by Dani Jace
Ray and his new partner grabbed a tank and raced for the structure. They donned their SCBA masks and disappeared through the side garage door.
She uttered a silent prayer.
The captain faced her. “Search the neighbors and surrounding area. The little girl’s name is Brianna, five years old, blond, and wearing a pink shirt and jeans.”
“Yes sir.” Jo turned and set off. With darkness looming and a chilling fall breeze, she would probably try to get out of the elements if she hadn’t taken the first hidey-hole she found.
Fear painted neighbor’s faces a ghastly pallor as black smoke pumped from beneath the eaves of the roof. An upstairs window shattered, firefighters ventilating for smoke. The sound straightened her spine as falling glass littered the sidewalk.
Brianna’s frantic mother barreled up and down the street calling for her daughter, occasionally glancing at the house.
At the edge of the fire ground, Jo scanned the backyard. No doghouse, no shed and no fence. She turned her attention to surrounding yards and homes. One had a privacy fence, but the others were open. If Brianna had started a fire in the kitchen and ran, she would have had several options.
As others searched too, the girl’s name echoed in the darkness, chilling Jo to the bone. Adrenaline pumped through her system faster than whiskey on an empty stomach as she raced through backyards, on the bad end of a hide-and-seek game.
A shed looked inviting, but a padlock secured the door. Next, she checked the rear garage door of the neighbor behind which opened. She stuck her head inside and yelled. A walk through produced no noise or movement.
From the neighbor’s yard she attempted to gain a different prospective. A tree house. To the right, another shed and what looked to be a riding lawnmower covered by a tarp. It would be a warm shelter. She sprinted over and found one side distended.
She flipped back the dark green plastic. “Brianna?”
A blond-headed child yelped then bolted. Jo charged after her corralling her in a few steps. “Whoa, sweetheart. It’s okay. I’m a firefighter.” She knelt to the ground and shoved her helmet back. “Your mommy is worried.”
The cherub rubbed her eyes, smudging big tears over her puffy cheeks.
She didn’t fight as Jo picked her up and keyed her radio. “Volunteer Mercer. I’ve found a young girl who answers to Brianna. Heading back now. Over.”
“Mommy’s mad.” The child wailed and started to squirm.
“No, your mom is scared. Wondering where you are. She doesn’t care about the house. Okay?”
“Promise?” Her tiny voice pleaded.
“I promise. You’ll see.” Brianna rode her hip as they rounded the corner and found the captain.
Balling her eyes out, the mom steamed toward them like a freight train. With a grin, Jo handed over the munchkin.
Whirling red lights colored the night in an eerie glow.
“Stop search. Child found.” The captain radioed to the crew. Second engine and truck are here.”
With hose in tow, the arriving firefighters charged for the house. They dropped to their knees before disappearing through the smoky entrance. Behind them, the truck crew followed, holding their long metal halligans like weapons. Radio chatter echoed in the night as the crews switched.
Within a couple of minutes, Ray and his volly partner emerged from behind the house. The relief engine company extinguished flames and the orange glowing house turned gray with acrid smoke.
After an inspection, the captain cleared the dwelling for overhauling.
Smoking furniture soon littered the lawn as firefighters cleared the house and assessed for structural integrity and hot spots. Jo swept glass, then rolled and racked hoses. By her next volunteer call, she hoped to be authorized for inside work.
Once the scene was cleared, Ray and she returned to his truck and shucked out of their bunker gear.
“Way to go.” He punched her shoulder.
Her heart and confidence soared.
“What did you do inside?” she asked as he drove to The Casino.
“Felt my way around with a shoulder to the wall. It’s almost impossible to see when a house is going like that one. You’ll see when they put you in the smoke room. You’ll love it when they send you into a live burn.” His little boy grin lit his face.
“Better than a twenty-footer at Baja?”
“It’ll make you wet your pants.” He winked.
“Okay.” So she should pack extra underwear in her gear bag.
