by Kathryn Shay
“I never would have imagined you’d do something like that. You’re so straight-arrow most times.”
“Ha! I considered you too uptight for risky behavior, too.”
“My downfall lasted six months. Then Craig, the guy, felt guilty and told his wife. Who told Paul. Truthfully, the whole family got involved.”
“Holly?”
“And my parents. Our two families were close—grandparents, couples and we each had a child. When this came out, it was disastrous for us all.”
Chase took her hand. Hers was soft and feminine. “I’m so sorry, Vanessa. So that’s why they blame you?”
“Uh-huh. They sided with Paul.”
“Even Holly?”
“Well, I saw her, but she stayed with Paul when she came home from college. She was...” Chase saw tears in her eyes. It shocked him. “She was engaged to Craig’s son, Linc. They’d been high-school sweethearts. They went to the same college and were going to marry and bind our families legally. We were delighted. I ruined everything.”
“Holly and Linc broke up?”
“He did the breaking, not long after they graduated. He said every time he looked at her, he thought about his parents and what her mother had done to them.”
“I’m sorry. He was probably torn. Did his parents divorce?”
“No, they stayed together.” A tear fell. He captured it with his fingers. “I never stopped feeling guilty about what I did to Holly. We grew apart after that.”
“I’ll reiterate what you told them. It’s been five years. Long enough to have that red A thing pinned on your chest.”
“I guess.” She stood. “Excuse me, will you? I need to use the bathroom.”
“All right. Is it okay if I make us some coffee?”
“Yeah, sure.”
She disappeared though a door.
* * *
What was she doing? Vanessa asked herself as she washed her tear-stained face in her small bathroom. She’d cried in front of the fire chief. Who she’d argued with like cats and dogs, who blew up at her about the budget and who criticized her in the paper. How much professional ground had she lost tonight?
She’d told him her most horrific secret and he’d shared one of his. But the confidences weren’t the worst of it. The lack of professional decorum was not her main concern.
She was attracted to him. More than attracted. She wanted badly to touch him, kiss him...do other things.
When he sat close, she could smell the scent of some woodsy aftershave. And his maleness came through on its own. Her body had even gravitated toward his.
When had all that started? Yes, for a long time, she’d noticed what he wore, how his hair fell onto his forehead, how he leaned against a doorjamb in that sexy way of his. But she’d crossed a line tonight.
Did it even matter? There would be no more of these cozy meetings. They’d promised each other that. Convincing herself she had nothing to worry about, she brushed her hair, threw back her shoulders and left the room.
He was standing by her windows, the one with three high arches, framing him in the darkness outside. His back was broad and tapered to a narrow waist just above his navy blue trousers. He was taller than she, bigger, and so masculine...
Vanessa cleared her throat of the sudden slice of desire. “Chief?”
He turned with an odd expression on his face.
She walked toward him. When she reached him, she folded her arms across her chest. “I think we went too far.”
“What do you mean?”
“We...I...shared too much. We have a highly visible, very important professional relationship. We had no business confiding those things in each other.”
“We’re only human, Vanessa.”
“We can’t be. Not when we’re together. Since my parents got hurt in the fire, things between you and me are even more precarious.”
Tawny brows furrowed. “What brought this on?”
“Sanity.”
“I’m not sure that’s it.” He stepped closer. “I think you have feelings for me as a man. I know I’ve been thinking about you as a woman since the night of the fire.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “A very desirable woman.”
“Don’t say that.” She stepped back. “Don’t do that.”
Gently, he grasped her upper arms. She shivered. “There, I’m right. You trembled when I touched you.”
“If I did, this is even worse than I said. Nothing can transpire between us.”
“Transpire?” He rubbed her arms, up and down. “It would erupt, sweetheart.”
“No, no, don’t call me that.” This time, she stepped out of range of his caress. “I insist you go now.”
For a moment, he seemed thoughtful, as if he was making a decision. “All right. I will.”
She was shocked. No arguing? Did she want him to try to convince her to change her mind?
Damn it, he walked away. He was leaving her! She pivoted quickly.
He stopped at the door.
Oh my God, he threw the lock.
Then he stalked back to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’ll go. After this.”
* * *
Slowly, deliberately, Chase lowered his head. This might take some convincing. But as soon as he brushed her lips with his, she fell into the kiss and he stopped thinking about anything else. His tongue prodded her mouth open, explored it. He tasted hints of coffee and wine and some sweetness he didn’t expect. He drew her flush with him, feeling every curve and indentation of her body meeting his. Melding with his. He cupped her rear with both hands.
She let it go on for a bit, then eased back. Surprising him. “This is a big mistake.”
“It’s a hell of a big mistake, and it’ll be the best one we ever make.” When she still looked unconvinced, her put his mouth on her ear and whispered, “Don’t we have the right to experience this, this once, regardless of what happens afterward?”
When he pulled back, he saw doubt flicker in those green eyes, one of the many colors of fire. Her beautiful brow furrowed. She bit her lip and he was so attuned to her he could practically feel the nip.
Finally she nodded. “All right, Chase, let’s have this one time.”
