Blazing Love

by Chantel Rhondeau

  After losing Carl in that fire, Thayne realized how short and precious life was. He didn’t want to waste it chasing women who didn’t matter. He wanted someone to share his life. Someone to come home to and hold tightly, thankful just to be with her another day. But Frankie wouldn’t understand that.

  “It’s not what I’m looking for, that’s all.”

  Frankie walked across to the firehouse kitchenette and grabbed two soda bottles. He handed one to Thayne before flopping back onto the couch. “Did you tell your cat woman that?”

  Twisting the top off his drink, Thayne took a long pull before shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. She doesn’t want to be with me, and that’s that.”

  “Then come out with me. Let’s find you another dream girl.”

  Thayne patted Frankie’s arm. “Thanks. I think you’re going to make a great partner and someone who can help me get back into fighting fires actively, but I’m not up to chasing women with you.”

  “You—you think I’ll be a good partner?” He sounded awed.

  “Were you worried I wouldn’t give you a chance?”

  Frankie shrugged. “I know you would have rather stayed riding with the ambulance crew instead of ever going out with us and back into a fire. Captain Smith said if funding weren't cut back so far, he wouldn’t have forced me on you.”

  So, Captain Smith told the kid he’d be an unwelcomed addition for Thayne. In a way, that made Thayne feel guilty. Maybe part of the reason the kid was so annoyingly over the top about everything he did was trying to prove himself as a worthy firefighter in Thayne’s eyes.

  “Look, we can’t do anything about the budget cuts,” Thayne replied. “I promise to be a good partner and never let you go anywhere alone in a fire.”

  “Not let me go alone?” Frankie leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and dangling the soda bottle downward. “You know Carl’s death wasn’t your fault, right? You couldn’t stop him from going into that room to search, shouldn’t have stopped him. It was his job.”

  Thayne closed his eyes. “I should have been in the room with him. I stopped for a second because I thought I heard the sound of crying coming from behind us, and by the time I turned back around, Carl was gone and the ceiling crashed on top of him. I should have been there.”

  “No, you shouldn’t have.” Frankie walked back to the kitchen, putting his empty bottle in the recycle bin. “If you had gone in there, who would have taken care of Carl’s family this past year? I know you’ve been giving them money and stepping in as a second father. Carl was a brother to everyone here, but he was your best friend. You’re doing right by him now. We all know the risks of this job. If you had died with him, his wife and kids would have been left on their own.”

  Thayne had heard all this from Captain Smith and Sterling several times over the past year and a half, and it never made him feel better. Somehow, having Frankie say it, the person who now depended on Thayne to have his back if they went into a fire, it meant more.

  “So you trust me, even though I couldn’t save Carl?”

  “Trust you?” Frankie gave a thumbs up. “Man, you’re the most trustworthy guy here. There isn’t one of our brothers who wouldn’t be more than happy to have you watching their back. You’re the only person who thinks you’re responsible for what happened to Carl. I’m honored to be on your team and riding the same engine.”

  “Thanks, Frank. That means a lot. I’ll always have your back.”

  Frankie nodded and headed for the door. “And I’ll have yours. If you change your mind about tomorrow, the offer still stands. Thursday nights are half-priced shots down at O’Hara’s bar. The chicks will be plastered and ready for action. I need me some hot lovin’, so I’ll be going whether you come or not.”

  And back to being the cocky young kid. It was okay though, Thayne now knew the truth that the kid could be adult and serious. He would make a good partner.

  At least one part of his life was looking up. Now, if he could just get over his obsession with Laura and move on, everything would be great.

  Chapter Seven

  Furry little jerk. Stop scratching me.

  It had been busy for a Thursday, and Laura was on her last patient. She tightened her hold on the scared elderly cat, but it was no use. He did not want her anywhere near him with a needle.

  Vicky popped her head through the doorway. “I heard him yowling from the other room. Need a hand?”

  With a relieved sigh, Laura handed the cat over to her boss. “I know he doesn’t feel good, but Mr. Buster is chipper enough to try and slit my throat with those daggers he has for claws.”

