He took her hand and linked his fingers with hers as they walked up the pathway to her porch. Her heart thumped as they walked up the steps to her front door. Her hand shook a little as she dug her keys out of her purse.
The moment she had the keys in her hand, he took them from her and slid them into his jacket pocket. Before she could say anything, he cupped her face in his hands and lowered his lips slowly toward hers.
Her mouth grew dry. She wanted him to hurry and kiss her, but realized he was giving her every opportunity to tell him no.
That wasn’t going to happen.
The anticipation of his kiss was driving her crazy. She wanted to move toward him, but she waited, letting him set the pace.
His mouth hovered over hers. “You make me believe in happily-ever-afters,” he said before he pressed his lips to hers.
She didn’t have time to react to what he’d said. She found herself in a whirlwind, her senses lit, every last one of them completely out of control.
He kissed her, so very soft, so wonderfully sweet. She slid her palms up his shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck as he tugged at her lower lip with his teeth. She gasped at the erotic sensation and he took the opportunity to draw her tongue into his mouth. He sucked on it, somehow drawing her closer and closer to him, melding them together, mind, body, and soul.
She barely had a moment to breathe when he drew away, before he kissed her again. A little whimper escaped her, followed by a moan of sheer pleasure. He moved his hands beneath her coat and rested his palms on her hips.
He brought her closer to him, pressing his hips to hers and and she felt his very large erection against her belly. She gasped, giving him another opportunity to kiss her even deeper.
She was so very lost in the kiss. She didn’t know if she was strong enough to say no to him if he wanted to come in, or if he wanted more of her. In this moment she would have given him anything he wanted…because she wanted it all too.
Yet his hands didn’t stray. They remained on her hips, warm and possessive. All he did was draw her impossibly closer to him, until they might have been one.
Her mind was reeling as he pulled away from her. She tried to catch her breath as he stepped back. He never took his gaze from hers as he dug in his jacket pocket and brought out her keys. She only had her house, car, and mailbox keys on her keychain, and he picked out her house key with no problem.
The pounding of her heart couldn’t have been any harder. She waited, still feeling his kiss on her moist lips as he unlocked the door and opened it. He held the door open and waited for her to step inside.
She stood inside the door, waiting for him to come in, too. He didn’t. He held out the keys and she let them drop into her palm. To her surprise, he stayed on the porch, studying her with his intense gaze.
Was he waiting for her invitation? “Would you like to come in?” She couldn’t believe how shy she sounded.
He shook his head. “Don’t tempt me, Chelsey. I don’t think that’s a good idea.
A smile came from nowhere. He wasn’t pressuring her—he wasn’t trying to get her to do something she might not be ready for. She moved closer to him and leaned over the threshold. “You’re a good man, Grady Donovan.”
“That’s what you say now.” He put his forehead against hers. “Just wait ‘til the next time I get ahold of you.”
The way he said it gave her shivers.
“Oh, really?” She surprised herself at how flirtatious she was acting. “Can’t wait.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the rink and we’ll set another date.” He kissed her one more time before separating himself from her. He turned and walked down the sidewalk to his truck.
She waited for a long moment, until he was in his truck, before she closed her front door and locked it.
Her breathing came slow and easy, but her stomach flip-flopped. She had just had the most wonderful night with one of the sexiest men on earth. And he wanted to see her again.
With a grin, she danced her way to her bedroom. It wasn’t going to be easy to get to sleep tonight.
7
“Again, Gracie.” Chelsey clapped and nodded to the ice. The fourteen-year-old turned and skated back to her spot on the ice surface and assumed her stance.
Chelsey signaled the cue to begin the routine.
Every time Gracie performed, it triggered memories and emotions in Chelsey. At one time that was her. Every now and then she felt a twinge of regret that she hadn’t been able to compete in the Olympics, as well as continue and build her career.
Her thoughts turned to raising her siblings, and how much she loved them. She had made the right decision. She still missed the sport, but at least she could coach.
