She hadn’t left Glenway. She’d stayed and married Rob Boxford. And divorced him. Good for her. The thought of her sharing a bed with Rob made him ill. When he pictured her, he always saw her dancing, taking graceful bows at the end of a performance, sweating and beaming with joy. At least, that was how he imagined her when he wasn’t thinking of her sweating with pleasure beneath him.
When he left this town the first time, he was a hopeful high school graduate. He was looking forward to starting basic training and a future better than what almost anyone in this town thought he would have. His plan was to make something of himself and be the man Jillian deserved when she was ready. He couldn’t believe his luck when he was able to get leave to come back for her graduation. The night they spent together was the sweetest of his life, and memories of it carried him through some dark times in the years ahead, even though everything went wrong the day after. When he left the second time, they were still angry at each other and although he was less certain about his future with Jillian, he never imagined it might be the last time he saw her, or that more than ten years would pass until he would kiss her again.
“Are you there? Climb down!”
He turned, expecting to see Jillian throwing rocks at his bedroom window, but he was alone. Still, it was easy to imagine her as she was on so many nights when he lived here. She would sneak over when she could, and they would bike to the lake and stay as long as they could, laying on the ground, talking, kissing and touching.
But it was the night he came back for her high school graduation that haunted him the most and remained vivid in his memory.
That night, there was a hotel room – and a bed. “I’m sorry you couldn’t come out to dinner with us,” Jillian had said when she met him in the parking lot of the Glenway Falls Hotel. He was leaning on his rental car, waiting for her.
“Couldn’t” wasn’t exactly the right word, since no one invited him. He wasn’t surprised to be left out – her father never liked him – but it did sting a little. He didn’t want her to know that, so he simply said, “No problem. I’m glad you got away.”
“I’m all yours for the rest of the night.”
Her words, innocent yet not, sent a shiver of need to his cock. “Good, because I have a gift for you, and I’m hoping you’ll stay a while.”
Taking her hand, he walked her to the door and unlocked it. She gasped when she saw the room and he couldn’t stop a smile. It wasn’t an expensive hotel, so the furnishings were basic, but he’d lit candles all around the room and placed several bouquets of flowers and rose petals on the bed. He didn’t care if it was cliché. He knew she would appreciate it, which was all that mattered.
“It’s gorgeous, thank you. I love it,” she said and turned to him with a smile. “And I love you.”
He kissed her softly as her words made him shiver. There was no one else he had ever said the phrase to, or wanted to hear it from. He led her to the bed, sat her on the edge and gave her a small box. “Happy graduation, Jillian.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“That doesn’t mean I didn’t want to.” Zack had done the actual buying since Miles wasn’t able to get off base to go shopping, but he didn’t need to tell her that. She opened the box and her eyes filled with tears.
“It’s beautiful.” She held up the small charm with the ballet shoes. Her charm bracelet, a gift from her mother, was one of her most prized possessions and he had known for months what he wanted her to have. “I can’t wait to have it put on.” She put it back on its cushion and kissed him deeply.
They had spent most of his senior year touching and exploring each other, learning what the other liked. He had spent the last few months aching for her. Tonight he’d wanted it all to be perfect for her.
“I’ve missed you,” he said. He leaned her back and moved his hands to the waist of her pants, dipping under the elastic of her panties, stroking her until she sighed. It seemed to take no time until they were both naked together. He had left the condoms out in plain sight and neither of them had any questions about where tonight was leading. He looked at her as her skin glowed in the candlelight. “I love your body. You are my fantasy and always have been.”
She moaned in pleasure. He knew she was self conscious about her figure and he was happy to show her how sexy he found her. She had been teased over the years for her slender build and small chest, but what no one other than he knew was how sensitive she was. Her breasts, nipples, even the backs of her knees all responded to his touch.
