Beautiful Heat

by Morgan Fox

  “Are they gender friendly, by chance?”

  Deb slanted her with a look. “Are you wanting something masculine?”

  She shrugged. “Not necessarily masculine, but nothing girly either. I’m decorating for a fireman in his mid twenties.”

  “No kidding,” Deb said with a gasp, her hands coming together with excitement. “That’s great. Have you finally started your decorating business?”

  Deb didn’t sound surprised to hear the news. She sounded genuinely excited and interested. The feeling swelled in her chest. “First client, I guess you could say.” Saying the words out loud added a little extra something warm to her heart.

  “That’s wonderful, Zerina. I’m so happy for you.” She leaned forward as if to whisper a secret. “I’ve been waiting for this day to come. You are definitely one of the good ones.”

  She was? Hearing the praise come from Deb, a woman who’d been in the industry and found success, made it all more exciting. She couldn’t thank Jeremy enough for getting her out of her comfort zone, for giving her a chance to spend his money. She smiled at the thought. “I’d like to impress him. He’s helping me get things started. I don’t want him to regret picking me,” she admitted.

  She really didn’t. Jeremy had taken a chance giving her the keys to his house and credit card, which meant he trusted her. She couldn’t screw this up.

  “Sure. He’s your first client. Maybe he’ll give you referrals. Word of mouth is the best way to generate new business.”

  She knew that, but it was more than just getting more jobs. It was about him.

  “Here they are. There are a ton of new colors to choose from. I’ll let you look. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Thanks, Deb.”

  As soon as she started sifting through the colors of curtains, she spotted the ones she liked. From there, she found a maroon and mocha colored comforter that would work perfectly with the color of the walls in his room, a grayish tan she approved of. The towels and rugs for the bathroom were on her list. She found a navy-blue and beige set that said masculine and with the right counter accents the bathroom would work for any gender. Artwork was easy. In her head, she’d already had a few pieces in mind that she’d seen recently at her favorite craft store. To her surprise, they were still available.

  A few hours later, she had his bathroom cleaned, organized, and redecorated. His bedroom took a little more time. But she still had plenty of time to hang the curtains, arrange the new bedding, and organize anything that didn’t have an obvious spot. She’d added a few nickel-finished items to the nightstands—a clock and fire truck. The artwork she found pulled the colors of the room together. Stepping back, she admired her work and hoped he liked it just as much as she did.

  Glancing down at her watch, she realized she needed to head back to her apartment. As much as she enjoyed spending time at his place, all her belongings were at hers. With a smile on her face and pride in what she’d been able to accomplish, she grabbed the keys to his truck and locked up the house.

  When her phone rang later that evening and she saw that it was him, her heart raced. Taking a deep breath, she answered, “Hey.”

  “How’s it going?”

  “Great. Are you done for the day?” she asked, wondering if he had to put in extra hours at Iron Horse.

  The week would be gone before they both knew it. That reminder made her both sad and happy. Sad he wouldn’t be hanging around the bar annoying her with his playful glances and happy that she’d finally return to bartending.

  “Yep. Believe it or not we’re running ahead of schedule.”

  “That’s great,” she replied excitedly.

  “Are you at home?”

  She loved the buttery smoothness of his voice and the way he sounded when his tone dipped low with his question. “Yes. I’ve got your truck. Did you want me to bring it by later?”

  “If you’re not busy, you can bring it by now. I’m headed that way and could meet you.”

  Her body roared with desire. How did just thinking about seeing him make her that excited? “Okay. I can be there in about a half hour.” Sooner since she wanted to beat him there to make sure she saw his honest expression when he saw what she’d been able to accomplish for him.

  “Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

  She hung up the phone and began organizing the paperwork she had spread across her kitchen table. She’d spent the last several hours working on what she planned to do in his living room and kitchen. But first she needed to get moving. Gauging his reaction to his newly decorated bathroom and bedroom was important. She hoped he liked it. If he didn’t, she wasn’t sure what she would do next.