By the time they returned to The Casino, the wedding reception had ended.
Ray hauled over her gear and boots as she dropped her truck gate.
“I’m ordering pizza. You coming over?” He paused after the invite.
“What’s your favorite beer these days?” She felt queasy with excitement and nerves.
“Whatever gets you in the mood.” He smiled. “I’ll see you in a few.”
His tall form disappeared behind the dark windows of the Hummer.
His roommate’s vehicle was notably absent when she pulled into the driveway. She reached for the beer and her bag then remembered she already had on her extra change of clothes. Usually, she left a pair of shorts or some clothing in the truck. Nothing tonight.
She snatched her backpack from the floorboard and checked his truck for her dress on the way. He must have taken it inside.
She let herself in and stowed a few beers in the freezer’s ice bin.
Ray swung around the corner into the kitchen. “You’re welcome to shower if you want.”
After cranking off a top, she offered him a cool one.
His pectorals rippled deepening the crevice in his chest as he accepted the beer. Droplets of water meandered down washboard abs to his trim hips wrapped in a low-slung towel that tempted her fingers. She felt small standing before him. A tower of masculine perfection.
She hoped he didn’t notice her once over. “Ahh thanks. I think I will.” Lightly touching a dark bruise on his right shoulder, she said, “Ouch. Did you do that tonight?”
“The other day, I think. After a while, you forget where you hurt what. You’ll see after a few times.” His lips curved then he touched them to hers in a warming kiss. He tasted minty fresh with a hint of hops. “I’ll let you change.” He turned and headed down the hallway.
Her dress lay draped over a chair, shoes and accessories arranged on the seat. She grabbed them and trotted to the bathroom. She quickly steamed away the soot and smoky smell, dressed and returned to the living room.
“Yum.” Ray rose from the sofa and surveyed her in her cocktail dress from bare shoulders to nervously wiggling toes.
Dressed in well-worn jeans that fit him perfectly, paired with an open flannel and the sleeves rolled, he looked as sexy as he had in his suit.
“I had to use my spare clothes under the bunker gear. Otherwise I’d have been in my bra and panties.”
“Poor baby.” With a smile, he closed the gap between them. He captured her chin with a thumb and forefinger. Searched her eyes as he closed in on her mouth.
Her toes dug deeper into the carpet at his gentle kiss. His hand skimmed along her back and down copping what he called her sweet cheeks. Her blood surged hot.
The doorbell jolted him from further exploration. “Since when do they ever deliver pizza early?”
She searched the kitchen cabinets for plates and napkins while he paid the driver. She plucked two, cold beers from the ice bin and returned to the sofa. “Did you record any of today’s football games?”
He placed the pizza on the coffee table and pressed the DVR remote with a wink. Steelers versus Panthers appeared on the menu. “Come on let’s get you something else to wear. I love the dress, but pizza and formals don’t mix.”
He took her hand and led her to his bedroom. It was simple and tidy as she suspected. A black faux suede comforter with a rich brown trim enhanced his manly king-sided bed. Nightstands
flanked each side and a matching large dark wood dresser sat against the far wall. From his closet, he retrieved a blue plaid flannel and opened his chest of drawers to a neatly folded collection of sweat pants. “Some have drawstrings, but they’ll still swallow you.”
“Thanks.” She accepted them, taking a whiff. They hinted of ocean and cedar. Like him.
“Guess they’re gone like my hoodie.” He chuckled and left the room.
The shirt hung to her knees. Since it covered more than her dress had, she decided to forego the pants. Only being wrapped in his arms could warm her more.
Back in the living room, she sank beside him on the sofa. He shoveled a large slice of pizza onto a plate and handed it to her. Famished, she dug in. By the end of the first quarter, the pie had vanished. Jo tucked her feet under her and leaned against him.
He slipped an arm over her shoulder. “Well, I think you earned your share of volly brownie points tonight.”
