by K. C. Lynn
My brow lifts. “Jealous, Hawke?”
His expression darkens, making my pulse kick-start. “You know better than that, Zoey. We both know who you belong to, and if we weren’t surrounded by people right now, I’d gladly remind you.”
The possessive words set my body ablaze, building a raging inferno between my legs. His lips kick up in a grin, knowing the effect he has on me.
Just then, his radio comes to life, breaking up our moment.
“Fire Station Two, we have a vehicle collision on the bridge, one victim trapped and several others injured.”
“Bring it in!” Austin orders, all of them moving quickly. He drops a brief kiss to my lips and takes enough time to drop one on my sister’s cheek before he jumps into the passenger seat.
Cam hangs out the window as the truck roars to life, its sirens wailing through the air. “Nice to meet you, Chrissy. See you soon, Zoey.”
“Be careful!” I yell out just as the truck pulls away, but I don’t miss the parting wink Austin shoots me. It has butterflies flocking in my tummy.
The fire truck gets lost in the distance, taking the man who owns my heart with it. When the sirens are barely a muffled cry, I take Chrissy up to her room and have an orderly help get her back in bed.
I take the spot next to her again, loving how much more relaxed and at ease she looks. “The fire truck was pretty cool, wasn’t it?”
She doesn’t answer and gazes back at me in a way she never has before, something soft reflecting in her eyes. Her trembling hand struggles to lift to my cheek.
I lean in closer, making it easier for her. “What?” I ask, my hand covering hers as I hold it close.
“D-D-oey h-h-appy.”
“Of course. I’m always happy when I’m with you, silly.”
“N-o. A-Aus-din.”
My heart pinches in my chest. “He makes me happy too but you are always first, Chrissy. You know that, right?”
She closes her eyes briefly and when she reopens them there are tears glistening in their depths. “Not fa-ir.”
“Yes, it is,” I tell her firmly, knowing where her head is at. “We’re a team, you and me, remember? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Okay?”
She nods but the assurance doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“How about a story before bed?” I reach down at the small bookshelf next to her bed, pulling out the few books she has. “Which one?”
Her eyes land on the same one she always chooses. A Kiss From Heaven: An Animal’s Love Beyond.
“How did I know?” I say, giving her a teasing smile.
She returns it. “M-My fav-orite.”
“Mine too.”
It’s a beautiful book that every child who has lost a pet should read. It’s about how animals find the same love and peace people do. The message of the book is that every time a rainbow appears it’s a kiss from heaven.
Chrissy’s head is rested back, eyes softly closed as she absorbs every bit of the story, a sweet smile on her face.
Once I finish, her eyes open, questions burning in her gaze. “Sa-ame f-or pe-ople?”
“Yes, it’s the same for people.”
“Th-at’s wh-ere I’ll go?”
Agony seizes my chest. “One day, Chrissy, we will all go there but not for a very long time.”
The uncertainty reflecting back at me absolutely breaks my heart.
“Listen to me. We are going to get through this. It won’t be this hard all the time. We will find what works for you and then you will come live with me. I’ll give you the life I promised. Okay?”
She nods shakily. “Lo-ove you.”
“I love you, too.”
I crawl in next to her, needing to hold her more than ever. It isn’t long before she falls asleep, curled into my chest. I meant every word I said. I will get her through this. I will get us the life I’ve always promised if it’s the last thing I do.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Austin
“A little higher.” Zoey stands a few feet away as I hang the porch swing she picked out earlier today, the sun casting a glow as if each ray shines only for her.
She’s dressed in cutoff jean shorts that have been tempting me all day, leaving her long legs on display. Legs I love to feel wrapped around my waist as I’m driving myself into her tight, warm body. The snug light blue tank top she wears matches her eyes and molds to her chest like…
The knowing smile she flashes my way snaps me from the thought. “I said higher,” she reminds me, barely containing a laugh.
“Sorry, I got distracted.”
“Clearly.” Amusement edges her tone, the soft sound of her voice infiltrating my chest, like always.
I’m so fucked over this woman.
I lift the front chain higher, looking back at her for approval. Once I’m granted it, I screw it in then do the same with the back one. Just as I start in on the very last chain, she appears before me, slipping her hand beneath my shirt and raking her nails gently down my stomach.
My cock jumps, a growl leaving my throat. “Zoey.” Her name falls with warning as the screw slips from my fingers before I catch it.
“Yes?” she asks, nothing but sweet innocence coating her tone.
“Let me finish this first.”
“How about you finish and I start.” No sooner than the remark leaves her does she drop to her knees before me, working on my belt.
My jaw locks, muscles flexing as I practically screw a hole right through my fucking roof. She releases my stiff cock into her hand, stroking me from base to tip.
“Fuck it!” I just finish the last bolt before throwing my drill over the railing and onto the lawn.
Laughter dominates her expression as her hand continues to torture me. After ridding myself of my shirt, my fingers drive through her hair, tilting her face up to mine. “Suck it, Zoey. Put it in your mouth.”
