Hook & Ladder 69: Eighteen Authors...One Sexy Firehouse.

by Anthology

  I smile, raising from my seat and follow him into the hall. We walk a few steps down the corridor and stop at another office.

  He motions toward it. “This will be your office.”

  My eyes grow wide as I push up my glasses. “My office?”

  He nods with a chuckle. “Yes – your office. Feel free to decorate it how you like. That right there is a new desk and computer monitor. The previous monitor was broken and we had the base taped together with duct tape.”

  I step inside and glance around, still in shock that this was all mine. “Wow – thank you!”

  “Your welcome. Feel free to leave your stuff on the chair. Let’s go meet the guys.”

  “Okay.”

  We make our way toward the kitchen just as Chief hollers, “Alright guys! There’s a lady present, so you better be decent.”

  I gulp at his statement. What did I get myself into??

  I step inside the kitchen as my eyes catch about six men snacking on some food and chatting. A small black boom box plays the local station’s music in the background. The men stop at the sound of Chief’s voice and all stare at me. Every. Single. One.

  Chief introduces me. “Listen up. This is Mackenzie and she’s taking over Bertha’s place. Now you all better treat this young lady with the upmost respect she deserves. Basically, don’t be a dick. If I catch any one of you pestering her, I’ll put you on a 24-hour rotation with no leave. You got me?”

  In unison they respond, “Yes Sir.”

  Chief turns to me, “We have rotations based on every third day so not everyone is here at the moment. So don’t be alarmed if you see any strangers walking around in a couple days.”

  I nod and he begins to call out everyone’s names. “Starting to the right, we have Oz, Jesse, Lieutenant Cruz, and Mason. You already know Colton and Brendan from earlier. Trace is also on duty today but I don’t see him.”

  Colton suggests he went to the restroom. “He’ll be right back.”

  I give them a small wave. “Hello, nice to meet you all.”

  Just as we all gather together, Chief offers me some food but I politely decline. Colton and I think his name was Mason walk up toward me and welcome me to the fire station.

  “Welcome to the house Mackenzie.”

  I offer a smile “Please – call me Mack.”

  Mason nods with a bright smile. He looks young, probably the same age as me or a couple years older. “Looks like I’m no longer the newbie.”

  I laugh nervously, “Yup I guess so.”

  We continue our conversation for a couple minutes until I realize I need to use the restroom.

  “Umm where’s the restroom?”

  Colton leads me out into the hallway and points down the corridor. “It’s the third door on the left.”

  I nod and smile back at the crew, thanking them for their hospitality. Making my way toward the restroom, I let out a deep breath and conclude that the initial meetings went well. I’ve always been a basket case when it comes to being in the spotlight. I’ve never been one to want full attention. I’m used to being in the crowd; hidden where no one can see me. I’d much prefer people not realize I was in the room. I’ve always been very shy but when I finally get to know someone, I do a complete 180.

  I see the women’s restroom on the left and quickly head inside. A few minutes later, I wash up and head back into the corridor. A portrait of the famous picture taken during September 11th is displayed. Three fire fighters hoist the American flag on top of rubble and I find myself staring at the image. My mind goes immediately to Carter and every day, I fear for him. Not that that type of catastrophe will happen again, but just because he puts his life in danger every day. Of course, I admire him and love his bravery.

  As I get lost starting at the image, a deep voice from behind me startles me. “Haunting image isn’t it?”

  My body jumps at the sound behind me and I spin around to find myself face to face with a handsome stranger.

  I press my glasses up higher on my nose. “Uhh, yes. Yes, it is.”

  He’s so tall, I find myself lifting my head just to take a good look at him. He’s got to be over six feet tall. I feel like a shrimp standing across from him. Gathering my thoughts, I put on a brave face and extend my hand out to him. “I’m Mackenzie, the Chief’s new assistant.”

  His hand clasps around mine and squeezes it firm. “I know. I’m Trace.”

  His deep brown eyes stare into mine with intense fury. So deep I have to look away and I cuss under my breath; knowing that I’m about to blush so red like a damn strawberry.

