by Rayne O'Gara
Getting angry, Sofie snarls and bangs her hand on the steering wheel, “You know whatever that asshat said to you it is not true! Don’t you dare believe anything he said to you!”
Breathing heavily, trying to regain her composure, Sofie turns left into her gated community giving her hair a little smooth and tuck behind her ear.
“I can castrate him for you. If you want that is.” Seeing the pleased smirk on my friend’s face, I cringe in fear and start to panic again.
“God, Sofie! Please, pllleeeaassee don’t go to jail. I know what normally follows a smile like that and I don’t like where it leads you! Most of the time, where it leads us!
“Okay, okay, I won’t castrate him, but that fucker has a thing or two coming to him and I hope I’m there to video tape it all, Karmas a bitch, ya know?!”
“Yeah, I know.” Relaxing into my seat, I finally crack a small smile. Even in the seven layers of hell I sink into, Sofie can always pull me back. With my head resting on the cars headrest, I swivel my eyes back to look at Sofie, and say in a voice barely above a whisper, “I love you, Sofe.”
Smiling sweetly with eyes on the road as she pulls into her driveway, she answers back, “I love you too, Caitie-bug.”
Chapter One
Cait…
Eleven months later…
“No! No, Sofe. I am not going.”
“Come on, Cait. It’s time to get out there again, and what’s more perfect than a practice run?” Geez, had to use her whinny voice on me? She’s desperate. Sofie trying yet again to get me around guys. But this? This is not just guys. Hardened, work rough, physically fit firefighters are…well, men. Is she kidding with this shit?!
“Come on, Caitie-bug, you’ll have fun! I mean it’s just a family picnic for Pete’s sake, not a marriage mart! Wives, girlfriends, kids—”
“And then me. The lonely, chubby, hanger-on you sidelined into bringing. Yeah…doesn’t say third wheel outsider at all,” cutting in with an eye roll.
“No, that’s not how it will be at all! Listen, Caitriona, I just want you to have some fun, okay? Now that you’re back on your feet and have those wonderful pictures published, you can relax a bit and take some time for you. There will be food, games, and friendly, non-threating guys you could practice talking to. Oh! And tonight Rob said there’s going to be dancing…I know how much you like to dance!”
Trying to hide my laughter at her excitement over the dancing, I try to sound grumpy. “Yeah, bustin’ a move in my living room or with you in an extremely crowded club floor, not this…and how are these men not going to be threatening exactly?” This is just ridiculous, but I feel the ‘give into Sofie’ coming on, she is relentless when she wants something. Realizing she has started talking again, I try to focus back on what she’s saying.
“Not all of them are Adonis’, ya know, just because they work at a fire house doesn’t mean they automatically get God status. They won’t be threatening to you because they will all be taken…probably…maybe.”
“What do you mean probably…maybe?” confusion lacing my voice.
“Well…just because they’re not attached doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want to come to a party, right? Don’t worry, Rob and I will be there to protect you from those big bad guys. I promise I won’t let them bite you, well unless you like that kinda love play!” Hearing the laughter over the phone, my cheeks heat up and I catch myself biting my lip again. Good thing this conversation is over the phone or I would never hear the end of my reaction to what she said. It’s those damn books…I blame you kinky books! But yeah…I wouldn’t mind a little nibble here and there truth be told, maybe a little spanking…yuummm. Giving a little shiver over my thoughts, I mumble, “Maybe I do need to get laid, damn.”
“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you, girl.”
Oh shit, um, um… I said this isn’t another attempt of a blind date is it, because I think I might have to kill you after all.”
“Ha! Bitch, please, you love me, you couldn’t kill me. And no…it’s nothing like that, I just didn’t want you to be upset if single guys show up, that’s all.”
“Oh, so just get out of the house and have some fun, right?” Hearing the exasperation in her voice I couldn’t help myself, I had to toy with her a little bit, see how long she would keep trying before she snaps.
“Yes, of course! Pressure free trip, I promise! I’ll be at your house in twenty minutes to pick you up. You will have fun I know it! I miss your smile, girl.”
“Oh, I’m just not sure. It would be nice to get out of the house I guess.”