He had kept her from stroking or pleasing him, because he knew he couldn’t last if she did. When he entered her that first time, he had moved as slowly as he could, trying to keep his focus on her and not on the need coursing through him. She was ready, her pussy slick from the orgasm he had given her with his fingers, but she was tight and he knew rushing could cause her more pain. To his surprise, it was Jillian who’d increased their pace.
Wrapping her legs around him, she lifted her lithe body and took him more deeply into her. Her hands moved down his back, gripping his ass, bringing him close. “Jillian, my sweet love,” he said. It was the last coherent phrase he was able to manage before passion overtook them both. He roared his climax into her mouth, kissing her until he bruised her lips, wanting her until he thought he would die with the need.
They’d spent the rest of the night talking and touching. He’d brought her to another climax before making love twice more and falling asleep for the last time. Unfortunately, they were so exhausted, and she stayed out too late.
The next day was a nightmare of yelling, accusations and arguments.
Miles hadn’t seen her again until this afternoon, when he’d walked into the gym.
Today’s kiss had heated his blood more than he expected. He’d been with plenty of women over the years, but none had struck such an immediate response, and none had made him forget her. If Leslie hadn’t walked in when she did, he could have taken Jillian on the matted floor, the pain in his leg be damned. Her lips were more exciting and more responsive than he remembered and certainly better then any recurring fantasy he’d had.
He shouldn’t have kissed her. He couldn’t get involved with her since there was no way he was staying after this investigation was done. He was a bad bet and always would be. She deserved better than Rob and him. Still, he couldn’t ignore how being with her stirred him or how much he wanted to kiss her again. His feelings might be conflicted, but there was no doubt in his mind that his visit was going to involve her as much as it did discovering the identity of the arsonist.
* * * *
I had never thought it would be quite as beautiful as it is. Graceful, violent and strong. When I first had the idea to set a fire or two to get what I wanted, I didn’t imagine I could come to love it, crave it. Fire is so simple and so complete. Makes me wonder why I didn’t think of it years ago. Of course, not all the opportunities – or the need – were there then.
When I set the first fire, I watched it, but from a distance. That one was for practice. I knew I needed to plan everything carefully, and I wanted to make certain the entire building caught. I also had to learn how far away I could hide without being noticed. There’s so much commotion going on when a building burns that no one pays much attention to anything other than the fire.
Even though it was an old building, not as much of the barn had burned as I had hoped, but it was a good start. For the second and more important fire, I made certain I was better prepared. Almost nothing remained after the flames were put out. It smoldered for days. I liked how it lingered. That time, I was able to stay close enough to experience the heat of it on my face – not a lot, but enough to feel connected to the blaze.
The third fire was to throw anyone who might be getting suspicious off my trail. My planning and execution were perfect. The last fire ended up being almost as important as the second because that was the night I realized something surprising: I was having fun.
I ha
d never known how lovely fire could be. Powerful and remarkable, the same way I used to be seen. The way I deserve to be seen. It’s been years since I experienced the rush I got setting those blazes. There was so much more to each of them than I expected. There was chaos, fear, and I loved the sound of the building collapsing. Of course, I hadn’t intended for anyone to get hurt. It wasn’t part of the plan, but the old chief had no business being in there. I had taken the time to be certain it was empty before I started things going, but if the man was stupid enough to go into a burning structure, then he got what he deserved.
I heard Charlie brought Miles Anderson in to help while he was recovering. Given the man’s background, I can only assume Charlie has figured out there’s an arsonist at work. It’s too early to know what kind of problems Miles is going to cause, but nothing is going to stop me now. I love the commotion my work has generated, and the influence I have because of it. Still, it wouldn’t do to get caught. Maybe I could wait until Miles leaves before setting another. If the fires stopped, there’d be no reason for him to stay.
Of course, it would be even better if I could get his arrival to work into my plans. Because the truth is, I can hardly wait for the next one. Each night I find myself thinking about the beauty and intensity of the flames. Nothing on television or in books can compare to the excitement I know how to create. All I have to do is pick the location and the right time.