A spark of heat ignites in her eyes. “Yes, sir, Lieutenant.” She leans forward, taking me into the heat of her mouth.
My mind spins with lust, need pushing its way up my spine as she takes me all the way to her throat.
“That’s it, Zoey girl,” I groan. “Just like that.”
Her lashes sweep up, eyes hooded with desire as she renews her efforts.
“Such a dirty girl. You like my cock in your mouth, baby?”
She hums her response, sucking her way back to the top to give me a show, her pink tongue swirling the tip.
It drives me fucking wild. Growling, I thrust forward once, testing her boundaries.
She shifts onto her knees, relaxing her jaw as she gives me full control.
I take it as a sign and begin fucking her mouth with deep strokes, my hips relentless. Fire spreads through my veins, hurtling me closer to destruction, but I manage to hold off just at the last second, needing to be inside of her when she takes me over the edge.
“Not yet.” I pull out and lift her to her feet, my mouth descending on hers with greed.
Her need collides with my own, our tongues lashing in a blaze of fury, stoking the fire that always burns between us.
Her shirt leaves her next, then her bra. I turn her around, pulling her back against me as I cup the heavy weight of her tits, flicking her tight little nipples.
She drops her head on my chest, her ass cradling my cock as she pushes back for more.
“You wet, Zoey girl?” I ask, my lips grazing her ear.
“Yes.” The confession is nothing but a breathless whisper.
“Show me,” I order, voice dark. “Stick your hand in your panties and let me taste.”
Her hand disappears into her shorts for a few glorious seconds before she brings a single finger to my mouth.
The sweet taste of her explodes on my tongue and the little control I was clinging to snaps. I walk us forward a few steps, stopping just before the railing. Shoving her shorts and panties down her long legs, I lift her right knee to rest on the banister, her slick pussy ready for the taking.
&nb
sp; “Hold on, baby. This is going to be a hard fuck.” It’s the only warning she gets before I drive in deep, filling every inch of her.
Her heated cry shatters the air, mingling with the summer heat and seeping into my hot blood. She grips the railing as I hammer into her, chasing a need I can’t explain. Every pent-up emotion I have when it comes to her pours out of me, making me feel like a fucking animal with every savage thrust.
“Goddamn, Zoey, we’re good together,” I groan, watching my cock disappear in and out of her.
“It’s always so good,” she moans.
“You know what the best part is?”
“What?” she breathes.
“You’re all fucking mine.” Leaning down, I press a kiss to her damp shoulder then cheek, my lips cherishing her while my cock destroys her.
She curls an arm around my neck and turns her face, lips meeting mine in a kiss of possession that rivals my own.
Straightening, my hands grip her hips, digging into the supple flesh as I ride her harder and faster.
“Austin, I can’t hold off any longer.” It’s the only warning I get before her body trembles with release, and the whimpers that fall from her mouth have me coming right behind her, my thrusts never faltering until we’re both spent.
It takes several long moments before we both catch our breaths. Once we’re able to grasp some form of reality, I pull out and the disconnection is hollowing. If I could live inside this woman every day for the rest of my life, I would.
While I pull my pants up she throws on my plaid button-down I had on earlier, the material engulfing her body. The sight of her wearing my clothes will be ingrained into my memory forever.
A shy smile eases across her lips when she catches me watching her. “I like it when you look at me like that, Hawke. It makes me feel beautiful.”
She has no idea how beautiful she is. No idea the things I want to do to her, the future I want with her.
“Come here, Zoey.” Taking her hand, I pull her down on the swing with me, gathering her into my arms.
She curls into my chest with a contented sigh, the swing long enough to accommodate our stretched-out bodies. “Thank you for asking me to do this with you today. It’s exactly what I needed.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Zoey. I always want you with me.”
I feel her smile against my chest, but despite the easy moment, I sense her mind a million miles away.
“Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you or are you going to make me guess?”
She lifts her chin, peeking up at me. “Can never pull one over on you, can I?”
“Never. Now what’s wrong?”
She shrugs. “Just thinking about Chrissy.”
“I thought you said she was better this morning?”
“She was. Or seemed to be. The doctor is hopeful with the new medication and so am I but…she’s been acting different lately. More defeated, more…hopeless…” She trails off, shaking her head. “I don’t know. I can’t explain it. Something is off and I just feel so helpless. I wish I could have her live with me but I just don’t have the means to do that yet.”
“You know I’ll help you, right? Anything you need, Zoey. Money included.”
She tilts her face up to mine, expression softening. “I know you would and I appreciate that, but this financial burden isn’t your responsibility.”
“It’s ours. You and me. Remember?”
“Yes, but not financially. Not this, Austin. I appreciate your support but I cannot accept your money. Please understand that.”
As frustrated as it makes me, I expected it. She has too much damn pride. The truth is, though, I’ve already been taking steps, looking into ways I can make my place wheelchair accessible, because if I have my way, both of them will be living with me eventually. I’m just going to have to tread carefully. Take it slow.
“All right, then how about we bring her out here for an afternoon?” I suggest. “We can have a barbecue and take her down by the creek.”
