by Morgan Fox
Not until Sage.
Why did she have to be so difficult?
He was frustrated that she was constantly on his mind. He should’ve already buried the hatchet, taken what he wanted. But no. Not with Sage. She either lacked interest in him or had a keen ability to ignore her own desires. As far as he was concerned, Sage was a freak of nature. How else could he describe a woman that haunted his dreams and stirred him to take such actions to get to see her again? He couldn’t help himself.
He popped the top of his beer and chugged it. Gasping with satisfaction, he leaned against the counter. He grinned as he remembered the surprised look on her face as he stepped from his cruiser, watching her climb into the fire truck. She looked shocked and even more beautiful when he’d seen her again at Iron Horse. His cock stirred, recalling how sweet she smelled as he stepped closer to her. How soft her skin was as he brushed the tips of his fingers over her arms. His gaze had lingered on her supple lips, hoping for a chance to suck on them after he thoroughly ravished her mouth.
I want to kiss her. I want to taste her.
Annoyed, he groaned and then gulped down the rest of the beer. He tossed the empty bottle into the trash and twisted open another. He had to get control over himself. Had to stop lusting after a woman that didn’t share the same sentiments.
As much as he hated to admit it, maybe Janie was right. There was a good chance that Sage saw him for what he was—the no commitment type. There was no reason denying it. It’s who he was and how it was always going to be. No woman or anything else was going to change his mind about marriage and long-term commitments. The pain a union like that could cause was irreparable and best left untouched.
Jace’s phone buzzed. Picking it up off the counter, he read the words and his heart galloped with renewed hope.
Meet me at Iron Horse at six. We’ll start with drinks and see what happens next.
He read Sage’s text a dozen times. The blue of the screen burning his eyes as his gaze lingered on the words see what happens next like he could somehow magically influence her to do as he hoped. Drinks could ease the tension between them, lower inhibitions, and free them up to explore each other all night long. Glancing to the clock on the wall, he had several hours to kill before he had to leave to get to Iron Horse. A sudden flutter of nervousness took hold in his chest as he pictured Sage tossing back shots and looking at him with that heated stare that melted the fiber of his being. Damn, he needed this night to be awesome.
Sex with women was amazing. He liked the freeing of his soul each time he met a new woman and charmed them into a night of passion. The feeling pulsing through his veins now was different, more consuming and even terrifying. The jitters that raced along the limbs of his body vibrated with awareness, chasing the pumping blood that filled the muscles and settled in a swirling ball of knots in his gut.
Glancing over at his weight bench, he had an idea to get his mind focused on the prize. A hundred repetitions at the heaviest weight he could handle should do it. The fiery burn in his muscles would tear his thoughts from the apprehension of seeing Sage and give him the edge he normally possessed.
Laying on the bench, he looked up. An image of Sage straddling his hips as she rode him filled his thoughts. Her dark, lush hair falling over her shoulders as she arched her neck back, writhing in the pleasure they found together. Her nails scraped over his chest, sending a wild shiver up his spine and straight to his cock.
Shaking his head to clear away the mouthwatering vision, he gripped the bar above his head and started counting. His eyes locked on the weight, and he hoped he’d make it to a hundred before his body and mind rebelled against one another.
* * * *
Sage arrived on time, scanning the bar for where he would be sitting. She slowly made her way through the crowd of people and headed for the bar to order a drink.
Zerina was bartending and moved along the bar to her as she approached. “Hi there, my second favorite firefighter.”
“Hey.”
Zerina’s gaze drifted over her. “Why are you dressed for winter?”
She glanced down, frowning. “I’m not.”
“Um, yes, you are. A long sleeve turtleneck, jeans, and boots. That’s winter wear, babe.”
She groaned, rolling her eyes. Why did Zerina have to see through her? Better still, why did she have to point shit out. “I don’t want to give him the wrong idea.”
“That what, you’re meeting Jace here to drink, eat, and not fuck?”
