Hearts on Fire: Romance Multi-Author Box Set Anthology

by Violet Vaughn

  The sofa sinks when I sit on the edge close enough to feed him. “First a fry.” I put one in his mouth. “Chew.” With each bite I see his doubt begin to dissolve. “Good, now take a sip of this.” Holding the cup up to his mouth, I put the straw between his lips.

  The brown, thick liquid slides through the straw, and he licks the salt off his mouth before he says, “That tastes good.”

  “Exactly. You need the salt, and the sugar mimics alcohol.” He grimaces at that word. “Sorry. Keep eating.”

  As Blaine eats, I think about how adorable he is. This wonderful man plays with children, and they love him. He rubs my stinky feet after a long ski day and treats me like a princess. He’s what I’ve wanted for so long, and I don’t deserve him. Yes, the other night was weird, but we just need to figure out what works for us. We’ll get there.

  Blaine says, “Come closer.” He reaches up for my head and pulls me down. The tender kiss leaves me tasting a sultry combination, and I think he isn’t mad any longer when he says, “You’re my angel of mercy.”

  “I’m so sorry about yesterday. I would have told you if I’d known that Jason was coming. You kissing me in front of him like that—it was so awkward. It was as if you had to prove something to those boys. I know I took it the wrong way.”

  “It’s fine. I overreacted too. What can I say? I’m jealous. From your stories, I know how much you like him, and knowing you used to be with him hurts. I don’t like to think about you with anyone but me.” He stops speaking as my heart melts. “Casey, I love you.” He traps my hand between his.

  Oh no. I’m speechless at his admission. I’m not there yet and don’t know the right thing to say.

  He releases my hand. “You don’t have to say it back. I know this is fast. I just—I had to tell you.”

  Thanks for the out. His hair is silky in my fingers as I push it back from his face. He’s such a beautiful man. I wonder if he has any idea as I trace my finger down the outline of his face, and a day-old shave pricks my fingers. When I touch his lips, there’s love in his eyes. He sucks my finger into his mouth. Whoa. Where did that come from? A seed of desire blossoms in my belly.

  “Lie beside me?”

  I lie down next to Blaine, and he turns me away. His body radiates warmth behind me as he wraps his arm around my waist and buries his head in my hair. Hot breath tickles my ear as he murmurs, “I want to hold you like this forever.”

  I’m exhausted from the last few days of being upset, and I let myself relax in his arms, close my eyes, and drift off into a peaceful sleep.

  Soft snoring awakens me. I sit up and look down at Blaine’s slack jaw. There’s a little bit of drool in the corner. I’ve never slept over, and I imagine the little things I would learn about him if I did. Wait. I glance at the clock. Crap! It’s after one in the morning, and I’ve missed the boarding house curfew by a mile. While Mrs. Matheson doesn’t mind if we sleep elsewhere, she isn’t going to let me in now. I guess I’m sleeping here. I look down at Blaine and decide I can’t wake him up for this.

  The soft carpet muffles my footsteps as I walk into his bedroom to find something to sleep in. It’s my first time in here, and I detect a faint hint of his musk. I see a chest of drawers and an open-design closet. The drawers grate softly as I pull each one open until I find T-shirts. When I pull on the soft cotton of a well-worn shirt, I let it embrace me. Wiggling out of my jeans, I notice the bed looks inviting and has a lot more room than what is available for two people on a couch. Smooth sheets envelop me in his essence when I slide into Blaine’s bed, and I take a deep breath and drink in the scent. He loves me. The thought warms my heart as I fall asleep.

  * * *

  Blaine’s voice awakens me. “Casey.”

  I open my eyes to him peering down at me with a clean-shaven face. His hair is damp and neatly combed, and I smell a fresh version of his spicy male scent.

  “Hi. I missed curfew and, well, the couch is kind of small for two people.”

  “I like you in my bed.” He pulls the covers down to my waist. The weight of his finger draws a line down the middle of my chest toward my belly. My nipples strain against the shirt, and his voice is sultry as he says, “You look good in my shirt.”

  What is this? Is he being seductive? It’s working. He leans down to whisper in my ear, “Next time, you won’t be alone.” He nips at my earlobe with his teeth and stands up. Shivers go down my spine. Oh my.