  * * * *

  When he pulled into his driveway, she was sitting on the tailgate of his truck. His garage door opened and he parked his motorcycle. Tugging off his helmet, he smiled at her.

  “What, did you race me over here?”

  She smirked. “No.”

  He loved the idea that she wanted to see him so badly. Even if she wasn’t willing to admit it, he could see the fire burning in her eyes. Closing the distance between them, he pulled her against him.

  “I know I’ve got manly musk right now, but I hope you don’t mind if I kiss you.”

  She smiled. “Kiss away,” she told him, inclining her head as he slanted his lips over hers.

  “Hmm, you taste so damn good.”

  She crinkled up her nose. “You taste good, too, but you’re so right about the manly musk.”

  He chuckled. “I told you so.”

  “Maybe you should take a shower before you take me back home.”

  An overwhelming need to come up with something witty jarred him, but he couldn’t think of anything. He wanted her to stay, maybe even have dinner with him. But she made it sound as if she wanted to just go back home.

  What was that about?

  “Okay. Give me a few minutes.”

  “Sure. No rush.”

  Before he moved inside, he dropped his bags off by his tool bench, kicked out of his work boots, and opened the door to let her in first. She followed him inside and he placed his keys on the kitchen counter. She did the same thing with his truck keys.

  “Make yourself comfortable while I shower.” He started to head toward the bedroom, but noticed she was right on his heels. He faced her, and she bumped into his chest. Curiosity churned in his mind.

  “Are you joining me in the shower?”

  Her mouth opened and then closed, a warm blush coating her cheeks.

  Why was she acting so weird? “Is everything all right, Zerina?” When she didn’t answer, he knew she was up to something. He folded his arms over his chest. “Okay, what’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” she said, averting her gaze.

  He studied her, trying hard to figure her out. “Why don’t I believe you?”

  “Just go shower. I was going to wait in your room.” She paused, looking up at him as if she feared he wouldn’t want that. “Unless you rather I’d waited in the living room?”

  There was something going on. He knew it. If she wanted to play, he’d play, too. “No. You can come with me. In fact, why don’t you just get naked and join me.”

  He tugged his shirt up over his head, balled it in his hand, and tossed it to the floor. Then he unbuttoned his pants, dropping them and his boxers down, kicking out of them and his socks.

  Naked as the day he was born, he reached for her. She laughed, swatting at his eager hands. “You said it yourself, you smell bad.”

  He grinned, not giving up his efforts to have her naked. “Something tells me you like the way I smell.”

  She squirmed out of his hold and darted into his bedroom. He followed her and the moment he spotted her at the foot of his bed, he stopped moving. The room looked totally different.

  “Holy shit,” he muttered, taking a second to take it all in. “You did get started.”

  “Do you like it?” she asked nervously, and he finally put the
pieces together.

  He dragged his fingers over the comforter at the foot of the bed and eyed the fire truck on his nightstand. He went to it and picked it up. He loved it. It was perfect and it was him. How she’d been able to tap into what he’d love was beyond him.

  He rounded to face. “You’re amazing.”

  She laughed. “Thanks. I take that as you do like what I did.”

  He put the fire truck down and went to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t like it, Zerina. I love it. Thank you.”

  She sighed. “I’m glad, but don’t thank me yet. You haven’t seen the bathroom, and I haven’t even touched your living room and kitchen.”

  He chuckled, his fingers slipping toward the buttons of her blouse. “Did you say you wanted to show me the bathroom?”

  She grinned, biting her lip. “I showered a few hours ago.”

  He frowned, shoving out his bottom lip in a mock pout. “But there’s this spot that I have a lot of trouble washing by myself.”

  She tsked under her tongue. “Oh, you poor baby.”

  He unbuttoned her shirt and pushed it from her shoulders. Then, he leaned around her and unhooked her bra. Next, he knelt to strip her of her skirt and panties. She stepped out of her heels, heels he wanted her to wear the next time they made love.

  As he stood, he told her, “I love those shoes on you.”