Sage furrowed her brow. “I told him drinks and we’d see what happened.”
Zerina laughed. “That means get drunk and go fuck somewhere.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
Zerina bit her lip, smirking like she was trying her best to contain her laughter. “Sure, sweetheart. Whatever you say. What can I get you to drink?”
She placed her hands on the bar as if to use it to hold on. And maybe that was exactly what she needed. Everything around her was spinning out of control. She wanted to be with Jace, have sex with him until her brains fell out, but the part of her that feared his reaction if he saw her naked gave her major pause. “The strongest thing you’ve got.”
“I hope that’s not because of me.”
Jace’s voice warmed her, sending a quivering delight to her belly. God, he could melt her bones into butter with just a word and the second she looked at him, her blood boiled. Her reaction to him was uncanny. The need to slam a dozen shots ignited in her mind, anything to numb the fear and panic racing through her.
“If I’m being honest, it’s that I don’t do this kind of thing.”
The slow, budding grin that tugged at one side of his mouth was teasing the very button on her jeans. Moisture pooled between her legs. She licked her lips, unable to glance away from its alluring pull.
“You don’t enjoy talking with people. Sharing a drink with them?”
She sighed. “You make it sound simple.”
“Last time I checked, people talked to one another all the time. Why should it be different with us?”
Why? Because I want you to rip the clothing from my body and savor me like a succulent meal.
His grin broadened, a devilish gleam in his eyes. He was enjoying this innocent play between them and she somehow felt at ease. Sexually turned on, but at ease.
Jace wasn’t forceful. He didn’t come off like a jerk with a quick pick-up line. That surprised her. But he did have magnetism that worked well for him, and if she could get over her terror, she could very well have the time of her life.
At least for the night.
She placed her hand on his chest, his gaze shifting to her hand and followed it up her arm and back to her eyes as she eased closer. Eradicating all space between them, she placed her lips at his ear. “I believe you were the one who said you wanted to fuck me, right?”
She heard his breath catch as she leaned back. Now it was her turn to smile like the devil had possessed her. An unfamiliar heat radiated out of every pore as she turned to see Zerina eyeing her.
“Two beers,” she said, indicating with two fingers.
Already knowing the beer she liked, Zerina quirked a grin, and popped the top off the beers. Sliding them over to Sage, she winked.
Facing Jace, she handed him one of the beers and moved to find a table away from the curious minds of those who knew them. Thanks to Jeremy and Zerina, everyone at Iron Horse was well aware of who she was and what she did for a living. Jace worked part time at the Iron Horse Bar & Grill and going there presented even more watchful eyes. A safe area was important, and feeling like she could bail at any time was a lifeline she desperately needed. Zerina offered her that security.
“So when you’re not slamming shots with Zerina’s husband at my bar, you must come to this Iron Horse?”
Sage squinted, staring into his gorgeous eyes. Was he upset that she shared her time between locations? Sometimes she wanted drinks with sports others just drinks. She bit her lip, before sipping
her beer. “Jealous?”
He pressed the mouth of the amber bottle to his lips, keeping his eyes trained on her. When the bottle edged away from his mouth, he said, “A little.”
It shouldn’t feel so good to hear him tease and flirt with her, but it did. Most men didn’t have that effect on her. Most men didn’t attract her like he did. Jace Burnette was an anomaly. He approached her with confidence and confused her with his directness.
“Do you always tell women you want to have sex with them?”
He sipped his beer. “I don’t usually have to.”
She laughed. “Oh, right, you’re a god women can’t resist.”
He didn’t laugh. In fact, his expression was stone cold serious. “If that were true, I would’ve already had the pleasure of knowing how you taste.” He leaned forward, closing the distance that separated them. “It’s infuriating. I’ve never wanted someone as badly as I want you. There is something captivating about you that has gotten under my skin.”
A shiver chased along every nerve ending in her body. “All because you want to have sex with me and I’ve been—”
“Worthy to chase,” Jace said before she could finish her thought.
