Blaze: A Firefighter Romance

by Lisa Lace

  Tonight was the first time I’d seen Jenna dressed to the nines, and she looked like an old-time Hollywood starlet. She was wearing her hair loose, with one side clipped up, exposing one of those high cheekbones and the curve of her slender neck. She’d applied makeup to her eyes in a way that made them smoky and seductive so that every innocent gaze was dripping with allure. The lipstick she was wearing: red. A deep, dark crimson that beckoned.

  The dress she was wearing made her look sensational. It was an off-the-shoulder black number that came down to just above the knee. It showed no cleavage, but it hugged every curve of her body. She was wearing dark nylons that silhouetted her shapely legs, extended by a pair of conservative black heels.

  There was no skin visible except for her bare shoulders, but the effect of that dress was overwhelming. I had never wanted to undress a woman so badly in my life. The urge only grew when she stepped past me and I smelled that jasmine on her skin. She was a walking dream.

  I wondered if she knew the effect she was having on me. If she did, she didn’t let on. She simply lifted her eyes, smiled, and asked, “Ready?”

  “Ready.”

  I held out a hand to her, and she took it. I helped her to my car and into the passenger seat. I could hardly keep my eyes on the road as I drove. Every instinct said to keep my eyes fixed on the sexual phenomenon next to me. “You look amazing tonight, Jenna.”

  She kept her smile small and modest, but I could see the embarrassed flush traveling up her neck. “Thank you, Nate.”

  When we arrived at the restaurant, I opened the door for Jenna and helped her from the car. She stood close to me as she held onto my arm and as we walked into the building, I knew that I was with the most beautiful woman in the whole place. Jenna was turning heads.

  We were seated at a table at the back. It was quiet and private, and we were shielded from the view of the other diners by a pair of leafy potted trees. There was a candle in the center of the table and a small vase of fresh flowers which gave the place a romantic ambiance. I saw Jenna smile as she looked around.

  “This really is a lovely restaurant.”

  “It’s pretty new. I’ve only been in here once, for my parents’ anniversary.”

  “Are your parents from around here?”

  “They are. They still live in the same farmhouse I grew up in, just between here and Fort Wayne.”

  Jenna’s lips parted in a warm smile, and her eyes glittered like she was enchanted by everything I said. “You grew up on a farm?”

  “A farmhouse. I can’t say that we were people of the land, as such. We could never get the hang of a harvest. I know Dad tried. In the end, he went back to work in an office. Mom went back to styling hair. They still love the house.”

  “I bet that was a great childhood, out in the fields.”

  “It really was. I was very lucky. I was a really boisterous kid. Too much energy. I was constantly whizzing around everywhere I went. I think if we hadn’t had all that open space right outside our back door, I’d have driven my mom crazy.”

  Jenna laughed. “I was the other way. I used to follow my mom around the house and copy her when she did chores. When I was six or seven, I thought the vacuum cleaner was about the most exciting thing ever.” She glanced up at me and then bust out laughing. “I bet you think I’m so boring, right?”

  I met her gaze and smiled. “Not at all. I think that sounds real cute. I wish Harriet would follow me around cleaning. She’s about the messiest kid I’ve ever met. She likes to open bags herself.”

  “Bags? Of what?”

  “Doesn’t matter. Anything she can get her hands on—peas, pencils, chips, rubber bands. She likes to open them herself. Only thing is, she hasn’t gotten the hang of it yet. She doesn’t open bags—she explodes them. I’m constantly running around after her, picking up the mess she gets all over the place.”

  “Aw! It’s so cute that she tries, though.”

  “I don’t think she’s really got the strength yet to be opening all those bags. I’m hoping she’ll get better at it!”

  “What does Harriet make of your parents’ farm?”

  “Oh, she loves it. When she’s at Grandma and Grandpa’s, that’s when you know for sure she’s my kid. She likes to take off running across those fields, and if you don’t spot her, you’re in for a chase. Sometimes you lose her in the neighbor’s barley, and just have to follow her little giggle. Luckily, it’s real safe around there. We’ve known all the neighbors for years, and they all help keep an eye on her.”

