Jim shut the glove box and straightened back to a sitting position. "Here's an antihistamine. It should relieve the swelling and help with the pain and itching." He tore open the packet and handed it to her along with a bottle of water. Their hands brushed and gazes locked. Kristy sat frozen in place, mesmerized by those golden brown eyes.
Jim nudged her hand. "Take the pill, honey. Then I'll take you home."
Kristy swallowed the pink pill and handed the water back to him. "Thank you. I'm glad to see that you're prepared for emergencies like this."
He set the water bottle aside and took her hand, holding it in his. "I get stung now and again. But it's rare. I'm so sorry you got tagged. Not the ideal way to make a good impression."
Kristy smiled. "You made an impression all right."
He leaned toward her. "But was it good?" He looked deeply into her eyes, searching their depths. "I want to make a good impression. I want to ask you out." His eyes dropped to her lips and he touched a finger to the bottom one. "I want to kiss you."
His mouth covered hers in a tender kiss. Kristy didn't think she'd ever received such a gentle kiss in all her life. She couldn't resist draping her arms across the muscular shoulders and deepening the embrace. Her hurts were forgotten in the heat of the moment.
Jim gathered Kristy close and plunged his tongue into her sweet warmth. She responded with an eagerness that matched his own. He thrust his fingers into her short blond hair, tilting her head for better access. He felt her arms tighten around his shoulders and her breasts rub against his chest. His body hardened and flexed against the zipper of his Wranglers.
He tangled his tongue with hers, tugging and sucking; mimicking what he'd like to do to her naked in bed. Trailing his fingers slowly down the curve of her neck, Jim traced the path across the satin-smooth skin and soft fabric of her t-shirt until he found a firm round breast. He cupped the soft mound, squeezing gently, weighing it in his hand.
Kristy moaned into his mouth and tightened her arms around him. Suddenly it wasn't enough. He had to touch her. Jim slipped his hand under her t-shirt, lifted the hem and pushed aside the bra. He inhaled a shuddering breath when the palm of his hand connected with the bare skin of her breast. Kristy wiggled against him, seeking more. He plucked at the nipple, rolling it between his thumb and finger, feeling it swell beneath his touch.
Holy hell! He couldn't remember any woman ever reacting so responsive, so quickly to him.
Breaking off the kiss, Jim leaned down to take the beaded nipple into his mouth. Kristy's slender fingers wove themselves in his hair, holding him close to her breast. He swirled his tongue around and around then sucked hard. She arched into the caress, whimpering with pleasure. He reached down and cupped her through her shorts and felt her dampness and heat. He wanted to plunge inside her and explore this passion burning between them.
"Jim . . . oh God, that feels good . . . but . . . w-we have to stop."
Kristy pushed him away and straightened her bra and shirt. She slid to the passenger side of the truck, brushed her hair from her face and managed a tremulous smile. "I think you'd better take me home." Her face was flushed, her blue eyes glossy with passion. All of a sudden, she yawned hugely and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. "Goodness. I'm sorry. I think that pill is starting to take effect. Antihistamines make me sleepy." She yawned again and tilted her head back against the seat, closing her eyes. "Very sleepy."
"Kristy . . ."
She turned her head and blinked at him. "Hmm?"
"Are you free for dinner one night this week? I want to see you again."
"That would be lovely," she said. "Any night except Thursday. I work late on Thursdays. Bingo night, you know."
"Bingo night? Where do you work?"
"The Rock of Ages Rest Home." She smiled sleepily. "Where do you work? Not in a stuffy old office, right?"
Jim grinned. "You're punch drunk. I work at the fire station."
"The fire station?" Kristy squinted at him through drooping lids. "A fireman? You're a firefighter?" She tried to scoot up into a sitting position, but slowly slid back down in the seat. She shut her eyes, her lips curved in a smile. "Such a shy man, but brave and sexy as well."
He shook his head and turned the key in the ignition. The truck rumbled to life. "Go to sleep, honey. I'll get you home soon."
"I love how you call me honey," she murmured with a soft sigh.