She straightens, pushing up on her hands to look at me. “Really?”
“Why not? Maybe that’s what she needs, to get out and see something other than the hospital.”
She bites her lip, contemplating the idea. “I’ve always wanted to take her out on my own but I’ve been nervous in case she has a seizure, but she hasn’t had one in weeks.”
“Even then, I’m a first responder. If anything were to happen I can help her, but I’m sure it won’t come to that. We’ll have her come for a few hours. See how she does.”
I watch the wheels turn in her head and know the exact moment she accepts the idea. She throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. “Thank you,” she whispers. “Thank you for always thinking of her, for thinking of us both.”
“I’d do anything for you and Chrissy. You have to know that by now.”
She pulls back, her hand moving to my jaw. “I do and it means so much to me. I can’t wait for her to see your place. She’ll love it like I do.”
Little does she know, this is her place, too. She left her mark on it that night months ago.
“We should make it a housewarming party?” she says.
My brow cocks at the idea. “A party?”
“Yeah, just something small. Chrissy has never been to anything like that.”
I shrug. “If that’s what you want. I can invite a few of the guys from the squad.” I pause, treading carefully with what I say next. “I can invite my parents, too, if you want.”
A sweet smile takes over her face. “You want me to meet your parents, Hawke?”
“Damn right, and I want my mom to tell you all the reasons why I’m the perfect guy. She kinda loves me, a lot.”
She releases one of her giggles but it fades quickly. “She doesn’t need to tell me how amazing you are. I already know.” Leaning in, her lips gently brush mine.
I cup the back of her neck and deepen it, needing more.
Always more.
Within minutes, she takes me inside her body again, my favorite place to be. No more words are spoken but none need to be. She knows where I stand, what I want, and I have no doubt she wants it, too.
One day I will make it happen. I’ll give her everything she’s ever wanted. Now that I have her, I’m never letting go.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Zoey
Laughter fills the yard, the smell of barbecue lingering in the air as Cam, Jake, and Austin, among a few others from the fire station, play football with my sister.
I stand on the sidelines with a smile, watching the game unfold. I worried when Chrissy woke up this morning feeling tired and sluggish that this get-together would be too much for her but today could not have gone better. Her eyes may be tired but her smile is as radiant as mine. I don’t think I have ever seen her this happy.
Before everyone arrived it was just the three of us and we took her down by the creek. It’s probably my favorite place on the property. It was a bit of a struggle with her chair so Austin carried her the entire time, holding her weak body in his strong arms. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever.
We kept the gathering fairly small with only Austin’s closest friends, his rescue squad, including his captain, and also his parents, who have turned out to be some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met. Even Frank came by to meet her before going to the bar. Everyone welcomed us with open arms and went out of their way to make my sister feel special.
Today I’ve witnessed what family truly means in every sense of the word. Not only by Austin’s interactions with his parents but also his squad. Austin’s relationship with Jake and Cam has always been close but this afternoon I’ve realized it’s so much more than that. They are no doubt a band of brothers who would do anything for the other, their bond running deeper than friendship.
“Watch where you throw that damn thing,” Captain Gypsy shouts, dodging the football that Jake just threw at him.
By the smirk Jake gives, it’s
clear it was intentional.
“I thought you were supposed to be an All State quarterback, Ryan?”
The entire squad laughs at the dig, Cam being the loudest one of all.
“I can out throw you any day, old man,” Jake tosses back.
“Old man?” The captain returns, clearly offended. “I’ll show you what this ‘old man’ can do.” He drops his half eaten burger and strides to the field, ready for battle.
The captain’s attitude may be surly but it’s obvious how much he cares for his team and it’s clear the men respect him a lot.
Cam gets into position and when the captain makes the call, he snaps it. Austin quickly intercepts, dropping the ball in my sister’s lap.
Chrissy laughs as Cam dramatically dodges out of the way of her chair, landing on his back while Austin races across the end zone with her.
“Touch down!” He raises my sister’s arm in the air, showcasing her victory, and it has the biggest smile taking over her face.
“Yay, Chrissy!” I applaud loudly.
Austin’s eyes meet mine, flashing me a wink that sends a flutter through my belly. It doesn’t help that he’s shirtless, all those glorious abs on display, damp with sweat.
That signature smirk spreads across his lips as he senses exactly where my thoughts are.
“My son is smitten.”
I turn at the soft female voice and find Laurel Hawke coming to stand next to me, a kind smile on her face as she watches the game. The woman is not only kind but beautiful as well. Her skin tone is warm, hair short and light brown. She also has the same kind brown eyes as Austin.
“You think so?” I ask, unable to deny the hope that comment instills.
“I know so. I’ve never seen him look at a woman like he does you.”
“Well, that means a lot coming from you,” I tell her. “I care very deeply for him. You’ve raised a great man. He’s done a lot for my sister and me.”
Her gaze meets mine, pride etched on her face. “My son takes care of the people he loves. He’s strong and honorable. Qualities he gets from his father.”