  “It sounds like a great place.”

  “Maybe I’ll show you someday.” The waiter came, and we ordered our drinks. After he’d gone, I continued the conversation. “And what about you? Where did you grow up?”

  “A small town in Pennsylvania called Briar’s Valley. Real cute town. We knew everybody by name out there. It was the sort of town where it’s safe for your kids to play outside, and nobody locks their doors. The sort of place where when one of your neighbors threw a barbeque, the whole town was there, crammed into the backyard. Really social.”

  “Ah, so you’re used to small towns, then.”

  “Oh yeah. We moved to Johnstone when I was about nine, and I missed it like crazy. I never really got the appeal of living in a place where it’s all hustle. I like to just take life at my own pace. In big towns, it’s so easy to feel like you’re just being swept along in a crowd. When I decided it was time for a change, I knew I wanted to find another small town like the one I was born in.”

  “You can’t beat a small town,” I agreed. “Every street feels like home.”

  “Have you been here your whole life?”

  “Born and raised.”

  “Wow, that’s something. I bet there weren’t many jobs going at the station! You got lucky.”

  “Not so much luck. I was an athletic kid. In high school, I was on the football team. Always played a good game. But I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. I was always good at sports, but I hated book work. I couldn’t figure out what kind of career would work for me.

  “Then, one day, we had a job fair. The local fire station had a stand. As soon as I saw them there, I knew that was the job for me. I could just picture it! The excitement, the adventure…not a boring desk job where I’d lose my mind. I’d be using my body, and maybe doing something good for people at the same time. I got talking to the guys there that day, and they set me on the right track to work towards this job. Pretty much held a spot open for me at the station as soon as they knew I had an interest. People are like that around here. They help you out.”

  “I think the job really suits you. You seem to be really good at it.”

  “It’s what I love to do. And what about you? Have you always wanted to work with kids?”

  “Since forever. I can’t tell you where it came from, but I’ve always loved being around kids. They just make me smile. You know, I’m actually working towards my degree to be a proper preschool teacher.”

  “Really? That’s great!”

  Jenna nodded shyly. “I’m only a few semesters from graduating. I was on a roll with it, but it got put on hold for a whole bunch of reasons. I’m determined to get it finished now. It feels like it’s the right time to pick up old dreams.”

  I looked over at Jenna and realized that she wasn’t just a kind, warm person, and she wasn’t just attractive, but also intelligent and driven. She knew what she wanted, and she reached for it. I thought that was pretty incredible.

  “You should go for it, Jenna. You’re so great with kids.”

  “My sister’s got two. They’re my world.”

  “They’re back in Pennsylvania?”

  “That’s right.”

  “I bet they miss you.”

  “I miss them.” Jenna sighed and took a sip of her wine. She gave a little shrug. “But it was time for me to move on. Charlotte had her life all set up. Husband, kids, a great career. Whenever I was with her, I just wished thing
s would work out for me so well. I decided I was finally going to do something about it.”

  “Good for you. I think that’s great. It’s a big deal for you to just leave everything and start over. Brave.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that.”

  “Well, it’s admirable, at the very least. You should give yourself credit for what you’ve achieved here.”

  “How do you get along with your sister? Kacey, right?”

  I nodded. “Kacey’s great. You’ve met her, haven’t you?”

  “Sure. When she picks up Harriet, we’ve spoken.”

  “She’s great. Always been there for me. When I was younger, I always wanted a brother. As I’ve gotten older, I realized Kacey’s not so bad.” I grinned. “She’s actually a really great person. I respect her a lot.”

  “She seems nice.”

  The conversation moved on. The more I talked to Jenna, the easier the words flowed. I discovered we shared a love for country walks and Italian food, and we were both allergic to cats. We had similar tastes in music, but totally different tastes in movies. Jenna was a planner, I was more spontaneous. It didn’t matter what Jenna said—whether it was something we had in common, or some way that we were completely different—I was captivated by her.

