Loving A Firefighter (Loving Series)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “Oh, how exciting. I can’t wait. Can you come over and I’ll fix dinner? I should even have a sofa for you to sit on by then.”

  There was a long silence.

  “Tomorrow’s my night for dinner with the family. Could I have a rain check?”

  “Certainly, we’ll do it another time.”

  * * *

  The next evening, Chip said to his mother, “Mom, I met the nicest girl the other day. An old boyfriend set her apartment on fire because she broke up with him. I was the first responder.”

  His mother looked at him. With a mother’s intuition, she could tell he was excited about this girl. He hasn’t sounded this interested in the opposite sex since Sara had broken up with him.

  His mother patted him on the shoulder and said, “She sounds really nice. Just don’t set yourself up for a fall, son.”

  “I won’t, Mom. I took her to dinner and that’s all.”

  “What does she do?”

  “She’s a researcher for WFAA. She gets the background for the news stories for the announcers. She wants to move into an area where she can get on the air. She studied radio and TV at SMU.”

  “Sounds like you found out a lot about her in just one date.”

  “She’s really easy to talk to. She likes sports. Her brother is a baseball player.”

  “Well, just don’t get hurt.”

  “I won’t Mom. When’s dinner?”

  “It’ll be ready as soon as the biscuits are ready. Why don’t you go get your dad?”

  Chapter 7

  Chip had taken Carrie to a movie and stopped for ice cream afterwards at Baskin-Robbins. They had developed an ease with each other and enjoyed the company. They had made small talk. Carrie was twisting a ring on her finger. Chip took her hand and examined the ring. “Is this an engagement ring?”

  “No, you’ll probably think it’s silly. It’s called a promise ring. Dad gave it to me when I was fifteen. We signed a contract. It’s a symbol that I've taken a virginity pledge and vowed to abstain from sex until after marriage.” Fortunately, the lower lights in the room hid the extent of her embarrassment.

  “You’re cute when you blush.” The redness in her cheeks deepened. “I don’t think it’s silly at all. If I ever have a daughter, she won’t date until she’s thirty five.”

  When they arrived at her door, she unlocked it, pushed it open, and took Chip’s free hand and they stood there facing each other, neither one saying anything. Then, both had the same idea, moving toward each other, Chip took her into his strong arms and held her there. They stood there, she with her face tilted upward, looking into his big green eyes. She was secure in the embrace, but she wanted more. She rose on her toes, he bent slightly and their lips met. Her lips were soft and inviting, while his were firm. She could feel the scratch of the stubble on his face. His lips began moving, his tongue was probing and searching the corners of her mouth. She opened her lips slightly and the tongue entered the warm inner depths of her mouth. She tightened the embrace by moving her arms around his neck. She was feeling a tingle from the small hairs on his neck rubbing against the soft skin just beyond her wrist. She moaned slightly.

  Breathless, they pulled apart. “That was nice,” she said.” Still looking into the brown pools that were his eyes, she exerted a small pressure on his neck and he moved to kiss her once again. This time she was the aggressor, her tongue exploring the ridges of his cheeks and the roughness of his tongue. He tightened the embrace and pulled her to him. Her breasts created the sensation of warmth where they crushed against his chest. She could feel his manhood pressing against her. She broke the embrace, looked up at him with a radiant smile, and said in a low breathless voice, “I think I had better go in now.”

  “That is probably a good idea, even though I don’t want you to.”

  “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Chip.”

  “It was my great pleasure, ma’am.”

  “That’s the second time you’ve called me ma’am. Do it again and I’ll hit you with a shot of my pepper spray.”

  “Yes ma’am,” he said mockingly. He ducked her swing, kissed her on the cheek and walked away.

  Neither of them had seen Nathan peeking around the corner at the end of the corridor.

  Carrie went inside and locked both doors behind her and practically danced into the bedroom, removing her shoes in mid step. “What a wonderful evening,” she thought. “I could fall in love with that man without even trying.”

  She changed into her pajamas and was in the kitchen when she heard the knock at the door. “Did Chip come back?” she wondered. She looked through the fisheye lens. What she saw stunned her and she fell back. Nathan was standing at the door. He knocked again, harder than before.

  “Carrie, I know you’re in there. I want to talk to you.” Thankful she had put the new wireless phone by the door; she picked it up, and moved to where her baseball bat leaned against the wall. Another knock, only this time it was more of a pounding. The angry voice came through the door, “Carrie, if you don’t let me in, I’ll break it down,” he said ominously. “Why’d you change the locks?” He was shouting now and pounding on the door. She dialed 9-1-1.

  “9-1-1, what is your emergency.”

  “A man is trying to break my door down.”

  “Do you know who it is, ma’am?”

  “It’s my ex-boyfriend. He set my apartment on fire two weeks ago. He’s out of jail and wants in.”

  “Help is on the way, ma’am. Stay on the phone with me. What is your name ma’am?”

  “My name is Carrie. Please hurry. I’m scared the door won’t hold.”

  “What is the man’s name?