Pacing in the kitchen, I can feel my fingers tingling with desire, my heart racing with pleasure. I want to see another one, cause another one. And this time, I want to be closer, to feel its deadly caress and know it wouldn’t have existed without me. I can create something which destroys. Tonight I’ll start making a list of potential targets. One will come to me, and it will be perfect. I will find a way to cause the most havoc with the least amount of work and throw suspicion further away from me.
Chapter Three
The Kinsman Diner smelled exactly as Miles remembered when he walked in the next morning. He’d called Charlie after his first cup of coffee and asked him to meet him there since he had nothing in the house to eat. As he breathed in the bacon-scented air, he knew it had been an excuse. The kitchen could have been fully stocked, and he still would have wanted to come here for breakfast.
“Oh my goodness, it’s one of the Anderson boys,” said a familiar voice. Normally when he heard that expression, it made him tense up and put him on the defensive, but Fanny was one of the few people who meant it with affection. “And judging from the haircut, I’d say you’re Miles.”
“Fanny Kinsman, you are still one hot momma,” he said, as she came over and gave him a hug which pressed the entire length of her compact and ample body against him.
“You’re damn right I am,” she agreed. “Didn’t you grow up fine! I even like the beard. If you’ve been back more than a day without comin’ in here, you are getting none of my cinnamon French toast.”
“I got in yesterday, and I want a double order.”
She laughed. “You may have gotten older and stronger, but it’s good to see your appetite’s the same. Bet you drink coffee now.”
“I do, black, one sugar.”
“Sugar’s on the table. Pick yourself a booth and I’ll be over with a cup. Anyone joining you?”
“Charlie.”
“I shoulda known. He told us you went into firefighting in the Army. That was a bad fall he had. You here to help him at the station?”
“I am,” he said, sliding onto the brick red vinyl seat. “You heard about the fires?”
“Of course, you silly child.” Only Fanny, and maybe Paula, would think to call him that. “When has anything ever happened in this town I don’t hear about? Besides, those fires are big news.” When she came to pour his coffee, she dropped her voice and added, “All seems kinda suspicious, if you ask me.”
“To Charlie, too,” he said, in the same low tone. She sat on the opposite bench and leaned forward. He continued without thinking. “That’s another part of the reason he called me. I investigate fires and explosions now, and he thinks I can help uncover who’s behind these.”
“Well, if there is someone doing this, I hope you catch them. We don’t want any more of our folks getting hurt.”
Miles knew for Fanny, calling the locals “our” wasn’t an exaggeration. She had grown up here, and it was said that ever since she could walk, she was looking for ways to take care of other people. She and Paula were friends since girlhood, and he loved them both. “I’ll do whatever I can.”
“I know you will.”
“Good morning, Fanny,” Charlie said, coming up to the table.
“Morning, Chief. Just keeping your seat warm.” She moved out so Charlie could sit. “Let me get you coffee and put in an order for your breakfast sandwich. I know Sal’s got some crispy home fries on the side of the griddle that you’ll love. Be back in a jiff.”
“She already chose your breakfast for you, too, I’ll bet,” Charlie said with a smile.
“Absolutely. You could have warned me about the house, Old Man.”
Charlie laughed. “As if you would have believed me. Nah, it was better you make the decision to stay there on your own and been surprised when you got there.”
“Surprise is an understatement.”
“Zack’s grown up to be a good man. You all have, just as I knew you would.”
Miles smiled. “You could have warned me about Jillian, too.” This time Charlie had the sense not to answer and looked instead for Fanny and as she arrived with his coffee. “Yeah, that was a big one. Couldn’t you have told me something?”
“Such as?”
“Oh, I don’t know, that’s she’s still in town, to start. Or that she married Rob Boxford.”
“Divorced now, I believe.”
“Yeah, I heard that too. Both of us stood there like idiots when we first saw each other.”
