch her blush and start to fidget as she looks up at me through long lashes.

  “No, I’m actually from PA. I’m visiting with my grandparents for the summer and my Aunt Marcy got me a job here.”

  “Ohh, so Marcy is your aunt. Well, nice to meet you. I’m Conner.” I smile brightly and offer her my hand over the bar. She reaches up and shakes it gently and I watch her blush again, “Nice to meet you, Conner. I’m Maddy.” It’s almost too easy, but she’s pretty sexy.

  “So will you be back there all night, Maddy?” I ask with a grin then take a sip of beer.

  She shakes her head, “I’ll be done by eleven.”

  “Then I guess I’ll see you at eleven,” I say with my panty-dropping smile while I glance her over once more. Her expression tells me the smile is working. I turn around in my chair to face the room and spot Brooke sitting at a table talking with Ian. Seriously? When did he get here? I shake my head at the two of them. Look at him over there. All fucking smiles.

  I step down from my bar stool and join Gabe at a different table making sure to pick a seat where I can keep an eye on Brooke.

  “Hey, Gabe. When did you guys get here?”

  “Hey. Just a couple minutes ago.”

  I stare past him at Brooke and Ian still talking and laughing at the next table. I feel my heart begin to beat hard in my chest and a wave of heat rushes over me again. An unfamiliar feeling starts to form in the pit of my stomach. Gabe looks behind him then back at me.

  “You good, Buddy?” He eyes me curiously taking a sip of his beer.

  “Yeah,” I answer, breaking my gaze and looking back at Gabe.

  He stares back at me with a look of disbelief engraved on his face.

  “What do you think of this guy?” I finally blurt out and nod towards Ian.

  Gabe shrugs, “He seems like an alright guy to me…Brooke seems to really like him.” He eyes me again as if waiting for my reaction. The feeling in my stomach starts building again. I don’t like this. I don’t like feeling like this. I don’t like seeing him over there all cozied up with Brooke. I don’t know what it is but I hate this fucking guy. My face starts to burn with rage.

  “There’s no reason for it, Conner.” Gabe breaks me from my thoughts.

  “No reason for what?”

  “I’ve known you since you were a boy. I know that look. You don’t like him. You want to go over there and rip her away from that table but you can’t. There’s no reason for it. Nothing to protect her from. They aren’t doing anything wrong. Don’t let your jealousy get the best of you.”

  Jealousy?

  “I’m not jealous,” I snap at him defensively.

  He stares back at me, a knowing grin on his face.

  Am I? No. I shake my head. That’s ridiculous. I don’t want to be with Brooke. I just don’t want him to be with her either.

  “I just want her to be happy,” I finally say. “I want her to find someone who’s going to treat her well. Someone who want
s the same things she wants, who will take care of her and protect her yano?”

  “You mean someone like you?” Gabe asks, a sly smile curling on his lips.

  I freeze. His question catches me off guard and leaves me breathless. Where is he going with this? Is he trying to say that I should be with Brooke? I narrow my eyes at him.

  “No, not someone like me. I’m not her type.”

  “Well if that were true she wouldn’t be having such a great time with Ian right now.” He challenges. I feel myself cringe at the idea of her being happy with him.

  “What are you talking about? Me and Ian are nothing alike,” I challenge back.

  Gabe laughs.

  “I don’t know about that. I mean you’re both good looking fellas, both have big egos, both feel the need to be top dogs and both seem to have a soft spot for Brooke.” His words make my blood run hot. He has a soft spot for Brooke?

  “I think you’re two are more alike than you realize. And I know he’s Brooke’s type more than you realize,” Gabe continues.

  I look past him again and see Brooke smiling brightly as she talks with Ian. She does look happy. And it’s not like he’s being a sleazeball either. They’re just talking. She glances over, meeting my eye and smiles at me. I smile back, my expression contradicting my feeling inside of my stomach twisting into knots. I think I’m gonna be sick. I don’t know how much longer I can sit here and watch this.

  Suddenly I feel a hand rest on my shoulder.

  “Hey there. It’s after eleven.” I hear a soft voice behind me say.

  I turn to find Maddy standing beside me. The bottom of her shirt stopped just below her belly button exposing the flawless skin on her well toned stomach. The opening is directly at my eye level and I bite my lip at the sight. I want to kiss her there. She had one hand still resting on my shoulder while the other was on her hip. She smiles down at me. Wanna dance? My, my, somebody grew bold quickly. Let’s see if we can make her blush again.