Chuckling, Jim pulled away from the barn and headed out the gate. By the time he jumped out to lock it and climbed back in, Kristy was dead to the world.
****
All day at work on Monday, Kristy wondered if and when Jim would call. He'd said he wanted to see her again. Talk about making a good impression! Her cheeks burned with embarrassment every time she thought about how that little pink pill had completely knocked her out. Had she actually yawned in the middle of that awesome kiss? Surely, not in the middle. At the end, right? It was all a little fuzzy in her memory.
She vaguely remembered Jim getting her home from the bee yard. He'd been gentle and kind helping her into her house. Even tucking her into bed. He must have dressed her in her nightgown, because she'd found her shirt and shorts folded neatly on the chair in the bedroom instead of on the floor in the bathroom, as was her usual unfortunate tendency. Maybe she should feel outraged he would do something like that, but she could only feel grateful for his help.
Kristy pushed the cart of oatmeal cookies and refreshments toward the media room. She showed old classic movies three afternoons a week to the Rock of Ages residents. Kristy was the recreation coordinator for the rest home. She enjoyed her job and did her best to keep morale high. She scheduled various activities throughout the week and liked to believe she made a difference in these folks' lives.
She'd had to field curious questions concerning the red welts on her arms. Many of the residents had a story or two to tell about encounters with honeybees. Some knew Jim Hennessey and told a few tales about the handsome beekeeper. Kristy listened with interest as the residents painted a charming picture of the man. The more she saw and heard about him, the more she liked.
And that kiss . . .
Her phone vibrated in her pocket and her heart accelerated when she saw Jim's number.
"Hello?"
"Hey." Jim cleared his throat and Kristy had to smile. Even though they'd shared a kiss and he'd pretty much undressed her, the man was still shy as all get out. Although, he hadn't been shy about that kiss and touching her pretty intimately.
He cleared his throat again. "How're you doing? How're the stings on your arms?"
"Better. Thanks for taking care of me yesterday. I really appreciate it."
"No problem. That pill really did a number on you." He paused a moment, then cleared his throat again. "I was wondering . . . are you free for dinner tonight?"
Kristy grinned. So much for chitchat or beating around the bush. "As a matter of fact I am."
A big exhale whooshed in her ear. "Good. I'll pick you up then. Seven okay?"
"Seven sounds great." She could hardly wait.
****
They ate dinner together every night that week, except Thursday. On Thursday, Jim headed to the nursing home and bingo night. His third grade teacher was a resident and she latched onto him for the whole evening. Kristy seemed please that he was visiting with Mrs. Connors.
He sat with the little old lady and helped her watch her bingo cards while Kristy stood at the front of the room, calling out numbers. When Mrs. Connors finally won a game, she threw her arms around him, hugged him tight and called Jim her good luck charm. When Kristy brought the prize to the table, she hugged Mrs. Connors and Jim, too. He couldn't resist stealing a quick kiss, much to the delight of the interested audience. He thought Kristy adorable when she blushed and ran back to the podium.
During the course of the week, he kept a tight lid on his libido. He wanted to get better acquainted with Kristy. He liked her a lot and found that he wanted more than sex. He
wanted a relationship. But his body was about to explode. Every night when he kissed her goodbye at the door, he lingered a little longer. Kissed a little deeper. Touched a little more. He'd hold her in his arms and feel her tremble with desire. He knew he was torturing them both when he declined her invitations to come inside.
He wanted more than a quick romp in bed. Maybe he was old-fashioned. He didn't want to be rushed. He wanted their first time to be candles and romance. He wanted to spend the night with her, make slow passionate love to her and hold her in his arms while they slept. He wanted to wake up in the morning and leisurely make love again.
He had it all planned. Saturday would be the day. Unfortunately, plans don't always work out.
****
Kristy cleaned her house all day Saturday, her body humming with suppressed sexual excitement. Tonight was the night. They were finally going to make love. She knew Jim wanted her as much as she wanted him, but he'd kept her at arm's length all week long much to her consternation.
