Fire and Ice

by Sara York

  “Alexandria, I didn’t know you were out.” He pulled her into a crushing hug, and she returned it willingly.

  Scott had always been there for her. When her brother had started blaming her for her father’s death, he’d supported her decision to keep climbing. This was exactly why she had thought something could one day happen between them. But that guy from the mountain… She needed to figure out if this Lash character was the hunky guy who’d rescued her.

  “Thanks for coming out to get me.”

  “Just doing my job.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  He wrapped his arms tighter around her. “I thought you were gone.” Scott held on for a long moment, then released her.

  She stepped back, even more confused about Scott’s place in her life. “Hey, do you know where Lash is? I wanted to thank him.”

  “No clue. Might want to check the movie room.” Scott kissed her on the forehead before continuing on his way.

  Alexandria moved on, knowing Scott wasn’t really ready for a relationship with her. It was too confusing to think about. What if Lash was the muscular hunk who’d rescued her, and they started something? Hell, she didn’t know and almost didn’t care. Relationships were too time-consuming, but, still, she wanted someone special in her life and in her bed.

  Lash wasn’t in the kitchen or the movie room. She decided against checking the bunks. Walking in on a hot fireman sleeping would get her blood pressure up, but would probably anger someone’s wife, too. Alexandria’s body heated as she thought of the guy she assumed had saved her from the mountain. Maybe she’d heard his name wrong. The names Lash and Rafe didn’t sound too much alike, but she’d been delirious after the fall.

  Thanking her dream guy would be easy. She’d make sure her lips showed him how she felt. It had been so rude calling him stupid. But what if the events of her rescue had been a dream? Had she really insulted the man? And did he really have those amazing arm muscles and that wonderful scent?

  Weights clinked inside the exercise room, increasing her anticipation. Images of the hot guy from the mountain filtered through her mind and she smiled. The rapid beat of her heart pounded in her ears and sweat broke out on her brow. Hope of finding the dream guy blossomed in her stomach, making her feel like she’d swallowed a swarm of butterflies.

  With a shaky hand she reached for the doorknob. The door opened easily, and when she stepped into the room she saw one skinny guy with scrubby blond hair, a hook nose and thin lips. This wasn’t her dream saviour.

  The guy stopped his weightlifting and glanced up at her. His eyes narrowed and his lips thinned even more. The gaze wasn’t menacing, but he wasn’t inviting her in, either.

  “Oh, I’m sorry to disturb you. I’m looking for Lash.”

  He stood slowly, wiping his hands on his pants. Pain darkened his face before he schooled his features. Reluctantly, he held out his hand. “I’m Lash.”

  Before she thought through her actions she recoiled instinctively, disappointed that this wasn’t the guy she’d hoped he was. Remembering her manners, she held out her hand to shake his. The second her fingers touched his palm a charged bolt of electricity slid through her body, warming her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head.

  His eyes smouldered with fire, burning away the doubts and revulsion she’d felt a few seconds before. No matter what he looked like, she experienced a strong desire for the man. Her nipples grew hard and her pussy gushed.

  She jerked her hand away, shocked by the reaction he’d evoked in her. Lash’s eyes dimmed as his face fell.

  What the hell was that?

  Alexandria cleared her throat. “I guess I owe you my life.”

  “Um, well, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that.” Lash shuffled his feet and wiped his hands on his pants again.

  “From what the nurse said, it sure sounds that way.”

  Lash blushed, turning his pale skin a deep red. The flush didn’t look good on him. Alexandria was disappointed that he wasn’t the hottie from the mountaintop. Anger flashed through her at her pettiness. Why was she being so shallow? The guy had saved her life. If he had been totally hot, she would have reached up and kissed him.

  “I was just doing my job, that’s all.”

  “I appreciate your efforts.” Alexandria’s stomach flipped. She was being a small-minded wimp. She shook her head—it shouldn’t matter that he wasn’t good-looking. She wasn’t that shallow. Kiss the guy on the cheek and get it over with. That’s all I have to do.