“I’m sure you got past it.” Now it was Miles’s turn to sip his drink to avoid talking, as images of their kiss flashed in his mind. “I’ve heard she’s pretty good.”
Miles almost spit out his coffee. “ As a therapist.” Of course, as a therapist. “Yes,” he said after a beat. “She’s as good as any I’ve worked with in the last few months.”
“Maybe I’ll go see her after the cast comes off,” Charlie said.
“Probably a good idea.”
Fanny arrived with their orders and both men concentrated on food over conversation. As they were finishing, Miles said, “I’m going to go over to the site of the second fire with Harlow after this, then I’ll head over to the station. I want to make a list of people potentially involved and get some face time with Boxford and Wagner since they were connected to the last one.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Plans already?” Paula came up to them and sat down next to Charlie. She put two paper bags down on the table. “Brought you men some lunch for later.”
“Marry me,” Miles said.
“Sorry, already taken,” she said.
“Damn right,” said Charlie, giving her a squeeze. Something in Miles’s gut tightened as he saw the look of love that passed between them.
“I’d better get going,” he said, as he finished his coffee. “See you two later. Fanny, the French toast was the best I’ve ever had.”
“Of course it was,” she said handing him a coffee in a to-go cup. He started to pull out his wallet, and she stopped him. “You’re money’s no good here, Miles. You do what you need to keep this town safe and make sure you stop by regularly for fuel.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a smile and a tip of an imaginary hat. He knew better then to argue with Fanny. “See you later.”
Paula moved to the seat Miles had vacated, watched him go and let out a heartfelt sigh. “That poor boy.”
“He’s not a boy anymore, honey,” Charlie said.
“He is to me, and he is when he gets that lost look in his eyes. He needs her, Charlie, and he needs a home.”
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“That’s part of the reason you had me call him in on these fires, isn’t it.”
Instead of answering, she said, “Do you think we did the right thing?”
“We?”
“You know what I mean.”
He took her hands in his. “Paula, you’ve been looking for a way to bring him back here ever since you heard Jillian was getting a divorce.”
“I can’t help it. I want him to have what we have. Love, family, all of it. I want all of our boys to. I would have worked on Jason first, since he’s the oldest, but the situation came up to help Miles first.”
“So you’re planning to help Jason and Zack find wives, too?”
“Eventually. Unless they mange to find the right women on their own.” Her tone told Charlie how unlikely she believed that to be.
Charlie didn’t know she had been considering any matchmaking beyond Miles. The other two probably didn’t stand a chance if she did, but for now he kept his focus on Miles. He’d worry about his other boys later, because he considered them as much his as Paula did. “Miles will find his way. You’re becoming a meddlesome old woman, Mrs. Monroe.”
“I’m not old,” she answered. She stood to give him a kiss, pushed the bag lunch to him and effectively ended the conversation. Finishing his coffee, he noticed she didn’t argue with the meddlesome part. He was almost sorry for the Anderson boys. They didn’t stand a chance.
* * * *
There wasn’t much left of the building burned by the second fire. He stood outside the site for a while taking in the big picture, and it was immediately clear to Miles the arsonist had taken greater care setting this blaze. What he didn’t know yet was if this was because of the target or simply an escalation of the person’s pattern.
He took his camera out of the car, ducked under the police tape and motioned Harlow to follow. “Go over it for whatever you can discover, girl. We’re just in the fact-finding stage at this point.” Harlow left his side and began walking around the debris, carefully sniffing for things beyond the human sense of smell. It wasn’t long before she found the point of origin, which agreed with what Charlie and his men had put in the file. Miles snapped pictures, close-ups as well as wider shots. The problem had started in the utility room and quickly spread through the freshly plastered structure. He knew it bothered Charlie that a building he had recently inspected and approved had been destroyed this way. There weren’t going to be a lot of clues since the firefighters came in hard and fast to do their work, not considering they were walking through a crime scene, but experience had taught Miles that there was always something to be learned at a site.
Passionate Heat Page 4