  “I have to leave for work. Help yourself to anything you need. There’s fresh coffee, and I put a key on the counter next to it. Lock up when you go, and keep the key.” He walks out and calls to me, “Love you!”

  Wow. He’s laying claim to me in a big way. Love? Seductive moves? Key? I should be happy. Over the moon. So why do I have the urge to run?

  11

  A text makes my phone vibrate in my back pocket. It’s Jason.

  “At Denver airport. Found a place, thanks. Remind me to tell you what Mr. Jones said about you, lol. See you in June.”

  Good. I have a serious relationship to work on, and Jason is a distraction I don’t need. My hand cramps, and I relax my grip on my phone before I stick it back in my pocket.

  Red and blue boxes stare me right in the face, and I can’t find the one I’m looking for. The canned music in the background annoys me. Where is the rainbow cake mix? I stamp my foot.

  “Are you having a princess moment, or what?” Tim stops pushing a grocery cart. “What’s up?”

  “Oh, hi. I’m looking for a cake mix so the kids and I can make Blaine birthday cupcakes while you and Clara are on your little excursion. I want the rainbow mix and can’t seem to find it.”

  His finger taps on a box, and he says, “This one, right here?” He hands me the cake mix.

  “Yes! They changed the box on me.” I give him a sheepish grin.

  “The nerve,” he teases. “I’m glad you and Blaine worked things out. You’re good for him, Casey. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time.”

  “Thanks. He makes me happy, too. Want to find the rainbow frosting for me?” I give him a sugary smile and bat my eyelashes.

  “Sure thing, princess.”

  “Clara is excited about your trip,” I say. “Happy anniversary. I think it’s so cool you got married on top of a mountain. And, even cooler, you’re going to camp out on it to celebrate.”

  “Thanks. You and Blaine can steal the idea. We wouldn’t mind.”

  What? Whoa, let’s slow this bus down. “Um.” A flush rises to my cheeks, and I don’t know what to say. I turn, and a package of candles is smooth in my hand when I grab it. “Gotta run. Thanks for the help. See you!” My feet pound as I walk quickly to get away. Marriage? What has Blaine been telling him?

  The scanner beeps as I check out through the express line. A wedding on top of a mountain would be beautiful and very romantic. I daydream about my dress as I walk to my car. It’s a golden-sun-and-blue-sky day, and the snow in the parking lot is slushy under my feet. Wet snow clumps fall off the roof of the strip mall with a plop. The sun-baked asphalt will have it melted by noon.

  As I lift up the hatchback of my car, there’s a rumble in the distance, and when I look toward the mountains, I see an avalanche. Common this time of year, it’s an amazing thing to watch. Snow tumbles down in a wave that rolls and takes everything in its path along for the ride. People die in avalanches. Not a lot, but we lose at least one every year in Colorado, and usually it’s someone who didn’t take the right precautions. I shake the morbid thought and marvel at the beauty of the snow as it falls.

  Next stop, party store. I know it’s silly, but I look forward to a kid-style birthday party for Blaine. Most people our age go out to some bar, but Blaine would rather spend it with his two favorite kids, and I’m happy to oblige.

  The vast array of decorations overwhelms me, and I focus on blue because it’s Blaine’s favorite color. A train-themed section catches my eye, and a smile creeps on my face as I recall the night we met. I f
ind party hats, cups, napkins, and a tacky banner.

  I try to sort out a birthday present. Blaine is not a things guy, so I think doing something special together would make him happy. I shift the Saab into reverse and back out of the parking space. But what? With a firm grip, I push into first gear. Water splashes as I drive through a puddle onto the main road. Romantic dinner? No. Too much pressure for what happens afterward. Besides, that would be what I want for a gift. It hits me that I should take him winter camping.

  * * *

  After a fabulous day of spring skiing cut short, the drive to Tim and Clara’s is quick but beautiful today. While the roads are slushy from the spring thaw, the mountains are still pearly-white teeth cutting into the crisp, blue sky. I pull into the driveway and notice the heavy front door is open, leaving only the clear glass storm door closed with sunlight streaming in. Loaded up with bags, I hit the doorbell using my elbow. I notice Blaine sitting on the floor in an odd position. Each foot is placed down on a magazine. His hands rest either side of him, on kid chairs. Benjamin works intently on one foot while Jenny works on a hand. Oh my, he’s getting his nails done. Jenny jumps up at the sound of the bell and lets me in.