  She took a step forward, stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. Her body reacted immediately. The stimulating buzz took up residence in her torso, making her breathless. The instant attraction zipped through her and took over her senses. She tilted her head back and gazed into Lash’s eyes. Smoking hot desire darkened them.

  Lust pumped through her, leaving her astounded at how much she wanted this man. She kissed slightly lower down his cheek, only a millimetre away from his lips. He didn’t stir, but his gaze communicated his need. Nothing could stop her now. The brush of his lips against hers started an all-consuming wildfire in her blood. She opened her mouth, giving his tongue access. He probed deep, stroking her tongue with his as he slid his hands over her ass, then her thighs. He lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist. Willingly, she sank down against his raging erection. She moved her hips, grazing her pussy against his stiff rod.

  In seconds they were up against the wall, his cock straining through his pants and against her jeans. She reached down and undid the front snap of her bra, freeing her breasts. Lash didn’t hesitate. He pushed her shirt up and took one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking so hard she felt the pull all the way to her clit.

  He worked at the button on her pants, then her zipper. Wild desire rolled through her, leaving her unable to reel in her overactive libido. Hesitation flew out of the window when he kissed her again. She didn’t even know him, and yet she wanted to fuck the guy’s brains out. It was like she was under a spell and had no control.

  The second he slid his fingers beneath the hem of her panties and brushed against her labia, she melted in a puddle of pre-orgasmic bliss. The skill of his touch beat any vibrator she’d ever used. Within seconds of him touching her clit, she was ready to come.

  She threw her head back, letting out a strangled cry as he pushed her to an earth-shattering orgasm. Her eyes rolled up in the back of her head and her lungs burned as if they were going to burst. Her back arched; she lost hold of his shoulders and allowed Lash to fully support her.

  The next thing she knew, her pants were zipped and buttoned and Lash had her by the arm, guiding her out of the room. She stalled and pushed him back into the exercise room, closing the door behind them.

  “What in the name of God was that?”

  “Um, I’m fairly certain that had nothing to do with God’s name.”

  The cocky grin on his face left her dumbfounded. The man had brought her to orgasm, made her shout out loud, which she never did during sex, and he’d left her wanting more. This time she allowed him to push her out of the door and down the hall to the kitchen.

  Luckily for her, all of the firemen seemed to be elsewhere. Embarrassment didn’t come close to describing how she felt. Had Mac or any of the other guys been present, she would have died of humiliation.

  The reality of what she’d done splashed her in the face like freezing cold water. She hadn’t even wanted to kiss the guy at first. If Lash had pulled down her pants and bent her over, she’d have taken him and begged for more.

  Alexandria’s whole body heated. The guy probably thought she’d jump into bed with anybody, but that wasn’t how she operated. The last flesh-and-blood guy who’d made her pussy pulse with lust like that had been Charles, and that had been over eighteen months ago.

  “Listen, I’m so sorry about that. I’m not sure what came over me. I usually don’t even kiss men like that without a first date.”

  “So that means you’ll say yes
to a date tonight?”

  She stared up at Lash, her brows pinched together. That wasn’t what she’d meant. Nothing about his appearance attracted her, but when he touched her she wanted to combust in a flash of desire.

  Was it worse to want to see the guy again even though she didn’t find him physically attractive, or to tell him she didn’t want him, then regret not experiencing his electric touch for the rest of her life?

  “Sure, where are we going to go?” She couldn't believe the words had escaped her lips. Now she would have to go on a date with this guy.

  “Do you dance?”

  Alexandria smiled up at him. “I don’t know a woman in Montana who doesn’t dance.”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “Hey, where’s my cousin?” Mac banged through the back door, almost running into Lash. “There you are. How about some burgers for lunch, and then we can catch up?” Mac pulled plates from the cabinet and meat from the refrigerator, oblivious to the heated gazes passing between Alexandria and Lash.