  Vicky held the cat secure while Laura grabbed his paw and quickly inserted the needle in the spot she’d previously shaved. Luckily, she hit the vein with no problem. Within a few seconds, she’d drawn enough blood and removed the needle, pressing gauze against Mr. Buster’s leg to stop the bleeding.

  “Looks like he tagged your cheek,” Vicky commented. “Pretty bad. You’re bleeding.”

  “I would never advocate declawing a cat, but sometimes it would make my job easier.” She patted the cat’s head and made cooing noises at him until she was sure they were friends again. “Even if you are a big bully, kitty, I hope you get a clean bill of health.”

  “Sanitize that scratch mark and run the blood work. I’ll take Mr. Buster back to his mom.” Vicky heaved the cat against her chest and started for the doorway. “But I want to talk to you as soon as they leave.”

  Laura made her way to the back room, dropping the vials of blood off on the way. Staring at herself in the small mirror revealed a trickle of blood. That wasn’t even the spot she felt his claws. Checking her neck, she found another bleeding scratch. Mr. Buster was vicious.

  More worrisome than her wounds was what Vicky could possibly want to talk about. For the past week and a half, her boss had taken a disquieting interest in Laura’s life. It was like Vicky felt she had to do something about Laura’s lack of love life.

  After her second session with Dr. Mason yesterday, Laura had started to think there was nothing to be done. After all, if she felt guilty about Brian, dating Thayne was hardly likely to make her feel better.

  Somehow, though, everyone thinks it would solve my problems to find a man. Even Dr. Mason alluded to it.

  No matter what her boss or therapist thought, Laura knew her own heart. Sure, she liked Thayne, even wished she could date him, but she hadn’t had a panic attack since the last time they met.

  ***

  Here it comes. Time for her to tell me what I’m doing wrong in my life today.

  Laura stood next to Vicky as her boss locked the deposit bag in the safe. “I know you want to talk, Vicky, but I’m tired. Plus, Snips is home alone, and I need to feed her.”

  “You can take five minutes,” Vicky said, shutting the safe and spinning the lock. “I think what I have to say will make you happy, or at least give you something else to think about.”

  Stifling a sigh, Laura crossed her arms tight against her stomach. It was impossible not to feel defensive. Vicky had been dishing out every suggestion she could think of, all in the name of making Laura happy. Laura wished she’d mind her own business, but somehow Vicky thought they were best friends now, just because she had confided in her about Brian and Thayne. “What?”

  “My husband’s buddy from college is in town and we’re going to dinner tonight and maybe drinks afterward.”

  “What does that have to do with me?”

  Vicky grinned. “Tony needs a date. I think you’ll like him. He’s into some sort of business management and a real cautious person.”

  “Vicky, I know you just care about me, but—”

  “You can’t say no, Laura, so stop trying to think up an excuse.”

  I most certainly can say no, but she wants to help me. I shouldn’t have shared anything private with her.

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m working with a new therapist and trying to forgive
myself for my guilt about Brian’s death. Now’s not a good time to—”

  “But that’s why this is perfect. It’ll be a little test date.” Vicky threaded her arm through Laura’s and led her toward the doorway. “Tony’s probably only in town for a week, unless he lands the job he’s looking at, and then he’ll be gone. You can have fun, no strings, no pressure, and see how it goes.”

  If I were up to dating anyone, I’d rather it be the sex god. I’m still dreaming about him at night. Why can’t he be a business manager?

  “Besides,” Vicky continued, “Dan already told Tony that you were coming, and showed him your picture. Tony can’t wait to meet you.”

  Why did Vicky’s husband have a picture of her? Probably Vicky texted it to him and forced him to pawn Laura off on his buddy. Still, if he already expected her, it would be rude to stand him up.

  Laura sighed and shook her head. “I might regret this, but when and where?”

  “I knew you wouldn’t let me down.” Vicky gave her a hug, her smile growing wider than the Grand Canyon. “Meet at my house around seven. That should give you plenty of time to get dolled up. Oh, and don’t worry, Tony may have a safe job, but he is one hot man.”