  Trace lets go of my hand, stepping closer. My eyes drift back toward him as he points up toward my glasses. “I’m surprised they didn’t break earlier.”

  My face curves into a puzzling look. “Earlier?”

  He nods with a deep chuckle. “Yeah, back at the café.”

  Oh shit. That was him?!?

  “Oh! I didn’t realize. Sorry, my…uh…glasses. They fell.”

  Trace beams a one-hundred-watt smile and assures, “I figure you couldn’t see anything huh?”

  “Yeah blind as a bat. I was so flustered because I hate not being able to see and I kind of freaked out.”

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  My heads shakes, “Oh no – it’s okay. It’s my fault. I’m so clumsy. I’m always tripping and falling flat on my butt.”

  He laughs at my confession as I mentally yell at myself. Why would you even say that you’re’ a clumsy fool? Way to play it cool Mack.

  “I –”

  Before he can respond, a blaring alarm echoes throughout the firehouse and in a flash Trace runs toward the garage. I follow along and as I reach the space, I see Trace and the others changing quickly into their suits and gathering their gear. The Chief comes up behind me and shouts over the alarm. “Stay here! We’ll be right back.”

  I nod in awe as the brave men jump inside the fire trucks. Colton jumps into the driver seat and turns on the siren. The blaring sound pounds against my ear drums forcing me to cover them with my hands. I glance to the back of the truck to find Trace fastening his helmet and grab hold of a fire axe. He steps onto the landing, holding on tight as the truck begins to drive off. At that moment, he catches me eyeing him and we share a brief moment before the truck disappears.

  Trace

  “You like her don’t you?”

  The sound of Speedy’s voice echoes behind me, causing me to snicker. I pause the Xbox game and twist my body to face him. “No idea what you’re talking about.”

  He laughs out loud and pats my shoulder. “Don’t deny it. You got the hots for Mack. We all see you giving Mack the googly eyes like a Catholic school girl. What? She put a spell on you?”

  The other guys laugh at his remarks, causing my blood to boil. My hands clutch the Xbox controller almost to the point of snapping in half.

  Ash belts out loud from across the game room, “Who would have thought it would’ve been the tiny nerdy girl to bring the grizzly bear to his knees!” Laughter erupts throughout the room as I growl.

  In an instant my feet hit the floor and I’m mere inches from him, ready to pounce. “Fuck off Ash! It isn’t funny!”

  His hands fly up, surrendering to my advances. “Relax man! I’m just messing with you!”

  The guys laugh at my reaction as I hear Speedy tease. “Aww…Trace just wants some lovin. Trace and Mack sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

  Laughing continues even louder as I shake my head, trying not to laugh along. “You’re all dicks...you know that?”

  Oz stands up and turns his back toward us as he wraps his arms around himself. He motions as if he’s kissing someone and moves his hands up and down his back, acting a damn fool, while making kissing sounds. I toss the nearest couch pillow at him, hitting him on the back.

  “Quit it!”

  Speedy practically falls over he’s laughing so hard. I can’t help but laugh along with the guys. At that moment, a soft voice enter
s the room. “Uh guys?”

  We all stop dead in our tracks and I spin around to see Mack standing in the doorway. Her long dark locks cascade down her shoulders. Thick black glasses frame her cute round face, accentuating those rosy cheeks. Her skin glows under the fluorescents and all I want to do is brush my fingertips along her skin. I bet it’s so fuckin soft. Her black and white polka dot dress flows along the curves of her body. She’s a tiny one but she’s not skin and bones. The girl’s got meat on her; just how I like it. I flex my hands as they ache; wanting to grab hold of her and press her against me. Just standing there she drives me wild. Shit, she could be wearing a fuckin tracksuit and I would still lay it on her.

  She offers us an apology. “Sorry – I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was just saying goodnight. I’m about to head out.”

  Her cheeks fill with blush as she tries to hide a laugh. I motion toward her. “You saw Oz’s make out session huh?”

  Her hand covers her mouth as she chuckles, “Yeah – I’m not even gonna ask.”

  The guys burst out laughing and Speedy shouts, “Oh if you only knew.”