She pursed her lips. “So this thing with you would just be about sex then. No commitments. No clingy bullshit. Nothing but sex.”
He finished his beer, shoved from his barstool at the table, and circled to stand in front of her. He edged closer, spinning her to face him as he worked his hips between her knees. She gasped as he leaned closer, his hands rested on her hips, as he pulled her against him. His cock pressed hard against her thigh. Even through his jeans, it felt big—bigger than she’d expected.
But what fired her blood the most was that he looked into her eyes, not at her face, her lips, or even her body. It was her eyes he focused on. His deep concentration felt like he was trying to connect with her, become one with her. Her breathing labored and a dizzying wave whipped through her head. She closed her eyes, needing to find balance.
His mouth brushed over her cheek, gliding over the skin. Thousands of goosebumps erupted over the flesh of her body as his warm breath teased into her ear. The whiskers along his jaw scraped deliciously against her face, enflaming her body with the need to feel a man’s touch. To say fuck it to fear and let him have his way with her. Damn, she needed to find release. Needed to feel like a woman, desired, and cherished. Even if only for one night.
“I’m consumed by you. I want you like I’ve never wanted another. I think I’m becoming obsessed with the idea of pleasuring you, and I want to. So damn badly it’s all I think about. But more than sex is something I could never offer you. I’m not interested in anything other than getting you off. If you need more than that, I’m sorry, it won’t be from me.”
She bit her lip, opening her eyes. The heat of passion gripped her, tormenting her with desires so intense she wondered if she could wait long enough to get to his or her home to experience all that he offered.
The dryness in her mouth had her reaching for her beer for a quick sip. “I’m not looking for love, if that’s what you’re saying,” she muttered.
“Come home with me tonight. Let me show you what I’ve been dreaming about for days now.”
She glanced to her half empty bottle, Jace still dangerously close. “We’re going to need more beer.” Pulses of heat shot out to every one of her nerves.
He grinned. “I have a beer fridge at home fully stocked.”
“O—okay,” she stammered. “I’ll follow you to your place.”
He eased back. “Wait here. I’ll close the tab.”
Before he could walk away, she grabbed his arm. The panic she despised surfaced with a vengeance. As much as she wanted Jace to show her what hot, sweaty, earthshattering sex was all about, she couldn’t fight the memory of embarrassment from tunneling its way into her mind.
“Wait,” she breathed.
He must’ve seen the fear in her gaze. Stepping closer once more, he cupped the side of her face. “Don’t be afraid to let go, Sage. Don’t be afraid to use what I’m willing to give you.”
Somehow, the power he held over her had her nodding. He moved to the bar, paid the tab, and waved her over.
“I don’t live far from here.”
“I’ll follow,” she said, pulling her keys from her pocket.
A glimmer of hope had her preparing for a night where she didn’t let apprehension win. Getting on her bike, she glanced over to the overnight bag she’d strapped to her backrest and blew out a hard breath. She could do this. She had to. It was the only way to prove that she didn’t have to hate her body. If a man as sexy as Jace could find her attractive, maybe there was hope for her after all.
She just prayed he still desired her after he saw her scars.
Chapter 5
Jace pulled up the long length of his driveway and Sage did the same, stopping right behind his motorcycle. The crisp night air and cloudless sky did little to ease the worry that she’d let fear stop her from spending the night. If he’d noticed her headlight veering in another direction, he would’ve followed. The craving he had for her was too intense to simply dismiss. Sage was intoxicating, and he was drunk without drinking.
A knowing smile curled one side of his mouth, recalling the sexy conversation she wasn’t afraid to indulge. The memory ignited an explosive reaction, his nerves humming like an electrical current. He was overwhelmed by just how much she tempted him. There was no denying that he had wanted her before tonight, but now he wanted her even more. Sage was unique and she turned him on like no one else. It wasn’t her gorgeous looks. Although that was a plus. It was something else entirely. Her soulful eyes. Her quick wit. Her fearless confrontation. In many ways, she was him.