  I’m hit by the odor of acetate. “Well, what have we here?” Benjamin is busy using one of every nail polish color on Blaine’s toes. I’m sure the nails are painted, too. Jenny is a little more fashion conscious, painting his fingernails with glitter blue. I’m positive he has no idea how hard that will be to remove. “Primping for the party?” I ask.

  Blaine glances up at me with a pained look.

  “I guess it was a better idea ten minutes ago.” I snicker.

  “Very funny. What do you think?” He holds the completed hand up for me to see.

  “Sparkly. It looks good.” I pause. “On you.” I laugh and walk into the kitchen to drop the bags.

  In a slightly exaggerated voice, I say, “Oh, darn it. I forgot to get ice cream for dessert tonight.”

  Knowing it’s his cue, Blaine answers, “I can go get some.”

  “Would you? Thanks, Blaine, you’re a doll.” In a quieter voice I add, “Literally.”

  “You’re having a little too much fun with this, Casey.” Blaine has a mock-warning tone. Yes, I do believe I am.

  Jenny comes in the kitchen with a big smirk on her face. I tilt my head at her. “You don’t have nail polish remover, do you?”

  “Nope.” She covers her mouth with her hands and tries to suppress a giggle.

  “You’re an evil little girl, and I love it.” I give her a high five. A thought occurs to me. “Jenny, did the California boy wear flip-flops today?”

  She can’t contain herself. She lets out squeals of laughter. Benjamin laughs too. I’m not sure he knows why, but it’s contagious, and even Blaine joins us.

  I walk over behind him and place my hands on his shoulders, and firm muscle is hard under my palms as I squat down to whisper in his ear. “Remover is in the shampoo aisle, and get cotton balls too.”

  “Got it.”

  Once he’s gone, I say, “Whew, I thought he’d never leave. Now we better make some cupcakes.”

  Three hours and a very messy kitchen later, there are cupcakes, there’s tomato sauce on both tiny faces from my homemade pizza, and Blaine is nail-polish free.

  Before dessert, we decide it’s time to do presents. Benjamin hands Blaine a box wrapped in bright paper decorated with trains. It rips loudly as Blaine tears it open with flair. Inside is a framed picture of Blaine with the kids. He has his arms around each one, and they are pulled against his chest. It tugs on my heart as I imagine him as a father.

  “Guys, this is wonderful. I think I might cry.” He sniffs and pretends to wipe tears.

  Benjamin looks at him with concern. “Did you want something else, Uncle Blaine?”

  Blaine grabs both kids and pulls them into his lap. “Of course not, buddy. I was just being silly.” He kisses each one on their head and keeps them there.

  I hand Blaine a box wrapped in plain blue paper tied with a white bow. He lets Jenny pull the bow untied, and Benjamin tears off the paper. Blaine removes a headlamp, and I can see he thinks this is an odd gift. Jenny reaches over and snaps it on, and he puts it on his head. A flash of bright light temporarily blinds me as he turns his head back and forth, testing it out. “Awesome! Now I won’t hit anything on my way to the bathroom at night.”

  “You could use it for that,” I say. “But there’s one more thing.” My stomach flutters, anticipating his reaction.

  He takes out a snapshot of Peak 6 that’s exactly like one of Clara’s framed pictures. He looks at me, and realization spreads across his face.

  Jenny says, “That’s where Mommy and Daddy got married.”

  Benjamin squeals. “Are you getting married?”

  We answer at the same time. I say, “No.” And he says, “Maybe.” Maybe? “I’m taking Blaine camping on Peak 6, whenever he wants to go.”

  Jenny clasps her hands, “Oh, goodie! Can we come too?”

  Blaine and I answer in unison again, but reversed. “Maybe.” “No.” Wait, why am I willing to let two small children come on a romantic camping trip?

  Benjamin looks up at Blaine and says in a serious voice, “You two are going to have to learn to compromise.”