“She looks so beautiful on the ice.” Gracie Chen’s mother, Bev, had pride in her voice. The kind of pride Chelsey’s own mom had expressed for her daughter when she was alive.
Chelsey nodded without taking her gaze off Gracie. “She’s gifted.”
“You have made all the difference, Ms. Daniels.” Bev’s sincere words sent warmth through Chelsey.
“I live vicariously through your daughter.” Chelsey flashed Bev a smile before looking back at Gracie. “I loved competition, and training in Colorado Springs was the best thing that happened to advance my career.”
“We can’t wait for her to start.” Bev hurried to add, “Of course Gracie will miss you.”
Chelsey almost laughed as she watched the girl perform her routine. “I love Gracie to pieces, but going to the Broadmoor Arena is going to do fantastic things for her career. As long as she keeps working as hard as she does, she has the skill and talent to make it onto the Olympic team.”
“I know you wouldn’t say it if you didn’t mean it.” Bev drew Chelsey’s attention briefly from Gracie. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for trusting me with her training, Mrs. Chen.” Chelsey smiled. “I feel blessed to have even a small part of working with Gracie.” She moved her gaze back to the young athlete. “She is fortunate to have parents like you, who are willing to move to Colorado so she can have this opportunity and still be with her family.”
Gracie came to a perfect ending to her performance. Chelsey clapped, Bev echoing with her own claps.
“Great job, Gracie.” Chelsey motioned for Gracie to come to her. “I think you’ve had enough for the day.”
“I still want to skate.” If she could get her own way, Gracie would never want to get off the ice.
Bev shook her head. “Time for a good meal before you do your homework and then get to bed.”
Gracie rolled her eyes. “Mom. You’re such a—a—mom.”
Both Chelsey and Bev laughed. “That’s because I am. Now get your skates off and we’ll head home.”
Gracie gave a few good natured grumbles. She was probably tired, but her competitive spirit never wanted to stop.
As Gracie and Bev walked away, a male voice captured Chelsey’s attention. “Hello, beautiful.”
Chelsey gave a broad smile as she turned to face Grady, who was decked out in full hockey gear. A happy feeling zipped around in her belly. “Hey there.”
He took her by the shoulders and brushed his lips over hers. It was such a sensual touch of their lips that she shivered with pleasure.
She rested her palms on his shoulder pads. Why was it that a man looked so damn sexy in a uniform? He looked hot in his hockey outfit, and she’d bet anything he looked equally yummy in his firefighting gear.
“What time is the game this evening?” She slid her hands down the front of his jersey as she took a step back.
“Seven.” He took her by the shoulders and pressed his lips to hers. “I can’t get enough of you.”
“Same here.” Her words came out husky and maybe even a little needy. She had to rein herself in. She cleared her throat. “I should let you warm up before they start letting in fans.
“I’m warming up already.” He grinned as she playfully slapped him on the shou
lder.
“You know what I mean.” She shook her finger at him. “Now run along.”
“Yes, teacher.” He brushed his knuckles along her cheekbone. “I had a great time last night. How does this Saturday work for you?”
“I had a fabulous time, too.” She felt almost giddy at the prospect of a second date. “What time?”
“I’ll call you and we’ll figure out where we are going and what time.” He glanced at the ice, where his fellow league teammates were gathering. “I’d better go. Are you staying to watch?”
“Of course.” She gently pushed him toward the arena. “Go on now. They’re waiting for their ringer.”
He snorted. “I’ll see you after the game.” He eyed her. “You are waiting until I get out of the locker room, right?”
“If you insist.” She pretended to be put out even as she wanted to say abso-freaking-lutey-yes.
“Good.” He kissed her, swatted her on the ass, and headed for the ice.
* * *
It was a grueling game, yet Grady didn’t think he’d ever felt so energized and invincible as he did tonight. He couldn’t miss. His team, the Ice Hawks, fought for each goal for the win. Somehow, when he had the shot, Grady took it and made it every time.
