by Sage Hunter
“Hang in there,” she whispered, rubbing her stomach. She was already getting used to the idea that there was a little person inside of her.
Somehow that gave her courage. If, by some miracle, Gordon was actually half as good of a guy as he seemed the night before, well, then he’d be a good dad whether he’d planned on the kid or not. And didn’t her baby deserve that chance?
Unsure whether she was supposed to just walk in or knock first, since she’d never been to a fire station before, Corinne hesitated.
She didn’t have to think too hard though because the door swung open and she was left with a fist raised in the air like an idiot. It wasn’t Gordon at the door though. It was another buff-looking guy, but older – maybe late forties – with a mustache and eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Welcome!” he said in a low, but friendly voice. “Corinne, isn’t it? Come on in. We’ve been hearing a lot about you and I must say, you are every bit as beautiful as Gordon said.” He took her raised wrist and led her gently inside, where four other guys sat around a table, finishing lunch. But they were all quiet and focused on her.
“Um,” she said, unable to get more out and wishing Gordon were one of the ones at the table or at least around so she wouldn’t feel quite so awkward. What had he told his buddies about last night anyway? She felt color rise to her face as another guy stood up and pulled his chair out for her.
“Truth is, some of the guys can exaggerate a bit when it comes to stories about women,” the mustached man continued as he guided her into the seat. “But clearly Gordon didn’t exaggerate.”
“I’m twice the man Gordon is,” the guy next to her said, leaning over and casting a large shadow over her.
His arms were lean muscle and covered in sleeves of tattoos, but Corinne didn’t like what she saw in his eyes and she squirmed in her chair.
“That’s enough of that.”
Relief washed over her as Gordon’s booming voice carried across the room, seeming to rein the tattooed man in.
Corinne glanced up to find a narrow winding stairway in the corner with Gordon leaning over the edge of the banister, dark skin gleaming over taut muscles on his shirtless chest. He was just as glorious as she remembered, which brought a smile to her face. Maybe it wasn’t the alcohol. Maybe he really was too good to be true.
“Hi,” she said, rising from the chair.
Gordon beamed at her, and leapt the banister easily, skipping the rest of the stairs. His tight black pants hugged him just right and she blushed harder, remembering what was inside.
“Hi,” he said, voice husky as he strode toward her.
The other men seemed to fall away as he did and it occurred to Corinne how Gordon’s very presence was awe-inspiring. He stopped inches from her and she could once again feel the heat roiling off his body.
“I’m glad you came to visit,” he said, in the same low, husky voice. The spicy scent of cinnamon and something more exotic soothed her churning insides somehow as he pulled her toward him with one strong arm.
“You are?” she asked, dumbly. It was like every thought she’d had planned out had flown from her head.
“Well, yeah. I felt bad leaving like that. I’d much rather have hung out with you today.”
Something in her belly fluttered, like tiny butterfly wings, and she wasn’t sure if it was something real or just a sensation caused by being this close to him again. Either way, it reminded her why she was there.
“Can we go somewhere private?” she asked, glancing back at the men still gawking at them with lascivious smiles on their faces. “To talk,” she added loudly so they wouldn’t get the wrong idea.
“Take the rest of the day off,” mustache guy said. “You earned it, Gordon. You practically extinguished that fire this morning all by yourself and I was sure it would burn for days.”
“Thanks, Chief. I think I’ll take you up on that.”
Corinne let Gordon take her hand in his and guide her out back to his sedan where he opened the door for her and shut it before going around to the driver’s side, like a real gentleman.
“Where to?” he asked, starting the engine.
“Wait,” Corinne said, laying a hand over his to get his full attention. “I need to tell you something and I think it can’t wait.”
“Sounds serious,” Gordon said, turning to face her with undivided attention. “Don’t tell me my omelet made you sick?”
“No. It was delicious. But the thing is…” Now that he was staring at her with those bright green eyes and his scent was so overpoweringly intoxicating, it was that much harder to deal him what might be such a devastating blow.
