“No. That’s why I was in the shower.” He stared at her, amazed. She was dead serious. “Who are you and what have you done with the old Scarlett?”
“She’s gone. I left her in San Diego. This is the new me. See you at five thirty.” And with that declaration, Scarlett headed into her bedroom and closed the door.
* * *
Inside the safety of her room, Scarlett sat on her bed. Waited until the keypad in her bedroom beeped, indicating Brad had left. She pressed a hand to her forehead. She had never been that forthcoming, that aggressive.
Was she crazy? Clearly she’d cracked. The stress of the last two years, coupled with the few before that, must have made her reach her breaking point. Or was this forthright, assertive woman actually the real Scarlett Harrison?
She had no idea. She picked up the phone. Called her sister-in-law and asked her if Brad could tag along. No explanation was necessary or given, and as expected, Maureen agreed. Scarlett glanced at the clock. She had a couple of hours to kill. She wandered into her en suite bathroom. She’d pulled her hair into a tight bun for church, and now she pulled out the holder and let the red strands fall to her shoulders. Growing up she’d hated her hair. Kids had called her Pippi Longstocking. She’d felt a bit freakish. Todd had told her she was pretty, and she’d latched on, marrying her high school sweetheart. Now her freckles had faded and she more resembled Amy Adams in hair color, although there the resemblance ended. She’d felt pretty and desired the other night in Brad’s arms, felt cherished when the tulips are arrived. She finished her business. Washed her hands.
She walked out into the living room. She should unpack the last few boxes. Instead she turned on the TV and found the Hallmark Channel. How long had it been since she’d sat on her couch and watched something other than a Disney movie? How many times had she watched the prince rescue the princess?
Brad was a special guy, and she wanted him. Tommy might have been flirting, but she’d felt no flicker of interest. Not like how the room seemed to light up the moment Brad entered. She touched one of the tulip petals. Then she took a forefinger and touched her puffy lips. No, she’d never been kissed so soundly, as if she couldn’t tell where her mouth stopped and his began. For the first time in several years, a sense of hope flickered and bloomed. Time for this princess to take charge and rescue herself.
Chapter Six
Sean and Maureen lived in a converted two-family building on Columbia, in a part of St. Louis called the Hill. “Hey Brad, good to see you,” Sean greeted as he opened the door.
“I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Nah. The more the merrier. Glad you joined us.” Brad put his hand on the small of Scarlett’s back, guiding her as they stepped inside, his touch reminding her of being in his arms earlier.
Everyone crowded on the first floor; what used to be a three-room shotgun flat had been gutted into an open-concept living room, dining room and kitchen combination. Colleen’s cousin Rory was six and her cousin Eileen was eight. At age two, Mary toddled after all of them as they raced and shrieked throughout the house. “Upstairs!” Maureen yelled, and four pairs of children’s feet pounded their way to the second floor, where the bedrooms were.
“The munchkins are noisy,” Maureen said, carrying a bowl of Italian salad, which she set on the dining room table. She put down a pair of tongs and gave Scarlett an air kiss. “So good to see you. Glad you’re finally back. We are going to have such fun.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Scarlett asked.
Maureen waved her aside. “Just pour yourself a glass of wine and make sure you top mine off too. Long weekend. I deserve it.”
“You sure do, hon,” Sean said, dropping a kiss on her lips. “Brad, want a beer?” Sean called.
“Love one,” Brad said. “Thanks.”
“Maureen always makes plenty.” Bernadette put a baking sheet covered with cheesy garlic bread on the dining table. “Hope you like lasagna.”
“Love it,” Brad replied, his mouth watering. “Been awhile since I’ve had a home-cooked meal, aside from those pork chops the other night.”
“Well, this isn’t the stuff you pull out of the freezer either,” Sean said, handing him a can of Busch beer. “My wife can cook.”
“Do you cook?” Brad asked Scarlett as she returned from the kitchen area carrying a very generous glass of red wine.
“Not like Maureen,” she admitted.