With Sage, he didn’t think it would just be sex. With her, it would be a battle of wills, an eruption of passion and yearning he’d never experienced. That idea alone sent his body into overdrive.
It feels like the first time I’ve ever taken a woman home with me. What’s that about?
He hopped off his motorcycle, a sleek black cruiser loaded with chrome, and placed his helmet on the leather saddle. Sage strutted toward him with long legs that crossed, and hips that twisted, slightly as she moved. He didn’t think she even realized her walk was sexy. She could easily be a runway model. Seeing her move and knowing she was a firefighter didn’t sync. She had natural grace and beauty. He wondered if when she donned that firefighter’s attire if her demeanor switched, making her a fierce lifesaver.
A sultry model by day and a tough as nails firefighter by night.
He smiled, liking the images of her that formed in his mind. Sage was mouthwatering and about to be his. He opened his front door and stepped inside, flipping the switch on in the foyer, so they weren’t standing in the dark.
“Welcome to my home,” he said, closing the door behind them. “Would you like something to drink?”
“A beer would be great.” She shifted her attention to the living room. “You have a nice place.”
He grabbed them a beer from the mini-fridge stashed beside the sofa. Who really wants to walk into the kitchen to get a beer during a game? Not me. “Thanks. Not bad for a bachelor pad, huh?”
“Did you decorate it or ask Zerina for help?”
Everyone at Iron Horse knew Zerina was an outstanding interior designer. She helped make the bar and grill one of the hottest tickets in Dallas. He would’ve preferred that she had decorated his place, but he hadn’t gotten that lucky.
“I have a very nosy mother who only comes around when she thinks I’m in need of nurturing. She brings me fu fu stuff as an excuse to check on me. Throw pillows, blankets, wall art, dishes, and plants. You name it.”
“That’s sweet.”
Not from where I stand. It’s more like parental bribery.
He sighed. “I guess so.”
She glared at him, a confused look on her face. “Why wouldn’t it be sweet?”
She sounded defe
nsive almost and he didn’t want to piss her off thinking he hated his folks. He didn’t. He just didn’t think they ever should’ve gotten married.
“My folks divorced when I was a kid. It was ugly. They fought over me like I was—” An item, not a person. He shrugged it off. He didn’t like talking about his parents and their failed life together. “It’s not important. I just don’t care for all that kind of stuff, you know?”
“Not really,” she countered. “I lost my folks when I was a kid.”
She moved about nervously, tugging at the collar of her shirt, pulling it upward. He watched her as she picked up a picture from his childhood, the only one he had of him and his parents.
Before they’re ruined everything with their destructive fighting.
Sage brushed her finger over the image, her gaze fixed. Her reaction stirred something inside him.
“I was about this age when it happened.”
The somber tone in her voice had him closing the distance between them. She pressed the palm of her hand over his image and closed her eyes for a moment. The sensation of watching her was more intimate than it should’ve been. He wasn’t sure if it was her response to viewing his photo, or her distance, as if she’d slipped back to that time in her life that had either traumatized or changed her somehow.
Her voice was shaky, as she explained, “My parents were in a head on car accident and I was thrown from the vehicle. The car was hit by another and caught fire. They couldn’t escape.”
Jace’s stomach rolled and he reached to touch her, but hesitated. He wasn’t sure why, but he didn’t think she wanted him to comfort her. Not with the raw emotions pouring out of her.
“I’m sorry, Sage. That’s horrible.”
“It was.” She faced him. “I’d give anything to have my mom or dad come to my house with a throw blanket or pillow. Even it if was to be nosy. It’s still better than not having them at all.”
What the hell could he say to that? Not a damn thing. She lost her parents in an accident and he still had both of his. They might’ve acted like assholes when he was a kid, but they were still his parents.