  “Nathan. His name is Nathan.”

  “They’re pulling up in front now. What floor are you on Carrie?”

  “I’m in 3B. Tell them to hurry. Wait, I hear them in the hall.”

  “Don’t open the door until the police knock and tell you it is safe.”

  “Okay.”

  She heard a normal sounding knock instead of the pounding from Nathan. She looked through the port and saw a policeman. “Is it okay to open the door?” she called out.

  “Yes ma’am. We have him in custody.”

  She opened the door. The policeman said, “He’s in custody now. You’re safe. Do you feel up to some questions?”

  “Yes. I’m okay.”

  The policeman took her statement, thanked her and told her she would probably need to appear at the arraignment in a couple of days. He then left and things returned to normal.

  She sat down, shaken. She picked up the phone and keyed in Chip’s number. He answered on the second ring. He saw her name on his Caller ID. Carrie, are you all right?”

  Sobbing tears of anger and relief, she told him the story. He expressed his disbelief. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “No, I’m okay now. The police have arrested him and he’s gone. He kicked and pounded but didn’t get in. I had my bat and pepper spray if he had gotten the door open.”

  “Honey, are you sure you don’t want me to come over. I can be there in ten minutes.”

  “That…That’s the first time you’ve called me honey. I like it. No, I’m okay. I just wanted to hear your voice. Thanks for caring. I haven’t had anyone care for me in a long time. Good night Chip. Thanks again.”

  “If you’re sure. I’ll call you tomorrow. Good night. Call me if you change your mind.”

  “I will.”

  * * *

  Chip and Carrie dated steadily for three months. They went to movies, they went to the Ranger’s games and sometimes just had a quiet dinner in Carrie’s apartment. On one occasion, she had something to give her mother and asked if he would like to go with her. She introduced him to her mother. It was apparent Mrs. Evans took an instant liking to Chip. Mrs. Evans worked in the ER and had met several firefighters that had been in after an injury. They talked about the dangers and admiration for his work. As they left, Carrie said, “You ha
ve made a conquest. She really likes you.”

  “I like her too. The ER is a tough place to work. I’ve ridden with our EMTs and Parkland is the place of choice for the really serious injuries.”

  The comfort they shared in each other’s company continued to deepen. A slender thread began to form, tying each to the other. The relationship changed to one of love but neither had expressed it yet.

  Their kissing sessions left both of them breathless. One evening, they were sitting on her sofa after she had prepared dinner for the two of them. The TV on, and Chip had his arm draped over her shoulder. He pulled her closer and she looked into his eyes expectantly. He lowered his lips to hers. The kiss became intense. Her lips parted, allowing him entry. His tongue explored the roughness of her tongue and the ridges and contours of her mouth. His hand moved inside her vee neck blouse. When his fingers touched her breast, she gasped audibly. She didn’t move it but placed hers atop his. The fingers moved over the smooth sensitive skin. A wave of excitement washed over her. His fingers rubbed the nubs of the nipple. It grew tight and erect. They sat this way, kissing and his hand continued massaging the mound that was her breast. She liked the feel of his hand. She had a strong urge in her most private place, the moisture wet her panties.

  She removed her lips from his, but she left his hand where it was. “Chip, I really like you, but I’m not ready for this to go any further,” she said, her voice barely over a whisper.

  “You’re right,” he said, huskily, and removed his hand. They watched the rest of the TV movie, interrupting it periodically with a a tightening of his arm about her shoulders and a kiss.

  She fixed each of them a dish of ice cream, which was eaten in silence. “Are you mad at me?” she asked, the emotion affecting her voice.

  “Mad at you? How could I be mad at you? You’re the nicest girl I’ve met.”

  Thunderstruck, she stared at him intently. The vulnerability that showed on his face touched her. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

  “I want you to meet my parents. Tomorrow is family night. Can you go then?”

  “Yes, the thought scares me, but I want to.”

  “You shouldn’t be afraid of my parents. It’s my sister you’ve got to watch out for.”

  * * *

  The day crept by the next day at work, but it finally ended. She left thirty minutes early so she would have time to shower. Promptly at five minutes before six, there was a sharp rap on the door.

  Checking the port, Carrie saw Chip and opened the door. Taking in the image before him, he said, “You look beautiful. Dad’s going to love you and Mom loves everybody, so you’re home free. What’s the fragrance you’re wearing? I really like it.”

  “It’s J’adore by Dior. I’m glad you like it. It’s my favorite. You wear Halston After Shave, don’t you?”

  “It’s all I own. I used to wear English Leather but not in a long time.”

  “I like Halston. One of the men at the station wears it. Okay, I’m ready to go.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  Had they gone in Carrie’s car, they might have seen Nathan lurking in the shadows. He finally made bail that day.

  Chip had called his mother to tell her he was bringing someone. In answer to her expected question, he said, “No Mom, you don’t know her. I met her about two weeks ago. I think you’ll like her. She’s really pretty and works at WFAA.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re seeing someone.”

  * * *

  He held the door for her and then called out, “Mom, Dad, come meet Carrie.”