“No one cooks like my wife,” Sean bragged. “Her parents own…” He named an Italian eatery a few blocks over. “It’s where we met. She was waiting tables. I was actually there on a double date. I went back the next night to ask her out.”
Brad hadn’t known that. “Love that place.”
“Well, this is my family’s secret recipe,” Maureen said, carrying in a steaming pan. Gooey cheese had melted all over the top.
“That smells delicious.” She gave Brad a warm smile. “This is going to be yummy.”
“Go call the urchins,” Maureen prompted her husband.
“Even though you literally just sent them upstairs?”
Maureen puckered her lips and shot him a look down her nose, and soon everyone sat around the table, even Mary, who still used her high chair. Scarlett’s dad, James, said grace, and everyone dug in.
“So, Brad, how did you spend your Valentine’s Day?” Maureen asked as she served the lasagna.
Brad accepted the plate being passed to him. “Actually, I worked. My crew went door-to-door, checking on and installing smoke detectors.”
“Oh, I saw that story,” Bernadette said. She sat down, all the kids now with plates. “That was your firehouse?”
“One of them. Other houses worked the parade and there were a few fires, but nothing major. The department does community outreach and each time we do, it always amazes me how many people still doesn’t have working detectors.”
“Well, no worries here,” Sean said. “My cousin Bernie’s an electrician and he hardwired them in.”
“What’s hardwired?” Eileen asked.
“Means they all go off at once when one senses smoke,” Sean told his daughter.
“Very safe,” Brad added.
“He’s a fireman,” Colleen told her older cousin.
“Oh.” Eileen sized Brad up. “So you save people in fires?”
“That’s one part of my job,” Brad told her.
She seemed skeptical. “So you really have?”
“Yes,” Brad told her.
“He’s also a prince,” Colleen inserted, not to be left out, “because we live in a castle. You can come over and see it.”
“I want to see it,” Rory shouted. “Princes have swords and fight dragons. Do you have a dragon?”
“No dragons.” Scarlett laughed. “And you can all see it.” As the conversation took off in a different direction, Scarlett relaxed. By the end of dinner, plates were polished clean and everyone was full. “I’m going to have to run for a week,” Sean complained. He glanced at Brad. “Don’t even say it. You’re already too darn fit for this family.”
“Only because I’m training to do the Fight for Air climb,” Brad said.
Scarlett frowned. “What’s that?”
“It’s a fund-raiser for the American Lung Association. I’ll be climbing all forty floors of Metropolitan Square at the end of March. I’m on a first responders’ team. Our goal is to raise a couple thousand dollars.”
“Sounds like a noble cause,” Bernadette said.
Impressed, Scarlett raised her wineglass in a silent toast. He was more than a great kisser. She discovered something new every day that raised him in her esteem. He responded with a lift of his eyebrows. Then he took another swig of his beer. “Do you still swim, Sean?”
“Not as much as I’d like. You?”
“I try to hit the pool at least three times a week. But remember I’m out on the Mississippi for the fire department. So I have to stay in shape. I’d hate to be on call and not be strong enou
gh. That river is swift.”
Maureen giggled. “You have no worries. I saw that calendar. You’re in pretty good shape.”
“Maureen,” Scarlett’s mom chided. “Don’t embarrass your guest.”
“Sorry,” Maureen said, but her subsequent giggle indicated she had no shame. Sean simply rolled his eyes. He knew what he’d married. Knew he had nothing to worry about. “So are you part of the bachelor auction too?” Maureen asked.
“What auction?” Bernadette said. She looked at Brad.
“The one to find the next group of calendar guys,” Brad said. “Given the popularity of the calendar, the committee decided that it would take the thirty most eligible public servants and put them up for auction. The ones who earn the most money will be in the calendar. It’s all for charity, and no, thankfully I’m done with all that. I have to make an appearance, but I’m not up for sale. Another guy in my house is, though.”
“Too bad,” Maureen said mischievously. “I’d buy you for Scarlett.”