  “Compromise? That’s a big word, buddy.” He rubs Benjamin’s head.

  “I know, Uncle Blaine. It’s what Mommy says when Jenny and I don’t share.”

  Compromise. Blaine is right. That is a big word.

  * * *

  When I come from Jenny’s bedroom, I find Blaine on the couch reading a book, using his headlamp as light. I say, “I knew you’d find multiple uses for that.”

  With a flick of the wall switch, he floods the room with light and snaps off the lamp. “That took longer than usual.”

  I plop down next to him with a leg tucked under me so I can see his face. “I know. We had to decide what color Jenny’s bridesmaids will wear. She wants to marry someone that bears a striking resemblance to you.” I reach up and trace the outline of his face with my finger. I think that’s not such a bad fantasy.

  He clasps my hand and brings it to his mouth. Kisses land on each finger. His eyes are dark, and I start to smolder in his gaze. The couch sinks as he climbs over me. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he guides me down on my back, and I straighten out my leg. Placing himself on me, but with some weight on his arms, he kisses me, gently at first. Then he sucks my lower lip and gets more forceful. My mouth pulses with desire. Breaking away, Blaine moves to my neck. A small whimper escapes my lips as he whispers in my ear, “Playing house with you is nice. Stay tonight?”

  “I would like that. Very much, but I don’t think it’s appropriate.” My hand moves lower on his belly, and skin is warm on my finger as I run it under his waistband.

  “We could sneak you out before the kids wake up, and then you could come right back for breakfast.” He nips at my earlobe. In the faintest of whispers, he says, “C’mon, you know you want to.” The sensation of his breath makes me tingle.

  I do. Images of us in a bed play out in my mind. “I can’t.” I let out a big sigh. “It’s not right. I know you feel that way too.”

  He props himself up. “You’re right. It’s just...” He twists a curl around his finger. His voice gets husky. “I have plans for you, and I don’t want to wait.”

  Oh my goodness. I bite my lower lip, and Blaine lets out a throaty groan before he crushes my mouth to his. I tremble beneath him as he raises my hands above my head and holds them at the wrists. He slides his free hand under my shirt, and I push my hips up at him as I arch my back.

  A tiny voice calls out, “Uncle Blaine?”

  He reluctantly breaks our kiss. “Coming.” Blaine stands up to adjust his clothes. “Hold that thought. I’ll be right back.”

  I take a deep breath and collect myself. I can’t. As much as I want to, I can’t let this go further in a house with small children. I gather my things
to leave.

  When Blaine returns, he looks at me with resignation. He knows I’m right. His body presses against me, and he brands me with his tongue. As I pull away to leave, he releases me slowly. Dragging his hand along my arm as I walk away, he catches my hand and holds it tight. I turn back.

  “Tomorrow night, my place.” He lightly sucks my index finger, and I just about drop to my knees. “Plan to stay.”

  In a shaky voice, I reply, “Okay.”

  12

  Up early, I’m headed for my run before breakfast with Blaine and the kids. I had sex dreams about Blaine last night, and I couldn’t be happier. My nightstand rattles with the vibration of my phone. Usually I’d ignore it until I come back, but today I don’t. It’s from Blaine. “Avalanche. Come quick.”

  Adrenaline punches me into action, and I grab my keys. All skiing employees at Breckenridge are trained in avalanche search and rescue, and there’s an alert app to notify them when an avalanche rescue needs their assistance. Off-duty employees will come in to be the second or third sweep of an area if it’s not during regular hours. As I race over to Clara’s, it occurs to me there must be a full staff working right now to respond. Something else is happening here. And then it hits me. Peak 6. Oh God, please don’t let it be Peak 6.

  Gravel flies as Blaine pulls out before I come to a stop. This is bad. I go into the house with a forced calmness and hear cartoons playing on the TV. The kids are still in their jammies. “Hey guys.” They’re engrossed in the show and barely acknowledge me. Good, because I don’t know if I can keep it together. I head toward the kitchen to start breakfast. I can’t think straight. A piece of paper is on the kitchen counter, and my fingers are numb as I unfold the note that has my name on it.

  Casey, it’s Peak 6. I don’t know anything else. Will let you know when I can.

  Love, Blaine