  “You dating anyone now? There’s a new guy who lives upstairs from me. His name is Rafe. Built like a truck. I know you love your men built.” Mac winked at her before slapping Lash on his back.

  Her heart stalled. “I’m sorry, did you say Rafe?”

  “Yep, Rafe. Kind of an odd name, but he seems like a great guy.” Mac grabbed the meat and walked out to the patio.

  Alexandria glanced at Lash, surprised at the rage evident on his face. Before she could say anything he stormed out of the kitchen, and the door to the bunkroom slammed behind him.

  Holy cow, what’s up with him?

  Alexandria thought about going to him and explaining her dream, but the whole vision thing sounded stupid, even to her. It wasn’t her style to talk about other guys in front of the man she was dating. Not that she and Lash had actually started dating, but damn, that orgasm had been amazing. Tonight, she would explain the strange hallucinations to him, because that’s what they had to be—not real, but fake. Lash had saved her, but she needed to see this Rafe guy and find out if he’d been up on the mountain too.

  Chapter Three

  Rafe loved stalking his prey. Watching his quarry filled his heart with joy. Men or women, old or young, they all had secrets to hide or weaknesses to exploit.

  Alexandria was no different than the rest. She had something she didn’t want others to know, but what? If he could learn her secret and make it look as though Lash had exposed it, then she’d be pissed off at Lash. Manipulating her to do his bidding would be easy as pie in this body.

  His mouth watered when she stopped at the small grocery store around the corner from her house. What a perfect place to ‘run into’ her. She would think he’d shown up to shop. There was nothing fishy about going to a store.

  Rafe checked his image in the store window. He laughed. In this body he was a perfect specimen of male beauty. No need to worry about his hair or his clothes. Women loved him.

  He stalked across the front of the store, checking each aisle for her. When he finally saw Alexandria by the fruit and vegetables, his cock grew stiff and his balls tightened. Rafe wanted this body forever. The huge cock and muscles were chick magnets. He’d been masturbating as often as he could manage, loving the way this new cock felt in his hands. He bet Alexandria would love him slipping his big dick into her hot little cunt.

  Oh yes, she’s mine.

  He’d left a huge impression on her when he’d shown up on the mountain. So what if her conscious mind didn’t remember what had happened? If she thought their encounter had been a dream, so much the better. Let her be mystified over him. Heck, it was better she didn’t know the truth about him having to knock her out and place her in the crevasse before Lash had shown up.

  Rafe picked up a head of lettuce, inspecting the leaves. Then he moved on to the tomatoes, catching a glimpse of her checking him out. His heart beat faster. She remembered him from the mountain.

  Time to act. “Excuse me.” He turned his full-force smile on her and watched her melt with desire. “Do you know anything about tomatoes?”

  When she didn’t move a muscle, he knew he had her. She would be putty in his hands. She might have talked to Lash earlier today, but this body would draw her in. She wouldn’t be able to resist the raw male power and strength he exuded in this form.

  “Do I know you?” Alexandria moved towards him, her pupils dilating.

  “Maybe, but I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Rafe Jackson.” He held out his hand, waiting for her to touch him.

  “Rafe?”

  “Yes, and you are?”

  “I know I’ve met you. Were you on Gunsight Mountain the other day?”

  “Gunsight? No, never been up there.”

  She glanced down, shaking her head and mumbling to herself. Pleasure filled him—she remembered their encounter.

  “But I could have sworn you were up there.”

  “Nope, not me.”

  “That’s so strange. You look like you did in my dream.”

  “So now I’m in your dreams? But we’ve just met.”

  Her face contorted in confusion. He moved till he stood over her and she was forced to look up. This position always made the ladies vulnerable, and in his new body domination worked even better.

  “How about you come to my place for dinner tonight? I can make you a special meal and we’ll discuss those dreams you’re having about me.” He didn’t mind using what little power he had been left with to make her want him.