Something about knowing Chelsey was in the arena, watching as he played, made him feel as if he could do anything. It wasn’t that he wanted to show her what a great hockey player he was. No, it was more about not wanting to let her down. If he could dedicate a game to someone in his life, like an author dedicated a book, this game would be for Chelsey.
Grady’s teammates congratulated him on his performance. He insisted it was a team effort, which it had been. He couldn’t have made the goals if he hadn’t had a good team backing him up and creating opportunities.
Sweat dripped down his face as he took off his helmet. He grabbed a water bottle and squeezed it over his face and hair before shaking it off, water droplets spraying around him.
“Great game.” David Hanley stood a few feet away from Grady and sprayed water on his own face and hair. He shook his head. “Damn that feels good.”
Grady chucked David on the shoulder. “You’re one hell of a goalie, David.”
“I’m good for a league.” David shrugged. “But I was right about you, Grady. We have a ringer in you—you’re damn near a professional. Talk about unstoppable.”
Grady snorted. “Go take your meds. You’re having delusions.”
David grinned and shoved his fingers through his soaking hair. “Shower then food. Want to join us at Johnny’s Bar after?”
Grady started stripping out of his gear. “I already made plans, but thanks for asking.”
“Hot date, huh?” Mike asked with a laugh.
“You betcha.” Grady rushed through taking a shower and getting dressed, hoping Chelsey had stayed like she said she would.
As he was tying the laces on his athletic shoes, David walked up again. The man had showered and had dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. “See you at practice on Tuesday, Grady, unless you change your mind about Johnny’s tonight. In the meantime, enjoy the win, champ.”
“Meds, David.” Grady waved him away as he shook his head.
David laughed as he headed off.
When Grady was ready, he grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder before walking out of the locker room. Most of the fans had left the skating arena by now.
His heart thumped hard when he saw Chelsey leaning against the barrier and smiling as he walked toward her.
When he reached her, he dropped his bag, then caught her by the waist and pulled her to him. “Hi, gorgeous.”
She couldn’t catch her breath as she laughed and grabbed his shoulder for balance. “Aren’t you being a little familiar, Mr. Donovan?”
He swooped down to give her a hard kiss. “Now that was familiar.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Yes, it was. What am I supposed to do about that?”
He lowered his head. “Kiss me again.”
“I think I can do that.” She moved her mouth to his, her warm breath feathering across his lips.
Her kiss was tentative and sweet as he let her set the pace. He kissed her with gentle nips and sucked her lower lip in between his teeth. She sighed with pleasure and their kiss grew in intensity until he was certain he was lost forever.
She was the one to draw away, but he still kept his hand on her lower back so she couldn’t leave. She looked at him shyly from beneath her lashes. “Fantastic game. You’re the best right wing I’ve seen on a local team. You could be in the pros.”
He shrugged. “You were my good luck charm.”
She placed both hands on his shoulders. “Is that right?”
“That’s right.” He kissed her smile, before raising his head. He loved her expression that told him she’d enjoyed the kiss as much as he had. Being with her made him feel like he could do anything he set his mind to. “Wanna grab something to eat? I worked up an appetite.”
“I’ll bet you did. I worked up one of my own during practice, so I can imagine after that workout you’re starving.” She glanced down at her sweatpants and T-shirt. “As long as it’s drive thru, I’m appropriately dressed.”
He laughed. “You’re beautiful, and I would be proud to be with you anywhere you wanted to go. But if it will make you feel more comfortable, how about we grab burgers at that great joint down the street? We can take everything to my house and you can meet Spot.”
She hesitated, looking uncertain. “I’d love to meet him…”
He smiled at her, loving the touch of innocence in her, and took both of her hands in his. “You have my word I will be a total gentleman.”
She studied him, and after a moment nodded. “I believe you.”