Sofie’s voice filled with smugness as she went for the kill. “Hell yeah it would be! Bring your camera too, you could take some killer candid pics!”
Game, set, match. And she knows it.
“Okay, Sofe, I’ll see you in a bit. Do we need to bring anything?”
“Nope, just our sexy selves. Loves you! Bye!” Hearing her laughter as I end the call, my eyes roll. She’s just too much.
With a look around my still new place, happiness unfurls in my body. The two story Victorian house is just what I needed. My own space. I loved staying with Sofie and Rob, but it was just defiantly time to get my life back. The Victorian three bedroom is perfect for me. Turning the downstairs bedroom into a studio was a wonderful idea by Rob. Finishing my plans and converting the closet into a dark room will give me everything I need right in the comfort of my own home. I love everything about this old place, down to the chipping yellow paint outside.
Running up the stairs and turning left to enter the bedroom, I take off my wrinkled pajamas and toss them into the clothes hamper by my bathroom door. Huh, I’m smiling. It has been awhile since I’ve felt happy enough to have one grace my face. Thanks, Sofie.
I let out a loud sigh and lose my long time in coming smile, and turn to my closet. Crap, what the hell am I supposed to wear? I hate picking clothes out for an event. It always seems I choose the wrong outfit for that occasion. Going through the clothes hanging in front of me I find myself reaching for my favorite outfit. She did say it was for fun and it should be relaxing. Pulling out the black capris pants with little rhinestones on the hem, my eyes catch the sparkle of the stones as they catch the light. My smile reappears as I watch the rainbows flitter over the walls. I do love a little bling.
Sliding the capris up and snapping the button, I notice my shirt sitting in my ‘to be hung up’ pile. My body shivers as I pull the shirt over my head. I love the feeling of the soft blue fabric against my skin. Tightening the cream colored eyelet lace that runs under my bust line I admire in my floor length mirror the soft lines this outfit gives my body. All those bad giggly bits, are hidden bits.
Picking up my black strap sandals a chime from my doorbell reverberates throughout my home. With both sandals in my hand, I start making my way downstairs. Before reaching the bottom stair another chime goes through the house. As I pull my thick hair back into a high ponytail I yell out, “I am coming you impatient little thing!”
Unlocking and opining the door, I smile at Sofie lounging against my doorframe.
“You look great!” Sofie exclaims. “Are you ready to head out?”
“Give me just a sec.”
I sit down on a chair by the door, slip on the black sandals, and grab my purse. Snatching my house keys off their peg on the wall, I give her a nod and we head out. Locking the door from the inside and closing it tightly, we start walking to her car in the driveway.
After sliding into the car and buckling up, I flip down the visor. As Sofie starts the engine I check my already applied mascara from this morning. Good, I don’t need to reapply to my too light eyelashes. Digging into my purse for my raspberry lip-gloss, I hear Sofie’s soft chuckle.
“Um, honey? Don’t you think you’re going to get hot in those capris?”
Applying the gloss, I rub my lips together, then look at Sofie’s short clad legs and I give her my answer, “I don’t care how hot it gets, nothing will get me i
nto a pair of shorts.” Blowing her a kiss a little giggle escapes from me.
Smiling, Sofie pretends to catch the air kiss and puts it in her pocket. “I told you, you were going to have fun today.”
The smile I am currently wearing slowly starts to slip as the thought of all the people I’m going to be meeting today fills my head. I’m gonna be sick.
“And now I thank you for reminding me just why I didn't want to go!” my voice escalating as I continue the sentence.
Seeing my sour expression she tries calming me down. “Caitie-bug, you will have fun, promise. When do I promise and not keep it? It’s a no pressure situation remember. Now…let’s jam!”
Conversation being over in her mind, she cranks the radio full blast and, giving me a wink, starts belting out “Titanium” at maximum volume. What a goofball, sigh, but I love her. Well if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Plus I love this song! Catching her exuberance, I join in just as loudly. Thanking God for Sofie’s window tint, I relax and start working the car dance groove. It feels good to unwind. Singing, car dancing, and acting a fool, the drive time flew by.