  Alexandria stared up at him, her eyes wide. The pulse point in her neck beat fast, showing her excitement. Her lips opened slightly and she leaned in, almost pressing up against him. Rafe’s heart sped up. The little mojo he had left, mixed with this body, was working in his favour. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. Hell, he’d bet he could manipulate her into forgiving her family, smoking Lash in the process.

  Next, he would make her kiss him. He bent down enough so she’d have to reach up to meet his lips. That way, the kiss would be her idea.

  A loud crash at the front of the store startled Alexandria, and she jumped back. Ten to one, Lash had sneaked into the building. Rafe’s anger flared as he thought about the best way to get revenge. Time to crush the stupid angel. Who gave a shit about what Michael had threatened? He could kill Lash first, then suffer the consequences of his crime later.

  Rafe stepped forward, knocking Alexandria on her ass. Oh, crap, how did I forget about her?

  He reached down to help her stand, but she brushed off his hand and pulled herself up on her own. Damn, he’d meant to woo her into a false sense of comfort. Now she looked angry and upset, even suspicious.

  “I’m sorry. I—”

  She raised her hand, stopping his words. “I’m out of here.”

  Rafe stepped forward, ready to grab her arm and make her stay, but another customer walked between them, blocking his path. Damn it! When he found Lash, he’d get him back for interfering in his plans.

  Alexandria had changed outfits twice, chewed her fingernails three times and almost called the station four times before storing her phone at the bottom of her purse. She didn’t want to go out with Lash one minute, then the next she did. The crazy way she acted around this guy had her nerves in knots.

  Her body heated and her pussy grew moist at the thought of him touching her again. The man took her higher than she’d ever gone before. The way he’d sucked at her breasts, pulling deep and leaving her whimpering, had left her completely dazed.

  Dancing in public would help her to keep her hands out of his pants, and his out of hers. She wanted to get to know him better. Building a relationship with the man held great appeal. He wasn’t particularly cute, but he seemed like a nice guy, unlike her experience at the store today with Rafe. Something had made her feel strange about that man. He might have looked great, but something had been off.

  The doorbell rang, sparing her from more nervous musings. She opened the door to admit Lash. He
didn’t seem so ugly now, but compared to Rafe, whom she also felt conflicted about, he didn’t measure up.

  She covered her misgivings about his looks as best as she could and stepped forward. “Hi, Lash. Thanks for taking me out dancing.”

  Lash pulled her into a hug, then sought out her mouth. The electrifying kiss turned her brain to mush and her body to molten heat. She plastered her body against his, trying desperately to get as close as possible. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a tight grip.

  Lash brushed his hand over her leg, pulling her skirt up to expose her thigh. Her skin tingled when his fingers glided across her flesh. She wrapped her leg around him, grinding her pelvis against his.

  The frenzied excitement building in her mind called for her to throw caution to the wind and take advantage of the man. There was only one thing she wanted, and she made sure he knew how far she was willing to go.

  Lash growled and pressed her up against the wall, pushing the door closed. He slid his fingers up her inner thigh to her panties, then tugged them off quickly. Alexandria unzipped Lash’s pants and fell to her knees. She took him into her mouth and sank all the way down on his cock.

  She brushed her tongue against the ridge on the underside of his dick, and he jumped. The musky scent of his maleness made her drunk with passion. She kept up a quick rhythm, bringing him closer to orgasm. Before he could come, he pulled her up on to her feet and kissed her.

  “Bedroom?” Lash asked when he broke off.

  “This way.” Alexandria led him to the back of her house and into the bedroom.

  Lash pulled her into a crushing kiss and they tumbled onto the bed. He pushed her skirt up and moved between her legs. The first flick of his tongue over her clit made her arch her back, then push her pussy up towards his mouth. Waves of pleasure radiated from her centre, leaving her gasping for breath. He laughed and pushed her back against the bed as he nipped at her pussy, then gave her a long lick.