“Maureen!” both Scarlett and her mother said at the same time.
“What?” She shrugged, not at all ashamed. “It’s for charity. And you went with him to the ball. I’m sure he’d rather have you win him than some crazy woman who really wants to see what’s under that Speedo.”
“I was not wearing a Speedo,” Brad said.
“Oh, with the amount of muscled skin, I must not have noticed,” Maureen said, reaching for her wine, wicked smirk clearly in place. “Just regular old swim trunks then?”
Scarlett’s face had flamed bright red, almost matching her hair. She’d almost seen what was under that swimsuit, and would have if Brad hadn’t kept a grip on the towel. And who knew her sister-in-law was such a shit disturber.
“You okay, Scarlett?” Maureen asked. “You look a little flushed.”
“Fine,” Scarlett replied, reaching for her wine. “I’m just fine.”
“Good. Had to make sure. Okay, everybody, we have cookies and ice cream for dessert.” Maureen changed the subject and her demeanor. “Who wants some? Who’s not too full?”
“Me!” the kids chorused.
“I helped Granny make the cookies,” Colleen announced proudly. “They’re chocolate chip.”
“Then I definitely want some dessert,” Scarlett’s dad announced.
“Me too,” Brad said. “They’re my favorite.” He winked at Scarlett. He knew she’d been blushing because of what had happened between them.
“Me three,” Scarlett added, desperate to get her heart rate under control. All he had to do was smile and she melted. She felt sorry for all those women who’d lusted after him. She now understood their pain.
“Cookies and ice cream for everyone,” Bernadette announced. She stood up and followed Maureen into the kitchen area. “I’ll come help you,” she offered, and Scarlett knew her sister-in-law was about to get an etiquette lecture, or as much of one as her mother could give with the kitchen open to everyone.
“Cookie,” Mary said as her mom went by.
“Don’t worry, pumpkin. I won’t forget your cookie,” Maureen replied, ruffling her daughter’s hair. She grinned at Scarlett.
And with that, things went back to normal, with no more mention of Brad or anything to do with the calendar. Scarlett polished off her wine—one glass was enough. She had to drive later. Until then, she wanted to enjoy the night and watch Brad interact. He fit right in. Seemed like he was having fun. Well, he’d wanted to get to know her. This was it. Take it or leave it.
“Hey, I wanted to say thanks for tonight,” he told her later as he walked Scarlett to the back door. She carried Colleen, who’d fallen asleep. “I had a great time.”
“You didn’t find us too overwhelming? Maureen went after you about your swimsuit.”
He chuckled. “Nah. Dinner was nice. My family isn’t nearly as rambunctious. We argue politics and get into heated debates about how Congress is inept. I liked playing Chutes and Ladders. Seriously. Made for a nice change of pace. Here, let me.”
He unlocked the door and opened it. He stepped inside first and turned off the alarm as she carried her daughter inside. “Sleepy,” Colleen mumbled as Scarlett removed her daughter’s parka. Brad shed his and tossed it on a bar stool. “Here, let me take her,” he said. “She looks heavy.”
“Well, you’re the super-fit one.” Scarlett passed Colleen over.
“Ha-ha. Funny.”
“Please,” Scarlett teased. “I know exactly what I saw and felt today. Don’t try to hide it now.”
She led him upstairs. Turned on Colleen’s night light. Pulled back the covers on her bed. Brad held Colleen while Scarlett removed her daughter’s socks and shoes.
Brad set her gently on the bed and drew up the covers. “She’s completely out.”
“She had a busy day. Cooking with her grandma and then running crazy with all her cousins. We haven’t had that in a long time. She’s never played with her cousins.”
They watched Colleen sleep for a few minutes to make sure she stayed asleep. “You didn’t come home once, did you?”
“No. My parents visited, but I never brought Colleen back. We rarely traveled. Well, up to Disney. Sea World. Airfare’s expensive and I wanted to leave St. Louis in the past. I’m not sure why. I guess I just had these big dreams, and really, aside from being a mom, they didn’t work out. I didn’t want to have people thinking I was a failure.”