  When she batted her lashes at him, he took her by the hand and led her into the bathroom. He pulled her inside and glanced around the room. “Wow. Navy blue’s my favorite color.”

  “You’re just saying that. You don’t have navy blue anywhere in your house.”

  He shook his head. “No. I’m serious.” He saw the brushed nickel bathroom accents and loved it all even more. It gave his masculine pad a feminine touch, something he hoped she’d give him now. “I’ve never owned a toothbrush and soap holder.”

  “There’s also a matching cup,” she pointed out.

  He kissed her tenderly. “It’s perfect. You’ve done an amazing job so far. I honestly can’t wait to see the rest.” He nuzzled against her neck. “But first, I’d like to have you wash that spot I mentioned having trouble with.”

  Turning on the shower water, she faced him with a smile. “I’m sure I can help.” She reached down and took hold of his jutting erection.

  He groaned. “I definitely like the way you help.”

  Chapter Nine

  “Are you ladies ready to open up?” Jason asked, a grin the size of Texas on his face.

  The week went by in a blink and Iron Horse was preparing to open. All the work Jeremy’s crew had done looked beautiful. The new walls they’d added, the completed storeroom, the new dining tables and booths, even the pool tables and dartboard area was spectacular. The light oak wood added all the difference to the bar. What was once dark and closed off was now brighter and wide open. The bar itself was the same, but with a polished off face lift.

  Zerina stared at all her friends, excited to share the grand re-opening and ten-year anniversary of Iron Horse with them. The night would be one to remember. She just knew it. The one thing she hoped to remember was all the tips she was about to earn.

  “Hell yes,” Sam cheered. “I’ve missed this place.”

  “Me, too,” Brynn added.

  Layla grinned. “I’ve kind of enjoyed the break,” she said, arching a brow.

  Zerina scoffed. “You’ve enjoyed tending to other matters like a certain cop,” she teased. “It’s been weeks. Nice to see you’ve come out of sexual hiding.”

  “I’m surprised she can walk straight,” Brynn said with a laugh.

  Layla shook her head. “Ha. Ha.”

  “And who are you to talk?” Sam replied, eyeing Zerina. “I’ve heard that you’ve gotten pretty cozy with a young, hot fireman.”

  She couldn’t help but grin. “Jeremy,” she corrected, “is amazing.”

  Jason approached her, patting her on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’ve found a good guy, Z.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Now if we could just get Sam to find someone, maybe she wouldn’t be so bitchy.”

  Brynn laughed the loudest. “No kidding.”

  Sam gave her a sisterly shove. “Shut up. You have no room to talk about my bitchiness. You’ve got your own.”

  “So true,” Layla added in her sweet, Kentucky voice.

  The room fell silent as they eyed Layla, and then a slow bubbling laughter rose up from everyone. Layla really had become one of them, and they loved her dearly.

  “How’s the horse training going?” Jason asked her as the laughter died down.

  “It’s great. I love it. But I’ve missed being here, too.” She hugged Jason. “You guys are my family.”

  “Amen,” Sam said, raising a shot glass and sliding one toward each of them. They all lifted their glasses in a toast. “Here’s to a kickass night and an even better year.”

  “Cheers,” Zerina said and the others followed.

  Zerina did hope this was the best year of her life. It was slowly shaping up that way. She’d finished up Jeremy’s house, putting the final touches on it before she’d arrived at Iron Horse. He was on shift at the fire station, so he wouldn’t get to see what she’d done for a couple of days.

  One of his crewmen from another shift was injured in a fire and the guys were taking turns covering his shifts until he could return. She planned to surprise him with some goodies she’d ordered for his crew. He’d asked her to come up and join him, the other firemen, and their families for a visit, and this would be her first trip to the station. Meeting the people he worked with forced a lead weight to sink in her belly. But when he’d asked and said that if he couldn’t see her, he wouldn’t survive the time apart, his charm and sweetness made it impossible to resist. Besides, she felt the same way.