“Damn, I’m good,” he said with a teasing expression. “Now you’re mine.”
Her laughter was sweet. “Nah, I’ll take you at your word.” She picked up her own bag and started to hitch it onto her shoulder. “You’re just naturally a gentleman.”
He grabbed her bag from her grasp while he picked up his own. “Let me prove it and carry the bags.”
“You don’t have to prove anything.” She shook her head but smiled. “But, if you insist on carrying them…”
“No question.” He had both bags—one over his right shoulder, the other in his right hand. He reached out his hand and grasped hers. “Time to eat.”
His stomach rumbled loud enough that she laughed. “Wouldn’t dream of keeping you away from food.”
“Good thing.” He kissed her. “Now let’s go get those burgers.”
8
Grady followed her in his truck when she drove her car to her house. She parked her car, grabbed her coat and purse, and then climbed into his truck. He wanted to drop her off at her home, after the burgers and movie at his place, rather than her driving home alone afterward.
They went through a drive thru to get their burgers. They didn’t get anything to drink because he had pop back at the apartment. When he paid at the window and took the bags from the cashier, she immediately caught the smell of their dinner. “Those burgers smell so darn good.” This time her stomach rumbled loud enough to be heard.
Grady nodded and smiled. “Looks like we’re both ready to eat.”
To her surprise, he didn’t live far from her. His place was in one of the nicest apartment complexes in Appleton, which just happened to be the same one her friend, Sandy, lived in.
After he parked, he managed to get to her door and open it before she had a chance to climb out. She liked that he was such a gentleman. In one fist he held the bag of burgers, with his equipment bag over his shoulder. He reached for her with his free hand.
She took his hand and let him help her out of the truck. After she grabbed her coat and slid it on, he took her hand and led her up the sidewalk. Lights on six-foot-high poles to either side of the pathway looked like old fashioned street lanterns, giving the complex a quaint appearance.
�
��I moved into this place when I got on with the AFD.” He smiled at her. “I plan to buy a house when I decide what part of town I’d like to live in.”
“This is a great part of town.” She gestured to the apartments as they neared the front entrance. “I’ve been to this place a few times.” She pointed to a corner of the fourth floor of Grady’s building. “Sandy lives here.” Chelsey glanced at Grady. “She’s the friend who was with me the first time you asked me out.”
Grady nodded. “I remember her. Although I only had eyes for you, so I don’t remember much.”
Chelsey laughed. “Flatterer.”
He grinned and took her to one of the buildings in the middle of the complex. He had a third floor apartment.
She glanced at him as they trudged up the three flights. “Aren’t upper floors a firefighter’s nightmare?”
“This is nothing.” He gestured in the direction of the tallest buildings in town. “Appleton has nothing on larger cities, but the higher they are, the more challenging.”
“Putting it mildly, I imagine,” Chelsey said as they stopped in front of a white door with the number 313 in brass on the doorframe. “Lucky thirteen, huh?”
“Lucky depends on how the night goes.” He held up his hands and winked. “Just kidding.”
She laughed. “I knew you were.”
He lowered his hands, keys jangling, and unlocked the door. As soon as he opened it, fifty-five pounds of wiggling, excited, white and black spotted dog lunged itself at Grady.
“Whoa, Spot.” Grady laughed as he tried to calm the enthusiastic animal.
Spot caught a glimpse of Chelsey and darted for her. She braced herself for the dog jumping on her, but he sat politely in front of her. His tail thumped on the ground and he cocked his head to the side as he studied her.
She glanced up at Grady. “May I pet him?”
“He’s friendly.” Grady nodded as he walked into the apartment with the bags and his equipment bag.
Chelsey crouched and extended her hand, keeping it low, and putting it beneath Spot’s nose. He sniffed her then looked at her as if trying to decide who she was and why she smelled familiar.
Fire and Ice (Firemen do it Hotter Book 1) Page 5