  ***

  Thayne held up a hand, trying to stop the onslaught of begging from Frankie and Carlos. “If I go out with you guys tonight, do you promise never to ask again?”

  None of the guys around the firehouse seemed to understand that Thayne wasn’t looking for a hookup. Every time their work rotation ended, the guys had taken turns asking him to go out on the town with them. After listening to a litany of reasons why he should go shoot pool and get wasted with Frankie and Carlos for half-priced shots, Thayne had finally worn down.

  Both men nodded. “Never again,” Frankie agreed.

  “Unless you enjoy yourself,” Carlos added. “Think of the women.”

  “Drunk women,” Frankie said.

  Thayne caught Sterling’s eye. “What about you, old man? You can’t leave me alone with these kids. My partner will be hard enough to keep an eye on, let alone yours.”

  Sterling laughed, shaking his dark head. “No way. The missus held dinner until we finished that last job. Sorry you’re suckered into hitting the bars, son, but I have a woman to go home to.” He turned to his partner. “Don’t go getting into trouble, Carlos, ’cause I’m not pulling your ass out of any fires tonight.”

  Figured. Sterling might joke around about getting with other women, but the man had the life Thayne longed for.

  “I’d rather be going to dinner with you and your wife,” Thayne told him.

  Clapping a hand on his shoulder, Sterling gave a sympathetic grimace. “The bar scene isn’t that bad, but you’d better shower first. You smell like you just put out a fire.”

  Sterling walked out of the station and Thayne did a quick pit check. “Damn, he’s right. We all need to clean up, boys. Soot and grime all over us is not the exciting hero image to pick yourselves up some dates.”

  Even if he wasn’t looking for someone, no reason to go to the bar looking bad. Maybe going out and shooting pool would help him feel better.

  Carlos nodded. “For sure. We might be shooting pool, but I never say no to taking a hot chica home. I call dibs on the first shower.” Carlos raced up the stairs, heading for the communal bathroom next to the bunk.

  “What do you think about that fire today, Thayne?” Frankie asked, downing another glass of water. Fire fighting was thirsty work, and they were all a bit dehydrated.

  “It seems strange that we hardly have fires in Sayle, and this is the third one this week.” Thayne picked at a hangnail while he thought about it. “I’d sure like to see the fire marshal’s report when he finishes. The warehouse fires outside of town were weird enough, but this...”

  “Are you thinking they aren’t accidental? Because I kinda wondered,” Frankie admitted.

  “These buildings have all gone up so quick. It reminds me of the time Carlie’s Creations burned down, nearly to the ground before we could put it out. Someone had used an accelerant there, gasoline from the report, and the fire was huge before we arrived. These have been the same. Hard to fight and burning hot and fast.”

  “But these places have nothing in common,” Frankie pointed out. “First that abandoned warehouse and later the granary last week. Then, Sunday was a church. Tuesday was that horse barn out on the highway. Now a dollar store. What would the motivation be to hit these types of things?”

  Thayne filled his cup with more water and drained it, thinking over Frankie’s question. Finally, he shrugged. “I’m not sure. I guess that’s for the investigators to figure out.”

  “At least it’s proven one thing.”

  “What’s that?” Thayne asked.

  “I was right to trust you.” Frankie pounded his hand against Thayne’s shoulder as he headed for the stairs. “You got my back, and if there’s an arsonist on the loose, you’re the right man for that job.”

  Chapter Eight

  This is crazy. If this guy doesn’t stop putting his hands all over me, I might have to smack him. Thayne might have a dangerous job, but at least he’s a gentleman.

  Laura sat next to Tony in the dimly lit corner of the bar, across the booth from Vicky and Dan. She rubbed her hand nervously across her slacks, leaning further from Tony as he leaned closer.

  “You’re a skittish one, aren’t you?” he murmured against her ear, putting his arm around her shoulder. “I don’t bite, Laura. Relax.”

  You might not bite, but I wonder if your touch is truly as slimy as it makes me feel or if it’s just because I don’t like you.

