Charmed by Chase

by Theresa Paolo

  Sam pulled out of the garage, the siren blaring, lights flashing as they turned onto Main Street and headed toward the east side of town.

  “Want to talk about it?” Sam asked.

  “Not really.”

  “Okay.”

  Unlike Miguel, Sam didn’t push. He knew if Chase wanted to discuss it he would. And right now, the only thing Chase wanted to do was put out a fire before it spread any more—lose himself in the job that he loved and forget about everything that Jill woman had said to him.

  Besides, what did she know? Maybe he and Bex could be together without their private lives becoming fodder for the tabloids. He lived in Red Maple Falls; it was barely a blip on the map. No one was going to come looking for her here. Why would they give a damn about him? He was a small-town fireman who lived with his sisters—nothing worth talking about.

  The only problem was Bex wasn’t staying in Red Maple Falls forever. She would leave one day, in a few weeks apparently for a new film, and what then? Life in the spotlight was not something he ever imagined and even now thinking about it made him break into a sweat.

  Maybe it was for the best. He felt himself falling for her, and with no chance of a future what was the point?

  “You sure you don’t want to talk about it?” Sam asked again. “You look like you’re thinking so hard your brain might explode.”

  “How did you know Hadley was the one?” Chase asked.

  Sam had known his wife since they were kids. Hadley was Sam’s best friend’s little sister, and yet all those years went by and nothing happened between them. Before Sam committed himself to Hadley he was a bit of a manwhore. Now he was as devoted as they come, disgustingly in love with a girl he once considered nothing more than a good friend.

  Sam pinched the bridge of his nose. “That serious, huh? You’ve known the girl for what? A week?”

  “Just because it took you twenty years to get your head out of your ass…”

  “Okay. I get it.” Sam looked out at the road, taking the turn down Cherryville. “I don’t know if it was one specific thing or an accumulation of things, but I can tell you this. When you wake up in the morning and all you can think about is her and when you go to sleep at night if it kills you that she’s not in your arms. When you run into a fire and she’s the first thought that pops into your head because if you don’t come out it’s going to hurt her more than it will hurt you, those are usually good indicators.”

  Chase thought over Sam’s words as Sam brought the truck to a stop. Smoke billowed out from a dense portion of the woods, and they jumped into action. Dylan and Wyatt were already there dressed in their gear waiting for instruction.

  Matt, the Sheriff, pulled up and met up with Sam to get the rundown.

  Sam started spouting off directions, and Chase cleared his mind of everything that happened that day and got to work.

  Twenty minutes later they got the fire completely under control. Only a few trees were lost to the flames. The dumb kids were lucky; if they hadn’t made the call who knows how much would have been lost.

  Matt wrote the teenagers a ticket for setting a bonfire in a protected area, and Sam and Chase got back in the truck. It was just another day in Red Maple Falls… but it wasn’t. Not when he still could taste Rebecca on his lips, feel her soft skin beneath his touch, her body rocking against him before collapsing.

  Maybe Rebecca wasn’t the one, but he couldn’t deny the fact that he was falling hard for her.

  ***

  After getting rid of Jill, Bex hopped into her rental and headed to the firehouse. She didn’t like the look in Chase’s eyes when he’d walked away. Or even the fact that he did walk away. And she definitely didn’t like the way Jill spoke to him. He didn’t deserve that; not from her.

  She tried calling him, but she kept going straight to voicemail. The only place where she knew he might be was the firehouse. It was a longshot since, honestly, he could be anywhere in town, home even, but she didn’t know where that was, and she was desperate to find him. If he wasn’t there, maybe someone could help her track him down.

  She had no idea what she was going to say when she did find him. All she knew was that she couldn’t let their day end the way it did. It didn’t seem right. He had showed her an amazing afternoon, one of the best she’d had in a long time, and she never even got to thank him.

  The firehouse came into view and she pulled her rental into the parking lot. The garage door was open and the truck that was there the other day was missing. She made her way to the door just as Miguel was walking out.

  “Oh hey! Miguel, right?” she said as she approached.

  “You remembered my name,” he said, his eyes flashing with joy.

  “You’re hard to forget.”

  He slapped a hand over his chest and smiled. “You just made my night.”