  I give him a “you better not say fuckin shit” look and stare him down with a mental death grip. He scoffs at my warning. I glance outside as the skies fill with darkness. The low rumble of thunder tremors outside.

  The guys calm down from their laughs as Mack waves us off. I rush to ask her, “Wait, are you walking home?”

  She stops before she turns away. “Yes, it’s just a quick fifteen-minute walk.”

  I step toward her, “Let me drive you home. It’s about to start pouring and it’s gonna suck walking home in that.”

  I pause, waiting for her answer. I can sense the guys staring at us. Looking into her eyes, I sense hesitation and watch as her eyes focus on anything other than me.

  “I’m alright. I have an umbrella.”

  A low snicker echoes behind me as I make a mental note of who’s ass I need to kick later. Speedy steps up behind me and places his hand on my shoulder.

  “Come on Mack. Just let the man drive you home.” I give him the death stare again and he returns it with a sly smile. He glances back toward Mack. “Besides it’s about to pour soon.”

  “All right.”

  My head twists toward her acceptance and I can’t help but smile. My hands motion her to walk into the hallway and I step to follow close behind. The sound of kissing noises trails behind me as I shut the door.

  I offer her coat to her and help it on. She thanks me with a smile as I slide on my jacket. Grabbing my car keys, we walk toward my Camaro. Just as I open the door for her, rain starts to drop out of the sky.

  “Ahhh you see. Good thing I’m driving you.”

  She smiles as she climbs inside the car. “Perfect timing.”

  I shut the door and walk around to the driver side. A deep breath escapes me as anticipation courses through me. This will be the most time we’ve spent alone together. In the past month since she’s been working here, we’ve managed to talk a few times. Mostly just passing in the halls but nothing too substantial. I wanted to ask Carter a couple questions about her but I’m not sure how he would feel about me pursuing his baby sister. I mean, I am much older than her. She’s only twenty-one and I’m pushing thirty-three.

  I step inside the car and slide the keys into the ignition, roaring the Camaro to life. The sounds of King City by Mijad Jordan blares from the stereo.

  I motion to her, “Do you know this song?”

  She shakes her head no. “I don’t listen to current music. I’m a huge 90s buff. I owe it to my mother.”

  I give her a warm smile and raise the volume. I place my hands on the wheel, steering the car toward her home. We sit in a comfortable silence as we drive under the bright lights of the city’s streets. Rain drops pound along the roof of the car as the windshield wipers swipe left and right. The shining lights from above reflect off the glass allowing me to see her reflection. She stares up toward the sky with a deep look on her face.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  She glances toward me. “Oh, nothing really. I was just staring at the stars.”

  “Can you even see them through the clouds?”

  She nods, “If I look deep enough I can. Sometimes, I imagine each star has their own story. You know like their origin story. How did they come to be in existence? It all fascinates me.”

  I stare at her for a quick second, careful not to take my eyes off the road, cuz damn this girl surprises me. She chuckles nervously, “God, I must sound like a huge nerd.”

  We approach a red stop light as the car brakes. My eyes focus on her, “No you don’t. Trust me.”

  We gaze into each other’s eyes diving deep into one another’s souls until a loud car horn honks behind us. She jumps to the sound as I look into the rearview mirror and flip off the driver behind me. My foot presses the gas pedal as we make our way to her street. A few minutes later, I pull the car along the curb and place the gear into park.

  “So uhh...listen I know it’s pouring out but do you want to grab something to eat?”

  She lets out a frown. “Sorry I can’t.”

  A ping of pain crushes me. “Oh.”

  She recovers quickly. “It’s just I have to get upstairs to my mother. You know she’s sick right?”

  Feeling like a jackass, I mentally slap myself. ‘Yup, I remember. How’s she doing?”

  “She’s getting better. She’s starting to walk better and I can understand her a little more.”

  “That’s good to hear. Carter was telling me all the details about her stroke. I’m sorry you have to deal with this all on your own.”

  She shakes her head. “Don’t be. I can handle it.”