  Laura caught Vicky’s eye, hoping she could convey the desperation she felt with the look. Dinner had been nice, and Laura had agreed to go out for drinks afterward without much hesitation. However, Tony obviously couldn’t handle liquor well and turned grabby after his second bourbon. Twice Laura had pushed his hand away from her breasts.

  Vicky’s eyes widened, and she gave a barely-perceptible nod. “I have to pee. Let me out, Dan. Come on, Laura, bathroom time.”

  Thank you! You’re a true friend after all.

  Trying not to appear too hasty, Laura prodded Tony’s side. “Let me up.”

  He stood unsteadily, holding out his hand in an attempt to help Laura from her seated position.

  Taking a firm grip on her courage, she slid across the bench seating and placed her hand in his, letting him pull her to her feet.

  Without warning, he tugged her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her before she had a chance to gain her balance. The smell of liquor was heavy on his breath as he planted a mushy kiss on her mouth. “Don’t be too long, baby. I have plans for us tonight.”

  She repressed a shudder. I just bet you do, sleaze.

  Laura forced a smile and patted his forearm, knowing it was better to keep things friendly. Situations got out of control with alcohol involved, so it wouldn’t do any good to antagonize Tony.

  I’ll slip outside and take the bus home. At least he doesn’t know where I live since I met them at Vicky’s. This is her mess. She can figure out how to fix it.

  ***

  Thayne knocked back his third shot of tequila, following it with a lime wedge. Not that alcohol had ever helped him feel better. “She just kissed that asshole,” he grumbled to no one in particular. “Right on the lips.”

  Carlos and Frankie exchanged worried looking glances.

  Thayne knew he was overreacting and scaring the younger guys, but what did Laura think she was doing? Then again, the guy Laura’d been all curled up against and making out with in the corner wore an expensive looking three-piece suit. The douchebag probably ran a bank or something. A nice, safe job. Just what Laura wanted in a man.

  “Maybe we should go somewhere else,” Frankie suggested while they watched Laura and her boss head for the ladies’ room.

  “Oh, no.” Thayne jutted his chin toward the pool table. “Rack ’em up. I’m not letting
her spoil the fun.” He caught the waitress’ eye and made a small circle in the air, telling her to bring another round.

  “Wait.” Frankie leaned against the pool table, frowning as he gazed across to the other side of the bar at Laura’s table. “If we’re staying here while the girl you want is on a date with another guy, you have to stop drinking. You’re already getting surly. I don’t think—”

  “Kid, I’m the one with experience here,” Thayne said, frustrated at Frankie playing the mother hen. Then again, Thayne felt a bit woozy. “It’s not like I’m going to barge over there and punch that smug smile from the dickwad’s face.”

  Carlos bounced the rubber end of a pool cue against the floor, the dull thud barely penetrating the chatter of the full bar. “Actually, we could go over there and take care of the problem.” Thud, thud, thud. “We don’t know those guys. Let’s go tell him to back off while Laura’s in the bathroom.”

  It was tempting. So very tempting. But what could he do? Chase her around town and scare away any date she had, forcing her to realize he was worth dating?

  She made her feelings perfectly clear. She didn’t want him, and she didn’t respect him. All his courting had been a huge waste of time.

  “I wonder if that guy’s serious or just after a quick lay,” Thayne mused. The thought made his guts twist with jealousy, even though he kept his tone light. Would Laura sleep with the suit?

  The more he thought about it, the angrier it made him. She’d sleep with that guy, just because he worked at some lame-assed bank, but she would reject him when he’d been nothing but nice to her? Maybe she had Mr. Pansy Pants over there waiting in the background the whole time. Maybe he was the reason Laura never took Thayne’s flirting seriously.

  He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. If he hurried, he could still punch the guy out before Laura returned from the bathroom. He was puny. Certainly not a match for Thayne.

  The waitress returned, and Thayne handed her a twenty, downing the shot and slamming the glass onto the table beside him. He couldn’t do this anymore. Thayne knew he had to get out of the bar before he did something stupid. Standing up, he forced himself to turn toward the outside door. If he even looked at Laura’s group again, he might snap.