  Even though they’d known each other for a short time, it felt like forever. They shared a unique connection that was indescribable. It felt right.

  The night at Iron Horse flew by. The bar was packed from the time it opened until closing. The night was a complete success.

  “I was a little rusty at first. I had to Google how to make a few drinks,” Brynn teased.

  Layla laughed. “I was afraid that would happen to me, so I’ve been bartending for Luke and his coworkers every chance possible.”

  Sam grinned. “You did great.” She eyed Jason. “Did you notice all the new customers?”

  He smiled. “Looks like we branched out a lot with a new client list.”

  Zerina nodded. “That was the point of all the extra remodeling, right?”

  “That and repairing the jacked-up, burned-down storeroom,” Brynn added.

  “Don’t remind me,” Layla grumbled. “I’m still freaked out over Sam’s ex. I can still see him in my apartment parking lot, all creepy like a bad Friday the 13th movie.” She feigned a shiver.

  “Really, Brynn,” Sam scoffed. “Did you have to go and bring that up?”

  Jason patted his hand on the bar, drawing everyone’s attention toward him. “Wow, it really is like working with sisters.” He winked, and they all laughed. “What do you guys think about adding a live band to the mix one or two nights a week?”

  Zerina liked the idea. A band could draw in more business, attract new customers, and entertain the old ones. “We could have one night be blues and the other classic rock. That would draw in a mix of people.”

  “Please tell me we’ll still have a jukebox for those of us who prefer alternative rock,” Brynn replied, clawing at the counter as if to beg for mercy.

  “We can’t get rid of the jukebox,” Sam pointed out. “All of my favorites are loaded on that machine. I’ve been adding a song to that thing every few months.”

  “The jukebox stays and”—he eyed Zerina—“I like the blues and classic rock idea. That’s perfect.”

  Layla yawned.

  “Up past your bedtime, sweetheart?” Brynn teased.

  “I’m not used to
these long nights anymore.”

  “None of us are, but we’ll get back into the swing of things soon enough,” Zerina said with a smile. “Speaking of, I better get going. I need a few hours of sleep before I run a few errands this morning.”

  “Going to see Jer-Bear?” Brynn snickered.

  She arched a brow, shaking her head at the name. “As a matter of fact I am. I—” She paused, feeling her chest pinch tight. “I took a job doing some interior decorating for him. I finished the job yesterday. I think it looks amazing, but he hasn’t seen it yet.”

  “You did?” Layla asked. “You can do that?”

  Zerina smiled. “I’ve always wanted to try my hand at decorating, and between helping out at the bar and Jeremy’s house, I’ve decided to try to pick up a job or two a month.”

  Jason hugged her. “That’s wonderful.”

  Brynn’s nose curled. “You can decorate?” After a moment, she laughed. “Just kidding. I like the color choices you made for the bar. I bet his house looks pretty cool, too.”

  Zerina always loved Brynn’s sideways compliments. “He’s working today to cover for a friend at the station. I won’t know what he thinks until he finally gets off shift.”

  Sam grinned. “I’m sure he’s gonna love it.”

  She hoped he did. Her body was wrecked with nerves. Her heart and stomach were battling to see who could stress out the most.

  Once the bar was closed for the night and everyone parted ways, she headed home, showered, and jumped into bed for a few hours of sleep. When the sun blasted its way into her room, she got up and dressed. She wanted to stop off at the neighborhood bakery to pick up some delicious pastries for the fire station. He told her she didn’t have to bring anything, but she couldn’t resist. She admired him for picking up the extra shifts to help out his friend. His heart and generosity never ceased to amaze her. He deserved a little extra sweetness.

  The station parking lot was full, and her pulse raced. She was about to meet all of the wives and girlfriends of the station firemen. A moment of panic flooded through her, and she couldn’t help but replay all the taunting she’d experienced in her life over how different she looked. Jeremy didn’t seem to mind her dark hair and makeup, or her tattoos and piercings. He loved her manner of dress. She had to remember that. But even so, she was struggling to move inside the firehouse.