“Just spit it out,” Gordon said, looking somewhat concerned. “I find it’s easier to confront a problem head on.”
“Okay.” Corinne took a deep breath and twisted her fingers together in her lap. “I didn’t think it could happen or I honestly would have been more careful, Gordon. I swear I didn’t mean for it to happen – I thought I couldn’t.”
“Couldn’t what?” Gordon pressed gently.
Tears fought their way out and down her cheeks without Corinne’s consent, but she forced herself forward.
“I’m pregnant.”
Gordon’s mouth dropped open in a giant O shape while the information sunk in.
“I know it’s superfast, but I guess that’s how it is with shifters? You’re the only one I’ve been with in quite a while and I know it’s yours. But don’t feel like you have to do anything. I mean, I’m keeping it, I just thought you might want to know. I’m not scamming you or anything. I can walk out of this car and out of your life and never—”
Gordon’s mouth reshaped itself into a giant grin and he started laughing. So low and loud from his own belly that his body shook, and Corinne stopped babbling to watch. Was he losing it?
“I’ll just go—” Corinne reached for the door handle and the lock snapped shut, making her jump.
“Don’t go,” Gordon said. “Please. It’s okay. It’s more than okay. I can’t believe this! I’m going to be a dad? I’m going to be a dad.”
“You… you mean you’re happy?” Corinne asked, incredulous.
“Of course, I’m happy! Are you kidding? I’ve always wanted kids. And, well, I was hoping you’d keep seeing me. I haven’t been able to think about anything else since last night.” Gordon cleared his throat and stared straight out the windshield. Was he being shy?
“It’s so fast,” Corinne said, leaning back into the seat, relieved now that she knew Gordon was happy about it. It would definitely be easier with someone else around – someone who wanted to share the responsibility. And though she never would have imagined jumping into a relationship so quickly from a five-year marriage, she couldn’t deny the way she felt when she was near him and how her pulse sped up when he focused his emerald eyes on her. She felt comfortable with him. Safe. Even special.
“Let’s celebrate,” Gordon was saying. “I’ll take you to lunch anywhere you want. You name it.”
“Let’s just go back to your place, if you don’t mind,” Corinne said, shutting her eyes. “I’m tired. And we have a lot to talk about.”
“Fair enough.”
Gordon drove while Corinne kept her eyes shut. His warm hand closed around hers and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She’d have to make a doctor’s appointment. Maybe Gordon would come with her. She pictured him there when she had her first ultrasound, grinning with his bright white smile when they saw the baby for the first time.
When she felt the car come to a stop and heard Gordon cut the engine, Corinne opened her eyes, suddenly refreshed and full of hope for the future she may just have been lucky enough to stumble into.
Following Gordon up the steps to the little brick building, she noticed a stroller outside on a neighbor’s porch and a few toys and tricycles up and down the cracked sidewalks. She was so intrigued by all these new discoveries that it caught her off guard when Gordon swept her into his arms.
“I know it sounds cheesy,” he said, when she turned to him, hands automatically thrown around his neck. “And I know we have a ways to go, but I want you to know that what’s mine is yours. You’re the mother of my future child and well, I want to carry to you over the threshold.”
Corinne’s eyes teared up. She didn’t know how to respond. It was so sweet and touching. Marcus had never done that even when they really did come home as a married couple for the first time.
Together, they stepped inside of the little duplex and he kicked the door shut behind him with his foot. Gordon headed for the sofa, where memories of where he’d first showed her what he could do with his forked tongue sent hot tingles between her legs. But before he could set her down, she pressed her mouth to his.
Kissing Gordon was as easy as breathing. Their mouths moved together, stirring more passion inside of her as she laced her fingers together behind his neck and pressed closer.
“I don’t you want you to feel like you have to do anything you don’t want to do,” Gordon said through heavy breath as she took a break from his mouth to work on his throat.