It wasn't like she was in the habit of falling into bed with men right and left, but she felt as if she'd known Jim forever. Their relationship had quickly turned into something hot and heavy. Not only on a physical level--technically all they'd done was kiss and touch--but also on an emotional level. They'd lingered over the dinners they'd shared. Drinking coffee and talking about everything under the sun.
Watching Jim at the bingo game interacting with his old teacher had only emphasized how sweet and kind he really was. And the kiss he'd stolen in front of God and everyone had taken her breath away. Very hot. Not sweet at all. When the residents laughed and applauded, Kristy had quickly returned to the front of the room to call out more bingo numbers.
Had it only been a week ago that she'd actually met Jim Hennessey?
She plumped the pillows on the freshly made bed and placed a candle and a lighter on the bedside table. In the drawer, there was a brand new box of condoms she'd bought yesterday. Should she set the box near the candle? Maybe leave a couple of packets out? No, that wouldn't be romantic. Best to be unobtrusively prepared and not disrupt the mood.
Kristy smoothed the comforter and tugged the edge of the spread straight. She stood looking at the bed with a dreamy smile on her face. They were eating in tonight for a change. Steaks were marinating in the fridge and Jim was going to grill them. For dessert, there were strawberries and whipped cream. They could eat them in the dining room . . . or maybe they'd eat them here in bed. Her body tingled in anticipation at the visual that thought conjured up.
Hugging herself, Kristy glanced at the clock. Goodness, it was getting late. Jim said he'd be here at five and it was already a quarter to four. She headed to the bathroom. If she hurried, there was just enough time to take a hot bath, shave her legs and paint her toes. She planned to wear the new slinky sundress she'd bought earlier in the week.
At four-fifty, Kristy was dressed to kill. She took down the wine glasses and searched the kitchen for the corkscrew. As she rummaged through a drawer, her cell phone burst into song. Her tummy did a little somersault when she saw Jim's name on the display.
"Hello?" She pulled open another drawer and found the corkscrew hidden under the clutter of utensils.
"Hey, honey." Jim's deep voice sounded muffled. Noise and static buzzed in Kristy's ear.
What in the world? Where was he?
"Jim, are you all right? Nothing's wrong, is there?" She gripped the phone tightly in her hand.
"I'm fine. But I'm going to have to cancel our date. I was called out about an hour ago. A wildfire is burning north of town and we're having a hell of a time trying to contain it. I'm sorry, honey. I've got to go. I don't know when I'll be able to see you. I'm so sorry."
"Jim? Jim?" Only silence answered her. She ended the call and set her phone on the counter. She dropped into a chair and sat staring out the window. Sure enough, she could see billowing smoke towering against the blue West Texas sky.
Be careful, Jim, she thought silently. And please be safe.
****
Jim couldn't remember fighting such a hellacious fire any time during his career as a firefighter. The wind had picked up and flickers of flaming grass and twigs scattered and spread the fire. As soon as they had one fire contained, another would flare up and they'd have to start all over again.
The townspeople of Stone Creek had rallied and set up a checkpoint where cold drinks and food were served to the weary firefighters. Jim had come in several times and once or twice, he'd seen and talked to Kristy. Her smile kept him going as he plunged back into the fiery fray.
A week later, the fire finally burned itself out. Covered in sweat and soot, Jim desperately needed to go home and bathe and sleep, but all he could think about was seeing Kristy. Holding her, kissing her. He'd had close brushes with death before, but somehow this time was different. He'd found a woman he cared about and he wanted to feel alive again holding her in his arms. He wanted to make love to her. He wanted to make her his.
Jim stood on Kristy's front porch and knocked on the door. He hadn't bothered calling. It was Saturday afternoon and she should be home. He hoped like hell she was home.
The door opened. With a little squeal of joy, Kristy pushed opened the screen and flung herself into his arms. "Oh, Jim! Thank God you're safe." She sobbed and laughed and pulled him down for a hungry kiss.
Jim thought no man could have wished for a better greeting. He tasted her fully and relished the loving embrace. When they came up for air, he smiled. "Look at you. Your clothes are covered with soot. They'll never be the same."