Chapter Two
Cait…
We pull into an empty spot in the crowded parking lot, Sofie parks while I get a good look around. Large grassy spaces and playground equipment litter the park with children all shapes and sizes running their little selves ragged and having a blast in front of me. As I watch the kids I grab my camera and climb out of the car. Glancing over to my left, I notice a large green atrium with its roof sparkling under the sun. Inside the house-like structure is a massive spread of food covering the picnic tables and is surrounded by people. Good lord that’s a lot of food! Are they trying to feed an army? Looking around I notice the attire everyone’s wearing and my body relaxes a bit. Looks like I picked appropriate clothing for once. My fingers are itching to snap pictures so I raise my camera. Sofie slings her arm around my shoulders, “It’s quite lovely here, isn’t it? Hold off on the pics for now ‘mkay? Let’s find Rob and eat first, I’m starving. Then I say, snap away, my dear lady photographer, snap away.”
We scan the crowd for the big, burly man who is her husband. Chairs are scattered over the grass, some in circle groups, while others are lined up so parents can watch their little ones. People are everywhere it seems. Sitting, standing, lounging on picnic blankets—here to relax and socialize.
“I had no idea there was this many people going to be here,” I state.
Sofie contemplates her answer as she looks around and gives a shrug. “Well including Rob, there are eight to a team with four to a truck. I think there are three teams at the station.” Listening to her count of people, I see Rob’s buzzed cut head in a group of men off the right side of the atrium holding plastic cups, gabbing away. So I grab Sofie’s arm and gesture toward her husband. “Found him.”
Making our way over to the group, I can hear his booming laughter over the squealing kids. Sofie walks over to her man as I hang back from the group. I’m just not ready yet to be focused on. I really could just stay in the shadows and be good. I hate to be in the spotlight and I’d rather be on the other side of the lens. I see a big smile form on Sofie’s lips as she reaches Rob. Goodness he’s happy to see her too. Chuckling to myself as I watch him grab her up with his massive arms, which looks like he tried stuffing into a red polo shirt and barely succeeded, and squeeze her tightly. Rob leans down and grazes a kiss on Sofie’s lips before releasing her so she can make her round of hellos. Out of the corner of his eye he catches me trying to hide and flashes me a smile.
“There’s my Cait!” he exclaims happily as he grabs me up for my own bear hug.
“Your squeezing the life from me, put me down you Neanderthal!” I wheezily berate him. Chuckling, he releases me into a more gentle hug. I can see the sparkle in his hazel eyes and I know he is genuinely happy I’m here. “It’s good to see you. How’s your new place treating you?”
I can’t help the excitement that burst from me. “It’s great! I love it! It’s just perfect!” Once his question is answered he fully releases me and returns to his full height. This man’s big, like, almost a foot taller than my five foot seven and as wide as a front of a car. Massive. Sofe looks so small smashed against his side, but she seems to fit perfectly under his arm. I want that. Yes, I am afraid of being rejected again, but I so badly want to experience the love and bond like they have.
Rob grabs ahold of me and turns me to the group of friendly looking guys, and starts the introductions. Nodding and shaking hands with the four guys standing around me, I relax with Rob and Sofie beside me.
“Ahh, Alex, just in time, this is Caitriona. She’s a longtime friend of Sofe’s, wanted to get out of the house and rock out on the dance floor tonight. Isn’t that right, girlie?” Rob’s deep bass of a voice comes over my shoulder. Face blazing red, I turn toward Rob to give him a piece of my mind. I mean come on! What’s with him?! ‘Caitriona’? He never uses my full name, it’s always ‘Cait’ or ‘girlie’. Something smells rotten to me, and it’s Rob. I turn my body fully to him, my mouth opens to give him a what for, when he interrupts my would-be tirade.
“Caitriona, this is my coworker, Alexander O’Fallon. Oh…I see my wife needs a drink, sorry guys, excuse us.” Turning and walking away, he pulls a confused looking Sofie alongside him. Her eyes, the size of dinner plates and staring at me, I see her mouth ‘oh my’ before turning away trying to keep up with her long-legged husband.
What the hell just happened, they just abandoned me?!