“Hope the captain has a good memory.”
“Like an elephant, but more so when you fuck up.” He smiled. “I was actually glad when you got the call.”
“Ready to shed the suit, weren’t you? You did look good enough to eat, though.”
“Like you weren’t sex on a stick in that dress. I wanted to strangle Harley when I saw you two.” He growled and tugged her onto his lap.
She clenched the back of his hair. “And you almost saw a side of me you’ve never seen before.”
Chapter 17
Christ, he’d loved to see her break bad over him. With her on his lap, instant heat fired to his dick. He flexed his abs as his jeans tightened.
Her pupils darkened and she licked her bottom lip.
He wanted her to lick something else as she skittered her tongue along his neck. She smelled like his shower gel and it turned him on. He ran a finger to the center of her chest and unbuttoned the flannel. Her cleavage beckoned him to taste.
“We could move somewhere more comfortable?” He slowly worked open the remaining buttons.
“Here’s fine.” She hesitated.
“Chicken Little.” He parted her shirt and circled her belly button.
She tensed. “Cluck. Cluck.” He cupped her breast. The pad of his thumb grazed across her pert nipple.
She shivered even though his caress warmed her.
“No sky falling, but I’m hoping you might tremble a bit.” He brought her mouth to his, lazily traced the seam of her lips and entered. The soft interior of her mouth drew him deeper.
Her eyelids fluttered.
“God, you’re beautiful.” He grazed a nipple between his teeth.
She ran fingers through his hair.
The act made him hotter than hell. None of his previous fantasies compared to her sweet body in the flesh. Her wide-eyed innocent expression only intensified his need to consume her. “Dahlin’, you’re better than any dessert.” With a quick roll, he brought her beneath him. He wedged a thigh between hers and pressed his dick against her hip.
Her hands swept under his shirt and stroked along his back. “Yeah?”
“I’ll prove it.” Slowly, methodically, he licked his way to her flat belly. He swirled his tongue around her diamond stud making her tremble. The only obstacle between his tongue and her sweet pussy, the flimsy black thong he’d threatened to shred.
His heart pounded in his ears. His body a taut bow ready to fire. He desperately wanted to make her happy, satisfy her like she’d never been satisfied before.
He moved lower and nuzzled her warm mound. Her spicy scent encouraged him, heightened his arousal. He edged his finger between her thighs and struck gold. Her bare, slick folds invited him to stroke. To taste.
She rocked her hips and moaned.
For the second time tonight, he fought to keep from ripping the panties that barred him from her sweet pussy. He licked the hot, wet strip of satin between her legs.
* * * *
Her heart played staccato as his exquisite strokes made her burn for the climax buried deep within.
Delicious tension mounted as his warm breath fanned her sex. His erotic play moved to her aching clit. Slow easy circles had her spiraling toward oblivion. She wanted to come. Needed it. Her body refused to obey. Rather than pretend, she gently placed her hands on his head and stilled his efforts.
“Baby, tell me what’s wrong?” His voice sounded raw.
“Nothing, it’s your turn.” She sat and stroked the bulge in his jeans.
“Oh, no.” He took her hand. “We both play, or nobody plays.” He stroked her cheek. “Are you afraid, Jo?”
She couldn’t answer. The truth embarrassed her.
“Did he hurt you?” His eyes darkened.
She looked away. She couldn’t let him believe she didn’t want him, but admitting she might not be able to please him scared her. “No. It’s me. I’ve never been able to come with a man.”
His features relaxed. “Maybe because you haven’t been with a real man.”
Warmth stirred in her belly as his words rang true in her heart.
“It’ll happen when you’re ready.” He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and wrapped her in his arms.
Even when they were kids, he’d defended and supported her. Now his patience and understanding extended as her lover. Her fear began to subside.
“Time for bed.” He tugged her from the sofa and led her to his bedroom. The lamp on the nightstand glowed as he turned back the covers.