“Oh, I want to do this,” she murmured as he sank to his knees, letting her rest on the couch.
She sat up on her knees, matching his height and yanked off his jacket, revealing his still bare chest beneath. She ran her hands down over the curves of his muscles, exploring every ridge and crevice until she reached his tight black pants, now even more constrictive over his hard cock, just waiting to be released.
And she was ready to let it out. So, she yanked those down, too, as he stood before her like a god. He sat beside her, reaching for her clothing, but she shook her head. This time, she was going to have her way with him. She slipped onto the floor and licked the tip of his enormous cock, teasing him. She ran her tongue up and down the sides, cupping his balls in her hand and massaging them lightly.
“Oh, Corinne,” he muttered, letting his head sink back into the cushions.
Encouraged, she opened her mouth and slid it up and down over his burning shaft as far as she could, moving faster with each plunge. Gordon’s hands tangled in her hair, gently caressing her head as she worked him into a frenzy.
“Wait,” he panted, and she paused, glancing up at his sweaty face. “I want us both to feel pleasure.”
She was about to continue anyway, when he scooped her up and laid her on the sofa, tugging her own pants down and off onto the floor. Her legs spread readily as he lowered his head between them and she felt his two-pronged tongue hit the bullseye.
“Mmmm,” she groaned as he gently spread her open with his fingers, darting his tongue in and out while pressing his thumb against her clit in tiny circles. He didn’t stop until she came, but before she could protest, he slid his hands up beneath her shirt and in moments she was naked as well and it was clear he wasn’t done with her yet.
“That’s just an appetizer,” he said, eyes dancing with mischief.
“Sit,” she commanded, pointing back at the couch, and he obeyed. Thrilled, she climbed over his lap, straddling him so they were face to face. He was hard as rock and she was hungry for him as she adjusted her position to work herself down over his cock, taking him inside of her like a missing piece she’d never been able to find until just now.
They stared into each other’s eyes as she lowered herself down, moving her hips in a rhythmic dance, letting him slowly fill her completely. His hands found her breasts as she tossed her hair back over her shoulder, moving faster now. His lips, swollen from kissing, parted and his eyes glazed as she pushed down with her pelvis. Stars filled her own vision as sensation after sensation of pure pleasure spread from their connection through her whole body.
“Corinne,” he murmured, squeezing her breasts and throwing his head back in an almost painful expression.
The way he lightly rolled the r’s was so incredibly hot it was like the deep tone of his voice reverberated down her body, heightening the experience as he thrust upward, rising off the seat. She bounced over him with just as much abandon, growing nearer and nearer the ecstasy that danced so close.
“Oh, oh, oh, Gordon,” she screamed when she finally soared over the edge, body trembling with rapture. She could feel him throbbing as he filled her with his own release.
She collapsed on top of him, head against his chest, rising and falling with his breath as he embraced her, holding her close and stroking her hair.
“Your body runs so hot,” she said after a bit.
“That’s part of my nature,” he said, his voice rumbling beneath her ear, still pressed against him. “It’s great for firefighters, because I’m also immune to being burned.”
“Wow, really?” Corrine finally lifted her head. “So, I won’t have to worry about you not coming home?”
“I will always come home to you, baby.” Gordon brushed the hair from her face and she pressed her cheek against his palm. “The way you did that? I might never make it into work again.”
Corinne felt herself blush. It had been more than amazing for her as well. And she thought Marcus had been good. Ha!
“I probably should tell you everything about me,” she said, realizing he deserved to know the truth.
“Shoot,” Gordon said as she sat beside him on the sofa, twisting her fingers together with renewed anxiety.
“It’s about my recent divorce. See, it’s extremely recent.”
“How recent are we talking?” Gordon asked.
“Like about ten hours.”