  Her face shines with dedication and bravery. Something I understand completely. “Well, let me walk you up just to make sure you’re safe.”

  Her lips curve into a wide smile. “Okay.”

  I twist the keys out of the ignition and slip out of my jacket. Opening my door, I rush around the other side to open hers. She steps out of the car and grips onto my shirt, as I hold my jacket over her head, blocking the rain from hitting her. I shut the car door behind us and we rush toward the apartment building as she lets out a soft giggle. I open the main door for her, motioning her to step inside.

  She shakes her locks as a few drops fall onto the floor. I glance down at my coveralls to find myself soaked. She catches me staring and laughs at my appearance. “I can’t believe you got soaked so quickly! I’m really sorry about that.”

  I shrug, unbuckling a clip so they don’t constrict against me, and brush my fingers through my dark wet hair. “It’s just water.”

  She smirks as I follow her toward the elevator. I press the “up” button and catch her staring at my body. I glance down to see my white undershirt clinging to my body. A deep chuckle escapes me as she clears her throat, looking away. She knows I caught her gawking. With a peek through my peripherals, I see her cheeks fill with color and a grin curves along my lips.

  The elevator doors open and I let her step in front of me. Standing together, the doors close and she hits the button for the seventh floor. Instead of taking a few steps back toward me she stays up front, closer to the exit doors. She’s probably still blushing. I clear my throat and take a step forward, standing just inches behind her. My tall figure towers over her. I’ve got to be over a foot taller than her.

  My eyes trail the site of her body slightly brushing against mine as the elevator sways and makes its way to the seventh floor. My right hand reaches up slowly wanting to grab hold of her and twist her to face me. Just as I’m about to grab her, the elevator stops and the doors open. She rushes out quickly and I scowl with frustration. Following her down the hall, she stops at apartment 7D and grabs her keys out of her purse.

  She turns to face me with a smile; her cheeks still flushed. “Well, this is me. Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it.”

  Not wanting to say our goodbyes I t
ry to think of something but the only thing that spits out is, “Your welcome.”

  I offer her a genuine smile and I can tell she’s a little anxious; she’s doing that key thing. Girls do it all the time…fiddling with their keys practically waiting for us to make the first move. I battle with my inner self as I stare at the beautiful woman standing in front of me. My eyes trail down her face and land upon those perfectly curved lips. God I want to kiss those lips so fuckin bad.

  No - Be a gentleman.

  My hands bawl into a fist as I control the urge. I slowly bend down toward her face and sense her take in a deep breath. Keeping my hands away, I target my lips toward her cheek and gently brush them against her soft skin. Placing a soft peck, my lips press against her cheek and a second later, my body stands upright as I see her eyes fill with deep desire. Be a gentleman.

  I gulp and breathe softly. “Good night. See you Monday.”

  Her hand touches the spot I kissed as she gazes up at me. “Good night.”

  Now, turn toward the elevator and walk away.

  Listening to my inner self, I follow and walk toward the elevator, not looking back. I press the call button. The sound of keys jingling chimes behind me and I can’t help but glance backward. I watch as she inserts the keys into the lock, twisting it open. Just as it unlocks, she glances at me. I turn away exhaling loudly.

  “Fuck it.”

  I spin around and race back toward her just as she begins to open her door. My left hand grabs her shoulder while the right hand grabs hold of the doorknob, pulling the door shut. I twist her to face me and focus on her deep brown eyes. My breathing freezes as I crash my lips onto hers. Her lips brush against mine as she moans from deep within. I press my lips harder onto hers, mentally begging her to let me in. She understands the message and opens wider, allowing me to fully grasp her lips; tasting each crevice with a fierce eagerness. The tip of my nose grazes against the brim of her glasses.

  I wrap my arms around her body and press her against me. As tall as I am, she fits perfectly in my arms. My wet cold body warms against hers. The brush of her soft cheeks curve along mine as our lips twine with one another. My lips part from hers so I can taste her neck and she breathes deep as I kiss her neck. My hands leave her waist and slide up her back toward her neck, allowing me to savor each morsel of her upper body. She smells so fuckin good.