Jo scooted between the dark sheets where his scent relaxed her. She felt warm and protected.
He turned to leave.
“Where are you going?”
“The couch?”
“We both stay in the bed, or nobody does.”
A corner of his mouth twitched as he peeled off his shirt.
She rose to her knees, unzipped his jeans, and pushed them past his hips. Although she had previous practice in such seduction, doing him had always been her ultimate fantasy. “You had a taste and now it’s my turn. Play fair.”
His six-pack rippled. “Do you always get your way?”
Through his briefs, she massaged his shaft making him groan.
“Only with you.” She smiled. “I’ll try to make it worth your while.”
* * * *
She would always be worth his while. Worth his life in fact. He’d wanted to pleasure her first, but if having her way with him put her at ease so be it.
She freed his shaft and caressed him. White-hot desire ripped along his spine and settled in his balls. It was if all air had been sucked from the room. He stepped from his pants and boxer briefs. Her long fingers enveloped his eager cock.
Her gasps, small sighs, and slow strokes ratcheted his need. He hadn’t had blue balls since he was a teenager. Now, twice in a few hours.
Her wild amber gaze mimicked a tigress. He smoothed her hair encouraging her to do whatever pleased her.
Her soft mouth molded around his head. She devoured his thickness inch by inch, then touched his tip to the back of her throat and swallowed.
“Christ, Dahlin’, you’re killing me.” He swept her reddish-blond curls from her face. His sac tightened under her long strokes. Her warm mouth and succulent lips tormented his cock as her teeth rasp the sensitive underside. He willed himself not to come.
She licked him one side and then the other. “You have an awesome cock, baby.”
Oh, shit. Dirty talk. He was a goner. “Yeah?”
Her pointed tongue circled his crest.
Her words scorched like fire and made him burn hotter. She surveyed him then she tightened her grasp until he was as charged as a fire hose. He sucked air like a man dying. Dying to come.
He fisted her hair into a ponytail. Matching her rhythm, he thrust deeper while her other hand lassoed his balls.
“Come for me, Ray.”
Sucked into a vortex, lost to the world, he let go. Spasms wracked thorough him. He’d nev
er come so hard in his life. Once he returned to his body, he drew her into his arms vowing to take her to the same heights.
“May I have a turn?” He kissed her deeply.
* * * *
“Until you tire of trying to melt an ice queen.” Jo leaned back on the bed as he hovered over her.
“Forever isn’t long enough.” He slid beside her.
The feel of him in her hands and her mouth made her wet with desire. The power to please him helped thaw here fear. So far, he’d been a patient man and lover. Hadn’t he given her all summer to regroup, get her head together and allow her heart to heal? He knew her better than she’d given him credit. Surely, he’d be a quick study on her body. And he’d kissed her, uncaring about tasting his own release. A first for her.
He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear while his other hand slowly slid between the opening of her borrowed flannel. “I like you in my clothes,” he whispered nibbling her ear.
She felt petite and feminine against him. Her mouth watered as she trailed a finger over a lean hip to his erection. “I like you out of yours.”
“Good, cuz I don’t plan on putting them back on anytime soon.” He winked and caressed her breast with a warm palm. Then lowered his hand and toyed with her needy clit. Firm lips feathered her neck with light kisses.
Desire made her tremble.
His mouth squeezed tight around a nipple.
A tingle radiated south, pooling between her thighs. She clutched his short hair.
He stripped her flannel and covered her body with his. He held until she relaxed. “Sweet Jo, I’ll go slow. Close your eyes.”
He slid to the end of the bed and worked off her thong.
His words and gentleness warmed her. Her breath hitched as he parted her thighs.
He groaned and swept his tongue over her heated pussy. “Baby, you don’t know how long I’ve dreamt of tasting you.”
“Tell me.”
“I took you for a walk on the beach to give you a birthday kiss, but I fantasized about giving you this as your sixteenth birthday present.” He brought her legs over his shoulders.