“Well, that was kinda awkward and obvious all at the same time. I’d apologize for him but I think you already know what he’s like.”
Oh. My. God…my whole body shivers at his voice. It’s like I’ve been dipped in warm, sweet honey. My head slowly turns toward the almost orgasm-inducing voice and my heart drops to the floor. Okay, wow. Breath gone, my eyes rove over his body. Tall, slender build—a runner for sure—his tight t-shirt hides nothing as it forms to his muscular chest and over strong, broad shoulders. Solid, strong chin, pouting kiss-me-now lips, and a straight nose leading to the most beautiful emerald green eyes I have ever seen, topped with a mass of light brown curls…I can’t breathe, don’t pass out, suck in. Mmmmm…suck, him…oh, my.
I am pretty sure my mouth is hanging open, but I can’t seem to find enough brain cells to close it. Focus, Cait. Before he just walks away or you pass out. Sucking in a breath of crisp air, I wet my lips and try to say something…um, anything.
“Hi.” Damn! Well that was just great. Look at me, queen of the conversation—not.
“Hi back, I’m Alex and it’s nice to meet you, Caitriona. You’re a friend of Sofie’s?” Chuckling good-naturedly, Alex takes a drink from his cup. Okay, I can do this.
“Just Cait, um, no one calls me by my full name. It’s meet you nice as well….oh! I mean, nice to meet you as well.” Oh way to go, Cait! Seriously… Pull. Yourself. Together. The hot man asked you a question. Blushing furiously, I continue, “Yeah, me and her go way back, like third grade I believe. You and Rob on the same team?”
Alex smiles at me before answering and I feel the tightening of my nipples and a trickle of wetness in my sweet spot, oh good Lord he has a dimple! I mean come on now, like he needs something else? Yeah, he needs to be illegal!
“Okay, just Cait, Rob and I actually work on different teams but we see each other and gab at shift switches. That’s why I like coming to these get-togethers. Gives me a chance to get to know everyone a little better, and now…I’m even happier I came today.”
The look in Alex’s eyes made my breath hitch. Mouth going dry I give my lips another lick and watch his eyes zero in on my mouth. What would he taste like? Sweet…I just know it. My insides give a roll of pleasure at the thought and I lick my lips again imagining the taste of him. I catch his eyes flare even brighter at the sight of my wet lips. Those gemstone eyes of his seem to be lit from within, God, I wanted to be the one who dealt with that fire. Clearing his th
roat, he seems to snap out of it, bringing his eyes back to mine, and I know my desire is reflecting back to him. So of course I look down, blush and bite my lip. Did he just groan? Snapping my eyes back up to his face, I see his breathing is a little heavier than before.
“Cait…” his gruff voice trails off with the rest of what he was going to say when his name is yelled from a short, red headed man, waving, trying to get Alex’s attention.
“I’m sorry, sweetness, that’s Carl, he needs to talk to me about the schedule. I would really like to talk to you more.” Leaning in closer, Alex reaches out and gently grabs ahold of my hand. I can feel my heart start to beat wildly against my chest at the feel of his warm, rough fingers as they run small circles on the inside of my wrist. Trying to get my heart rate under control, I mean really, I must be part humming bird its beating so fast, I almost miss his soft question. “Will you save me a dance later?” With heat still in his eyes, he looks straight at me waiting for his answer.
Like I could say no…okay, I can’t find enough air to say anything, the man has still got my hand. I find my head nodding, and with that affirmation, his dimpled smile comes out to play again. Oh, baby. Raising my hand to his mouth and brushing his mouth across my knuckles, Alex says a whispered, “Thank you,” winks, releases me, and turns to saunter over to where Carl is waiting for him.
Huh, they’re not Adonis’ she said, probably won’t be anyone single there she said. What do you call him, huh? I can’t believe I trusted her. I don’t care how much I love her, there is a maiming in her future I swear. But then again…that ass looks good in them jeans, damn.
So caught up in ogling the perfection that is Alex, I don’t notice Sofie walking up behind me until she bumps my arm trying to hand me a drink.
“God! Scare the shit out of me why don’t you?” I say with a small shriek.