Taking her by the hand, he led her to the couch. Locking his gaze with hers, he yanked at the buttons of his shirt.
Again, suddenly, she said, “Wait.”
“Why?” Exasperation made his tone curt.
“I don’t have any condoms here.” She raised her eyes to the ceiling, slapped a hand on her thigh. “Of course I don’t. We’re in my freaking office. Do you carry them?”
“No.” He continued unbuttoning.
“Why not? Don’t tell me you aren’t sexually active.”
He stopped the action of his fingers and grasped her hands. “I had a vasectomy. Because Celine was...I already told you.”
“Condoms are for more than pregnancy, Chase.”
“I had my annual firefighter checkup last week. I’m good to go if you are.”
The sexiest smile broached her lips. “Hmm. I saw the doctor last week myself. I’m very good to go.”
He got busy with her blouse, and when he had it open, he was shocked to find her wearing a little sexy underwire thing with a front closure, her breasts swelling over the top. He outlined the garment with his finger. “Nice,” he said, and popped the clasp. What happened made him hard.
She filled his hands. He kneaded her, making her eyes close, her body curving into his hands. Now her scent, probably some French perfume, filled his head.
“That feels wonderful.”
Inflamed by her gravelly compliment, he lowered his head, took a beaded nipple into his mouth and sucked. Her skin tasted like lotion. She anchored herself with her hands on his shoulders. She moaned so loud it echoed in the room.
“The skirt?” he asked, already fumbling at the zipper in the back.
Impatiently, she stepped away and shed everything but her white-lace panties. Bef
ore she could do that, he plastered her against him. “No,” she protested. “You have too many clothes on.”
She wrestled with his white shirt and tugged the T-shirt beneath over his head. Then he divested himself of everything but his navy briefs. She explored his chest. “You’re beautiful, Chase.”
He laughed. “That’s a first.” His hands drifted to her panties. Inside them. He cupped her cheeks. They were firm, like the rest of her. His lower body felt like granite when it lurched into hers.
She went right for ground zero. He felt himself pulse in her grip. “Don’t do that if you want to enjoy this, too.”
It was her turn to laugh.
* * *
The couch was wide enough for them to lie side-by-side, though she never had this in mind for when she bought the furniture for this room. Would she ever be able to... “Ahhhhhhhh.” He’d cupped her, explored the area hidden by her curls with his strong fingers. Arching against him she said, “Chase.”
“I love the way you say my name.” He accompanied the comment by pressing his palm hard into her.
“I...I...”
Suddenly, he was on his back, and she’d braced her arms on his chest. “I can’t stand that any longer. Besides, it’s my turn.” Lowering her head, she kissed his abdomen. It was well-defined, and when she roamed the planes and indentations, he was firm to the touch. He seemed to vibrate at her ministrations.
She licked him. “You taste good. Is it you or soap or...”
“For God’s sake, woman, you’re driving me crazy. Who cares what it is?”
She sniffed various parts of his chest. “Must be the soap. It’s got a hint of Ireland.”
“Move your hand lower, or I’m going to bolt up and take you down.”
She gripped his penis. Felt him throb again. Then she massaged him. She wasn’t an expert at lovemaking, but she knew what men liked. “How’s that?”
“Agony and ecstasy.”
Near his ear, she whispered, “I know the feeling.”
Not too gently, he moved her to her side so they were next to each other again. Sanity was slipping...fast, faster...
“Now, please.”
He thrust inside her. “Christ...Vanessa...Lord...”
Again, and again he thrust. Her nails dug into his back when they spiraled and spiraled until the world burst into multi-colored flames, consuming them both.
Chapter 8
* * *
“Here they are!” Joe stood up from his place at the kitchen table where he and his group were waiting to have lunch with their visitors. Afterward, the Malvaso son would stay behind with him.
“Morning, team.” The chief’s shoulders were relaxed and he seemed mellow. “Thanks for welcoming the Malvasos.”
“Hi, there.” The big, dark-haired guy with the shrewd brown eyes spoke. “I’m Chief Malvaso. Mitch.”
“And I’m Bob Malvaso, Mitch’s son.” He rolled his eyes. “He still calls me Bobby.”
Joe grinned. “I have the same issue with Joey.”
After Joe shook hands with them all, the chief gestured to the open seats. “Let’s sit.”
Joe turned to his crew. “This is Hildy, Norm, Liam and Trevor.”
Trevor jumped up to shake Bob’s hand, then extended his to Mitch. “Wow, Chief, I never expected to meet you. You’re a legend in Rockford.”
Mitch laughed. “Now that’s a welcome.” When Tully sat back down, the chief added, “And it smells great in here. Potatoes? Bacon?”
“Got that right.” Joe turned to Talbot. “What’s the schedule, Chief?”
“We’re staying for lunch, like you asked. Then Mitch is going to hang out with me and talk shop. We thought we might meet for dinner at Casa Italiano when you get off.”
“My treat,” Malvaso said. “You’re all welcome to come.”
“Wow, really?”
“Yes, Tully,” Talbot drawled.
Liam spoke up that he and Norm had tickets for a Redwings game, but Hildy was free and agreed to go.