  As the evening went on and the wine flowed, Jenna seemed to relax. The more she relaxed, the more vibrant she became. Soon, she was laughing without restraint. I loved her laugh when it was just a shy chuckle or little giggle, but when she really laughed, she was magical. The sound was amazing, and she looked wonderful when she threw her head back and let the sound escape her. Her face lit up with each new laugh that rose up in her, and I noticed other people around us smiling at the sound—it was contagious. It was the first time I’d seen her really let herself go like that. She wasn’t drunk—she’d only had a glass and a half of wine—but she wasn’t holding herself back like she did at work. She was just being Jenna, and I thought she was incredible.

  After dinner, I told Jenna I’d walk her home, as I’d had too much to drink and couldn’t drive. Jenna seemed pleased to be walking with me on a pleasant evening. I walked with my arm around her waist. When I first slipped my arm around her, Jenna looked shocked, and I thought she might pull away. Then she looked up at me, smiled, and moved a little closer.

  I could feel her body moving against mine as we walked. There was a light breeze that night, which lifted strands of her hair and made them dance around her face. Jenna’s eyes were sparkling, and every time she looked up at me, it was with a ready smile. I smiled back.

  We reached Jenna’s apartment building and stood on the sidewalk for a while.

  “Thanks for tonight, Nate. I really had a good time.”

  “Me too.”

  Jenna looked up at the window of her apartment. It seemed to me like she was deliberating with herself about whether or not to invite me up.

  “You know, Kacey’s staying with Harriet tonight. I didn’t know what time I’d be back, so she said she’d just stay the night.”

  Jenna smiled. “You know, after what happened last time, I really thought I’d blown it.”

  “You did nothing like that.”

  She took one of my hands and toyed with my fingers. I knew she wanted to ask me up, but I didn’t think she was used to inviting men home. She bit down on her lip. Man, she knew how to drive me insane.

  “You know, you could come up. If you want.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jenna

  As I led Nate up the stairs to my apartment, I had to wonder about the stranger who’d suddenly taken over my body. Since when did I invite men in? Since when did I take control? This wasn’t like me at all, and yet, I was loving every moment of acting impulsively, letting my passions guide me. After all, it had been so long since I’d felt anything close to passion. Duty, obligation, intimidation—for sure; but passion? It had been a very long time.

  I felt like a vixen in the black dress that Carla had loaned me. The second I’d tried it on and looked in the mirror, I’d known that this was the dress that was going to make Nate look twice, and I was right—his eyes hadn’t left me all night long. Maybe it was the power of the little black dress that was letting me set doubt aside and give into desire. Asking Nate if he’d like to come up had felt like shrugging the heaviest chains off my shoulders. Forget Victor, I was living life for me now.

  We arrived at my apartment, and I nudged open the door. It was dark inside, and I almost tripped on the work shoes that I’d left lined up beside the front door. Nate caught me, and I felt my heart skip a beat as his arms closed around me.

  All night long, Nate had been nothing short of the perfect gentleman. He’d held open doors, he’d paid for dinner, he’d walked me home. Ever since I’d met him, he’d been nothing but charming and respectful. I’d have described him as the harmless boy-next-door if it wasn’t for the way his eyes had roamed over my body in that dress; if I hadn’t seen the fire in them burning for me. Beneath that clean-cut appearance was a beast of passion, and he’d had his eyes on me from day one.

  I turned on the light and looked over my shoulder at Nate. He was standing only a step behind me. The intensity in the way he was looking at me told me everything about what he wanted to happen next. I could almost see the visions of my own naked body flickering behind his eyes. As I looked at him, my own mind wandered towards similar fantasies.

  I’d only briefly had the chance to see Nate undressed, but it had been an unforgettable view. Strong shoulders, rippling muscles, a perfect six-pack...I wanted him again, and this time, completely. As the desire entered my mind, I habitually bit down on my lip.