  “Come in the kitchen. I have to watch something on the stove.”

  “Carrie, this is my mother, Ellie. Mom, Carrie Evans.”

  “It’s a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Reynolds. Thank you for having me on such short notice. I hope it’s not too much trouble.”

  “No trouble. My mother used to say, you can always add water to the soup.”

  “Chip, your Dad’s in the back yard. Carrie, are you from around here? Yes ma’am. I was born and raised in Denton. I graduated from SMU.”

  “You’re the first girl Chip has brought home in quite a while. He must like you.”

  “Mom”, said Chip who had come back in from outside.

  “Well she is, isn’t she, Tom?”

  “Yes she is and she’s mighty pretty if you ask me. Introduce us Chip.”

  “Carrie, this old codger is my Dad, Tom. He loves to embarrass me.

  Dad, this is Carrie. She’s a baseball fan and has a brother in the Cardinal’s chain.”

  “Well, so what do you think of the Rangers chances this year?”

  “If they don’t have any crippling injuries, I think they will go to the World Series again.”

  “A girl after my own heart.”

  “Chip’s taking me to Saturday’s game against the Red Sox.”

  “See, I told you Dad would like you.”

  “You really have a nice family.”

  “Yeah, well just wait until you meet my brother and my bossy sister.”

  After dinner, Carrie helped Mrs. Reynolds clear the dishes. “How did you come to meet Chip?” Mrs. Reynolds asked.

  “Not the usual way, that’s for sure. My ex-boyfriend started a fire in my living room one night. The smoke alarm woke me and I pulled the alarm in the hallway. Chip was the first responder. He took me to the EMT’s and they took me to Baylor Med. He came to the hospital the next day for followup questions. He was going to take me home once they discharged since Mom was on a shift. She’s a nurse at Parkland. A friend gave me a ride home but he called with some more questions and the rest is history.”

  Mrs. Reynolds chuckled and said, “That isn’t the way an arson investigation is done. This is house full of firefighters and he just wanted to get to know you better.”

  “Well, I’m glad he did. He’s a nice guy and very shy.”

  “There’s nothing shy about Chip. He’s playing it very carefully. He must like you a lot.”

  Chip wandered into the kitchen, “What are you guys talking about?”

  “Just girl talk. Are you ready to go?”

  “I think so. I start a 24 tomorrow morning. That means I work 24 hours straight and then get four days off.”

  “I’m ready. Mrs. Reynolds, thank you so much for having me. The meal was delicious and I really appreciated the girl talk.”

  “Mom, what did you tell her? Now you know why I never bring anybody here.”

  “Well, look who’s got the big ego. He thinks we were talking about him. We were just talking about clothes and perfumes and stuff.”

  “You like her fragrance? It’s J’Adore.”

  “I’m impressed, and how did you come across that bit of information?”

  “When you’re on 24 straight hours, guys talk too you know.” He winked at Carrie.

  His mother saw the wink and said, “You’re full of it. Now kiss me goodbye and take this girl home. Goodbye, Carrie. It was nice meeting you. Keep your guard up with him. Be careful son. I love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  “Wait, I want to say goodbye to your dad.”

  Chip walked with her back a small den. “Dad, we’re leaving.” He embraced his dad, with no awkwardness. “I love you, Dad.”

  “Me too son, and be careful on your shift.”

  “I will.”

  “Wait, I want to see the pictures. Are you in any?”

  “A few.”

  “These are commendations aren’t they?”

  “Yeah. We’ve had a lot of fires in the family.”

  “You didn’t tell me you had anything like these.”

  “It sounds like bragging when you talk about it. It’s part of the job.”

  “The mayor of Dallas doesn’t give you an award for just doing your job.” She looked at his face. He was embarrassed. She didn’t apologize.

  “Mr. Reynolds spoke up. “Carrie, firefighting is a dangerous job. All of us are family and an i
ndividual does not like to take credit. We’re a team and we do what has to be done. If you go looking to do something just for recognition, you could get someone killed.”

  “Chip, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I can see awards here for everyone in the family. You shouldn’t be ashamed. I appreciate what you do.” Good bye, Mr. Reynolds. It was nice meeting you. I enjoyed the evening.”

  “Goodbye Carrie. Come back sometime when you can give him the slip.”

  She laughed and said, “You’ve got a date.”

  * * *

  About 4:00PM, one afternoon, Mrs. Tompkins called Carrie and asked her to meet with her in her office at 4:15.

  Wondering what this was all about, Carrie was there at the set time.

  “Have a seat, Carrie,” and indicated the chair in front of the desk. “Your work and the way you approach it has come to the attention of the producers. I’m really going to miss the research you do for us.” She noted the stricken look on Carrie’s face and said, “It’s nothing like that. The station needs a field reporter and we think you would be great in the position. It would mean a substantial increase in salary and you would also be getting some camera time. Are you interested?”

  “Am I interested? It’s a dream come true for me. I can’t believe it’s coming now the way my luck has been lately. When would I start?”