Kristy smiled back, a radiant glow lighting her face. "Who cares? As long as you're safe and well. I've been so worried. Is the fire out? Do you have to go back? Come in! Come in!"
She untangled herself from his arms and taking his hand in a firm clasp, led him into the house. "You look so tired. Why don't you go take a bath and I'll fix you something to eat."
Jim swiped a hand through his lank damp hair. "I'll take that bath, but I'm not hungry for food. All I want is you."
Kristy nodded. "Bath first, then bed."
Words every man should be so lucky to hear.
****
Jim bathed in record time. He combed his wet hair back and wrapped a towel around his middle. Dusk had fallen and the house was dark. He made his way down the hall wondering where Kristy was. A partially opened door revealed candlelight flickering in the dimness. The warm smell of cinnamon provided a much-needed relief from the acrid odor of smoke and charred wood he'd breathed all week long.
Soft music played in the background. Looked like Kristy had seduction in mind. Thank you, lord!
Jim opened the door wide and stood on the threshold. He nearly came unglued at the beautiful sight displayed before his eyes. The big bed was made down and Kristy lay in the middle clad in the filmiest gown he'd ever seen. The white gossamer whispered against her womanly curves. The wisps of fabric enhanced the full breasts and rosy nipples. The panties formed a translucent triangle over her dark curls.
Kristy smiled and patted the mattress. "I sure am lonely over here. Why don't you join me?"
"Don't mind if I do." Dropping the towel, Jim walked over to the bed. His body was on fire and only Kristy could douse the flames. But not yet. Not yet. They had the whole night ahead of them.
Kristy's eyes widened as Jim stood naked by her bed. She was no shy virgin, but the sight of a thoroughly aroused male in the prime of life was certainly a sight to behold. His body was spectacular. He was spectacular. All muscle and brawn; lean and mean; not an ounce of fat or flab anywhere.
The man towered over her, his eyes turning feral as he raked her from head to toe. The bed dipped as he lay down beside her. He smelled of soap and musky male. Kristy inhaled deeply, soaking it all in.
Jim gathered her in his arms and took her mouth in a savage kiss. Plunging his tongue into her sweet warmth, he cupped one breast in his callused hand. He kneaded the firm flesh and brushed the pert nipple wit
h his thumb. Kristy gasped in his mouth, pushing her body toward his hand, seeking more. He gave it to her. He ground his body against her softness, rolling on top of her never breaking contact with her mouth. He couldn't get enough of her. He wanted to thrust inside of her right now. He wanted release. He needed release.
Kristy's nails dug into his shoulders as she clung to him for dear life. She relished the feel of him heavy on top of her, but she needed more. Jim trailed kisses down her neck and latched onto her nipple and sucked hard. Kristy's body bucked beneath him and she held his head close to her breast, moaning in the back of her throat.
Jim kissed her mouth again and braced himself on his elbows. "I don't think I can take this slow. I want you too much."
Kristy rubbed his lips with the tip of one finger. "We can do slow the next time. Just make love to me. I want to feel you inside of me."
"Oh, sweet mercy. Yes." He kissed her nose, her eyelids, her chin, then claimed her lips once again. "I want you naked. I want to see you naked." He began to lift her gown, but her hand closed over his.
"Let me," she said softly. "You're tired. Let me undress for you. Just lie back and watch."
"Yes, ma'am." Jim punched the pillow and leaned against the headboard, his intense gaze focused on her.
Kristy didn't know where the idea had come from or how she dared do something so bold, but she wanted to do this for Jim. Men were visual creatures, weren't they? She wanted to give him a good show, make him frantic with desire. It made her tremble inside to think of all that muscle and brawn pushing her into the mattress, impaling her, pulsing inside her.
She'd had all week thinking about this night. Worry and fear for Jim's safety while fighting the wildfire made her want him all the more. When they finally came together, it was going to be fast and hard. A little bit of a delay would make it all the better.
And now would be the time to get out the protection. She opened the bedside drawer and retrieved a small square packet. She set the condom close to the table ledge within easy reach.
Texas Two Steps Four-Pack Bundle Page 4