“You’re not a failure. You’re a fantastic mother and isn’t that the most important job?”
“Yes, but who am I then without Colleen? You’re a firefighter. You save people. I, well, I don’t know what I am.”
“I think you’re enough exactly how you are.”
“Really?” She assessed him. “You’re just saying that because you’re my friend.”
“I’m saying it because it’s true.” He followed her out into the living area. She pulled the door partially closed.
“Thank you for going tonight.”
“I had fun.”
“Did I pass your test?”
He reached for her and drew her into his arms. Pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. “Did I pass yours?”
She stared up into his eyes. Nodded. “Yes.”
“Good.” He captured her mouth with his. At first the kiss was simple. A little press. Then tiny nips and tugs. Scarlett opened her mouth wider and sucked his lip inside, at which his lips became more insistent. This time he branded her, sealed her to him. His fingers cupped her chin, and tilting her face so he could kiss her even deeper, he explored every little crevice with his tongue. When they came up for air, Scarlett’s skin was on fire, and he ran his lips down her neck to the collar of her shirt. Her breasts ached, wanted him to touch them. “More,” she breathed, her voice deep and throaty. “Touch me. Please.”
She again felt the tip of his tongue trace her mouth before he plunged inside, making her hot and needy. She ran her fingers into his hair and brought his head even closer to hers. He wove his leg between hers, cupped her backside, pulling her against his erection. She made a tiny noise in the back of her throat. Reached for his shirt. Tugged it from the waistband and found his chest with her palms. His breath hitched, and his hands found the hem of her shirt and yanked it. Her arms flew up and her shirt went upward, and Brad’s mouth found her left breast through the lace of her bra. Scarlett’s head fell back as he drew the fabric-covered mound inside and sucked. Her legs shook. So, she ground on him, trying to assuage the need he’d built. She needed to come. She brought her lips to his collarbone, kissed his skin as he moved the fabric aside and took her fully into his warm mouth. “Oh God.” She’d never been so wet, so … Her body shook. His hand twirled her other nipple, the one not plundered by his tongue. She felt the orgasm arrive, pushed herself harder against him and her body let go. “Oh, oh, oh…” she cried, not caring how wanton and needy she sounded as her body quaked. She trembled. She grabbed for his shirttail again. “I want you inside me.”
But he was putting her bra to rights and pulling her shirt back down. “Not tonight.”
Her breath came in slow pants. “What?”
“I want you. But not tonight.”
She suddenly felt foolish. “Why not?”
He jerked a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to rush. Neither of us has had sex in a while. I don’t want to be focused only on physical release. Two dates do not make a relationship. Sex should be a destination, not a distraction.”
Her heated body protested, but her heart and head knew he was right. “Then when will I see you again?”
“I’m working tomorrow and then I’m off until Saturday. We can plan something. My only agenda was to paint the third floor.”
“I can help with that. I painted my house in San Diego.”
“I may take you up on that offer.”
She placed her hand on his arm, needing to stay connected. “Please do. All I’m doing this week is helping to bake desserts for the fish fry. I can’t cook like Maureen, but I can make cake.”
“So this fish fry is a big deal?”
She nodded. “It is. I grew up with them.”
“I’ve never been to a fish fry.”
“Well, if you go, I’ll serve you dessert.” She gave him a shy smile. Got bolder. “Maybe even save you some icing that you could put on me in creative places afterward.”
His face split into a smile, reassuring her all was okay. “Oh, for that I’ll definitely go. But I have to be honest with you. I’ve already been recruited to help out. Your dad hit me up. I’m now on the fry committee.”
She laughed. “Uh-oh. You’re a fry cook. You realize that once you’re in, you’ll never leave? You’re stuck for life. You’ll really need me to cover myself in icing after that.”
He grinned. “Then maybe it’ll be worth it.”
Fan The Flames (Man Of The Month Book 3) Page 10