  All at once, Nate was done holding back. He crossed the short distance between us, pulled me close and pressed his lips down over mine.

  “God, Jenna, when you bite down on your lip like that…you have no idea what you do to me.”

  He kept my body close to his, with one arm around my waist. His other hand was in my hair, drawing my mouth towards his. He parted my lips with his own and pushed his tongue into my mouth with fervor. I felt my body sink into his arms, and I gave in without hesitation. My hands wrapped around Nate’s back and I clung to him, cupping my hands at the back of his neck to lock us in the most intense kiss of my life.

  I began working at the buttons at his chest, so desperate to undress him that one broke from its thread and fell to the floor.

  My passion fueled Nate’s, and he spun me around to unzip my dress. It fell away like a velvety second skin. I kicked off my shoes and pantyhose. The underwear I’d chosen were just for him. They were red with black trim, tempting and seductively lacy.

  Nate moved towards me, and I smiled teasingly, stepping away, turning and heading to the bedroom. He followed with broad, quick steps, and as soon as we were in the room, he took me in his arms and brought me onto the bed.

  He followed and moved his body over mine, kissing me again and slowly trailing his fingertips over my skin. He tucked a thumb into the edge of my panties to pull them away, but I stopped him. It was my turn to pleasure him.

  I placed my hands on his chest and pushed Nate backward until he was standing next to the bed. I sat up on the edge of the mattress, my head level with Nate’s zipper.

  I looked up at him and smiled as I slowly undid the button of his pants and pulled down the zipper. Then I pulled down his boxers. When the material fell away, I saw Nate was already hard for me. I closed my fingers around his thick shaft and felt myself grow wet as I held him in my hand. I firmed my grip and began to move my hand back and forth in long strokes.

  Nate let out a low moan. “Jenna…”

  I loved the way my name sounded on his lips when his voice was full of desire. It came out husky and deep. After a few moments, I felt Nate’s hand on the back of my head, gently guiding my mouth towards him. I didn’t hesitate to oblige and closed my mouth around him. Nate pressed himself into my mouth and let out a low growl of plea
sure. I kept one hand wrapped around the base of his shaft as my mouth did its work, Nate’s hand on the back of my head softly but firmly, guiding the pace. Every now and then, I flicked my tongue around the head, and he responded with a deeper thrust and a lower moan. I rested my hands on the base of his spine and urged him to thrust deeper.

  “Oh fuck, Jenna…” Nate was close to coming when he stepped back and pushed me back down onto the bed. “You little minx…”

  Now he unclasped my bra and pulled down my panties, and I didn’t object. I lay back on the covers with my arms above my head. The way Nate’s eyes traveled over my breasts, waist and all the way down made me feel like the sexiest damn woman alive.

  Nate shrugged off his shirt. We were both wearing nothing. Nate’s chest was smooth and tan. His arms were sculpted and defined; his shoulders broad. His dark hair lost its style and became wild as he ran his hand through it again, letting out another growl of lust as he looked down at me. Our bodies were lit only by the light coming from the sitting room.

  Nate kissed my lips again with more urgency and pressure. I pulled on the back of his neck to bring his mouth closer to mine, our breaths mingling, our bodies brushing against one another. Nate began to move down my body, trailing his hand over my breasts and navel as he descended.

  His hands firmly pushed my knees apart, and he lowered his head between them. I felt his tongue pressing against my clitoris, warm and wet. He began massaging me with that tongue expertly, quickly—soft, then hard; slow, then fast. When I came close to orgasm, he kept my legs held apart and his tongue pressed against me, stroking and teasing. I came with a loud cry, my fingers grasping at the bedsheets.

  Then Nate grabbed me by the shoulders and rolled me over so that I was face down on the bed. I felt him bury his mouth in my neck and trail my throat with kisses, biting down softly on my earlobe. One of his hands traced the length of my arm and then pressed down on my wrist. The other hand rested on my hip, his fingers digging into me firmly, but not hard enough to hurt.