Norm said from the stove, “It’s ready.” He served trays of BLTs on thick bread, and bowls full of French fries. “Heavy on the carbs, which isn’t our usual fare, but this a special occasion.”
Mitch grinned. “Looks pretty damn great to me, Norm. Thanks.”
They passed the plates and bowls around, everybody taking huge helpings. Nobody but Joe seemed to notice Bob had gotten up and was snapping pictures. Firefighters at lunch, the caption could read.
They’d barely finished eating when the PA crackled on. “Kitchen fire at Dutch Towers. Truck 8 and Engine 5 go into service.”
People scrambled up.
Talbot said, “Go on, guys. Mitch and I will clean this up.” He slapped his friend on the back. “Ready for some KP?”
“It’s been a while, but yeah.”
Once in the bay, the group jumped into the turnout pants and boots which had been set up and waiting for them. While they dressed for the fire, Bob got some shots of them. Then they hoisted themselves up into the truck. “Room for you in the third seat, Bob,” Joe called out.
Norm drove the rig out of the bay, horn honking.
They arrived at Dutch Towers in six minutes. They dismounted as quickly as they got on and yanked tools and fire extinguishers from the truck. Engine 5 screeched to a halt, its guys dismounted and dragged out a hose. With both their turnout coats and SCBA secured in place, they all entered the building. Bob had to stand outside taking more pictures, as he couldn’t come in until they assessed the damage. Hildy carried one of the two fire extinguishers.
There was no smoke on the first floor, which housed a huge activity room, dining room and a small workout area. Much of the space had been remodeled, Joe knew from his grandparents. Now that he was here, he could worry about them. Over his radio he heard, “First floor apartment, number 123.”
The captain in his old fire station, Jake Scarlatta, would know who lived there. House 12 usually covered Dutch Towers, but when they were out on a call, Joe’s truck took over coverage. Hurrying down the hall, Joe could see smoke coming out of the apartment. He pounded on the door, “Fire department.” And opened it.
A quick check told him the residents had evacuated, and Joe saw the problem right away. The stove was smoking badly. Hildy crossed to it, found the burner in flames and put it out with the fire extinguisher.
Joe and the others inspected the whole kitchen area and the rest of the rooms. He decided the crisis was past. Over his radio, he said, “Norm, tell Bob he can come in,” and gave the apartment number. Photographed smoke could be pretty cool.
Joe left them to find his grandparents. All the residents had followed their escape plan to the backyard. Joe headed there. Most of them were sitting at the picnic tables spread across the lawn under trees. He spotted his grandparents with another couple, chatting away.
He crossed to them. “Hi, Grandma, Grandpa.”
“Joey.” His grandma stood and hugged him. So did Moses. They both linked his arm. “Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Stone?”
Joe didn’t. “Hi. Glad to see you again.”
After waiting for the all-clear, Grandma leaned on him. “Escort us back, son.”
On the way upstairs, she said, “You have to bring that young woman Holly back to see us, Joey.”
Grandpa winked at him. “She’s a keeper.”
“Things aren’t like that between us,” he said, thinking maybe they could be. She was so nice, it just about killed him. “But maybe I’ll bring her over again.”
“We’d like that.”
When he left his grandparents and climbed back on the truck, Holly Michaels was on his mind. He wished he knew what to do about her.
* * *
Chief Talbot lowered his reading glasses and set them down on the spreadsheets Mitch had printed out for him. “So, that’s your new way of checking inventory.”
Mitch nodded to his computer screen. “It’s an effective system.”
“Better than
anything we’ve had before.”
“I’m sending you the website for the program.”
“Great.”
As Mitch played with the keys, Chase scanned his office. Contrary to the mayor’s setup, his desk sat in front of the arched windows so he could see outside. Was he hoping to get a glimpse of her as she left the building? He hadn’t seen her in two days, but he could still remember how her skin felt under his hands. How she moved with him. And how she called his name when she came.
She held him afterward like she meant it.
One time, they’d said. But would he ever forget it?
His phone buzzed and his assistant came on the line. “Chief, the mayor called. Fire Marshall Zeleny is in her office. They’d like to see you now if you can go down.”
“Sure. Tell her I’ll be right there.”
Mitch looked up.
“I have to zip downstairs. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”
“That’s okay. I’ve got the FAN stuff to study and formulate questions. And if you’re gone too long, I’ll take a snooze on the couch.”
Couch! Vanessa! What they’d done on hers!
He’d gotten the images out of his head by the time he walked into the reception area of her office.
“Hello, Chief Talbot.” Her assistant donned her usual stiff and formal demeanor. He used to think her attitude mimicked Vanessa’s. No longer, though. Betsy stood and walked to the office door, opened it. “Go on in.”
“Thanks, Betsy.”
“Would you like me to stay?” the woman asked her boss. How odd.
“No, thank you.”
Chase found Zeleny sitting in front of her desk, with Vanessa behind it. Afternoon sunlight streamed in through the window. For a second, her eyes lit up when she saw him. But she averted her gaze.
He swallowed hard and said, “Afternoon, all.”