  At least somebody’s night was made. “Has Chase been by?”

  “Just missed him. He’s out on a call. Out of control bonfire.”

  That sounded dangerous and before when she had thought about him running toward a fire, she had felt equally terrified and thrilled. Right now, all she felt was pure terror.

  Miguel must have noticed because he rested a reassuring hand on her arm.

  “You have nothing to worry about. I never doubt going toward any fire knowing Chase has my back.”

  Bex smiled. “Thanks. That’s good to know.”

  “Why don’t you go inside and wait for him? All the guys are out on the call. I have a movie in the DVD player.”

  She laughed. “They still make those?”

  “You wound me,” he said. “Next thing you’re going to tell me you don’t like zombie movies.”

  “Well…”

  He grabbed his chest again. “That’s it, I’m dead.”

  “Have you ever thought about acting?” she asked

  He waved his hand at her, a goofy smile on his face. “My mother always said I had a flair for the dramatics, but being a fireman is what I love.”

  “Well, if you ever change your mind, give me a call. I know plenty of casting directors who would love you.”

  “You are too kind,” he said. “Now if you excuse me, my wife is waiting.”

  “It was good to see you again, Miguel.”

  He took her offered hand and gave it a kiss. “The pleasure was all mine.”

  Bex walked into the firehouse, it was eerily quiet and definitely nothing like the movie set she remembered. She looked at the framed pictures on the walls and spotted Chase in a couple hanging on a bulletin board. In one he was dumping a bucket of water on someone, a smile big and wide spread across his face. He looked so happy, and she wondered if by being there if she was ruining that easy, carefree vibe of his.

  The last thing she wanted was to take that smile away. She watched what Hollywood did to people. It sucked the lives right out of them. People who she once considered the life of the party were nothing more than bitter shells of their old selves. She believed he was strong enough to handle anything—he was a fireman after all—but Hollywood broke people down.

  She didn’t want that to happen to Chase she’d never be able to forgive herself if it did. Which just proved that they didn’t belong together. He belonged here, doing what he loved, and she belonged in the spotlight. It would never work between them.

  She had no idea what she was doing here so she spun on her foot and headed toward the garage door, but just as she was walking through it the fire truck turned in. She moved quickly out of its way, catching Chase’s eyes through the window.

  It wasn’t until her eyes caught his that she realized she’d been on edge, afraid for him, unaware of what danger he had walked into. Tension eased from her shoulder blades, and she took in a much-needed breath.

  He hopped off the truck, moving toward her, masculinity rolling off of him in buckets. He came around to where she stood. He smelled like the remnants of a fire; his skin glistened with sweat and he never looked better.


  “Hey. What are you doing here?” he asked.

  She went to tell him it was a mistake, but when she caught the slight glimmer in his eyes she decided on the truth. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

  His brows furrowed. “For what?”

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Chase?” A handsome man with dark hair that was slightly graying in the front said as he whacked Chase on the shoulder. The man smiled, a slight gap showing in his front teeth. He had a charming sparkle in his blue eyes that was warm and friendly.

  She immediately noticed him from the picture. He was the one Chase had dumped the water on.

  Chase pointed to him. “Rebecca this is the Chief, Sam.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” she said, holding out her hand.

  “A woman that has thrown good ol’ Chase off-kilter. Trust me when I say it’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”

  Chase shot Sam a look, but Sam ignored him, wrapping his arm around Chase’s shoulder and dragging him close.

  “I hope he’s treating you well. If he’s not, I’d have to kick his ass.”

  “Don’t you have someone else you can bother?” Chase said, unwrapping himself from Sam’s hold.

  “It wouldn’t be as much fun.” Chase glared, and Sam held his hands up. “Okay. I can tell when I’m not wanted. Rebecca, if he gives you any problems, let me know.”

  She laughed. “I will.”

  Sam disappeared into the back, and Chase let out a loud breath. “Sorry about that. He’s—”

  “Sweet.”

  “Not the word I would use to describe him.”

  “You two seem like you get along really well. Not everyone has that with their boss.”

  Chase shrugged. “He’s more like an older brother. He helped me out a lot when I lost my way after my mom died.”

  “I’m happy you had him.”

  “Me too,” Chase said then cleared his throat. “Sorry, you were saying…?”