Corinne proceeded to tell him the whole sordid story, peeking at his face only occasionally to gauge his reaction as he stayed quiet the whole time. When she got to the part about Marcus overturning the table, his expression hardened and she flinched, staring back down at her hands.
When she’d finished, she waited, unable to even look. I can’t blame him if he throws me out. Finally, unable to wait any more, she said, “Well?”
“Baby, I don’t want you going back there even to pick up your things. Not alone. I don’t trust this cocksucker. You deserve so much better. I’m so sorry that you put up with his crap for so long. I promise I will never treat you like that.”
“You mean you aren’t mad?” Corinne asked, finally meeting his eyes. There was a frightening amount of anger in them, but she knew it wasn’t directed at her.
“Not at you. Never at you or the baby. Not like that. I swear. And if I do, you leave me right then and there. Got it?”
Corinne nodded dumbly. “About the baby…”
“May I?” Gordon asked, reaching toward her.
She nodded and smiled as he placed a hand over her protruding stomach. A tiny flutter answered his touch, and she was sure this time it wasn’t her imagination.
“Did you feel that?” she asked with wonder.
“Not yet,” he said. “But I’m sure I will soon enough. Baby dragons develop fast.”
“You’re telling me!” she said. “But he moved when you touched me. I think he knows you’re his daddy.”
“Or she,” Gordon said.
Corinne giggled, but she had a feeling it was a boy.
“So, this isn’t like a whole litter or something, is it?” she blurted.
“What? No! I’m not a wolf. One at a time for dragons. The babies are pretty much like humans until they’re four or five, then we have to make sure we have some fire extinguishers lying around until she gets the hang of controlling the shift.”
Corinne’s eyes widened.
“Who’s your doctor?” Gordon asked.
“I don’t know his name.” Corinne immediately realized how that sounded and told him her friend had recommended someone but she hadn’t gone yet.
“Well, let me know the minute you get an appointment. I want to be there.”
It was everything she’d hoped for. Corrine threw her arms around him and kissed him again. But her stomach interrupted with a loud grumble.
“How embarrassing!” she said, backing off.
�
��Don’t be silly,” Gordon said, standing. “It’s totally normal. When my sister was pregnant, she couldn’t walk two steps without her stomach growling. Baby dragons take a lot of energy because they grow so fast. You relax, I’m going to fix some dinner.”
Corinne excused herself to take a shower while Gordon set to work. His sister had a baby? How big was his family? Her chest tingled with excitement when she entertained the possibility of having an extended family. It was something she’d always dreamed of but never thought she’d have with Marcus being estranged from his and her own sad situation. Suddenly pictures of Christmas dinner and cousins chasing each other around the tree danced through her head. They had to be wonderful if they raised a man like Gordon.
If they did end up married, maybe this time she could do a real wedding and not the Chapel of Love drive thru in Vegas.
When Corinne came out of the bedroom, big white towels wrapped around her body and head, the delicious aroma of seasoned beef filled her nostrils and her stomach grumbled in response.
“Ooh, what is that?” she asked, noticing the tiny table, set and glimmering with the light of two tea candles.
“I wish I had something fancier,” Gordon said, pulling out a chair for her. “This place needs a woman’s touch. But for now, I hope you enjoy my beef stroganoff. It’s one of my specialties.”
Turned out, Gordon was something of a gourmet, cooking for the guys at the fire house all the time. He was totally at ease in the kitchen and really good at it too.
“This is amazing,” Corinne commented more than once as she went through three helpings, while he encouraged her all the time, insisting that her calorie intake had to be 3000 a day to keep up with the baby’s growth.
“I made you some ginger tea also,” he said when she’d had her fill. “It will help with any nausea.”
“Thank you,” she said, standing with a stretch to start on the dishes.
“Where are you going?” Gordon asked.
“To help clean up,” she said, perplexed. “You did the cooking, it’s the least I can do.”
“Sit down and relax,” he insisted. “It’ll just take a minute. I burn them clean.”