  “Yes. I wanted to apologize for my manager and everything she said to you. My life is…complicated, and I know it’s a lot to take in but…”

  His dark gray eyes narrowed in on her as if nothing else around him mattered. She should walk away. Leave and let Chase continue on with his life free from her drama. In her head, she knew it would be the right thing to do but her heart wouldn’t let her.

  “I really like you,” she said. “I don’t know how much longer I’m staying, but I do know that the thought of being here and not spending time with you isn’t what I want at all.”

  “What about your manager?” he asked.

  “I sent her home.” It wasn’t without a fight and some blatant disrespect on both their parts, but Jill finally got in her rental and took off. Bex had never felt so relieved.

  “So what now?” Chase asked.

  She caught his eye and smiled. “I was thinking dinner.”

  “I need to go home and shower.”

  “Oh.” She bent her head, letting her hair fall in her face. “We can meet up later.”

  His finger lifted her chin, and his other hand brushed her hair behind her ear. “Why don’t you come with me?”

  “Don’t you live with your sisters? Won’t they mind?”

  “I’m sure they won’t as long as you don’t.”

  She wanted to see where he lived and where he grew up. “No, not at all.”

  “Then let me just get out of my gear and check with Sam, and we’ll get on our way.”

  Chapter 12

  Chase didn’t under any circumstances bring a girl home. Brooke would latch onto them like a vulture on roadkill, pecking at them until there was nothing left, but Rebecca wasn’t just some girl. She was different, special even.

  He had no idea what it was about her, but when he saw her standing in the garage as they pulled up in the fire truck, he was struck by not only her beauty but by the relief of seeing her there waiting for him. The desire to jump off the truck and go to her was stronger than anything he’d ever felt. All he wanted to do was gather her in his arms and kiss her senseless.

  If it weren’t for her manager showing up unexpectedly, he had no doubt they’d be lying together naked right that second. Instead, they were in his truck, heading to his childhood home—a sacred place to him… not something he shared with many.

  The house was a sign of his family’s strength: the courage his sister exhibited after their mom died, the bravery his brother shown by joining the military, both doing everything they could to keep a roof over Chase and Brooke’s head. It was also a reminder of his mom and everything she endured to keep her family together.

  At twenty-six he should have moved out by now, but he didn’t want to abandon his sisters, not after everything they had been through together. The house wasn’t paid off, and while Chase helped toward the bills, he still wished there was more he could do. Leaving would only put Layla back in financial straits, and he refused to let that happen again. The stress she endured at only twenty-two was more than most people would ever experience in a lifetime.

  The houses went from larger to smaller as he turned down one dirt road to the next. He guessed he could say he grew up on the wrong side of the tracks except there were no train tracks in Red Maple Falls. However, a person would have to be blind if they didn’t notice the change.

  He was afraid to look over at Rebecca, scared there would be judgement in her eyes, but when he finally found the courage to glance her way she wasn’t even looking at the houses around them. Her eyes were focused solely on him.

  “You look tense,” she said.

  “Do I?’

  She nodded.

  “I guess it’s because I’ve never brought a girl home.”

  “Ever?”

  He shook his head. “Never. I told you Brooke can be a bit intrusive. Plus, small town and all… She usually knew the girl before I even brought her home so there was no point in meeting the family.”

  “Are you worried about what she’s going to think of me?” she asked.

  “No.” The word came so easily, without a moment of thought or hesitation. “She’ll like you because you can hold your own. And if she doesn’t like you, I don’t care because I do.”

  “Aww, you like me?” Rebecca said, clutching her chest and fluttering her eyelashes at him.

  “I mean… I guess you’re all right.”

  She gave him a playful punch to the shoulder, and he laughed. As she settled back into her seat, he pulled into the driveway and put his truck in park. “This is it,” he said.

  It wasn’t nightfall yet, but the sun was getting in position to descend into the horizon, casting a beautiful pink hue across the sky. It was a pretty background for a not so impressive house. The tan roof had a dark spot in the corner, the light blue siding had definitely seen better days, and the yellow door, their mother painted all those years ago, was in desperate need of a fresh coat. Still, as unimpressive as it was, it was home.

  “Have you lived here your whole life?” Rebecca asked.

  “I have.”

  “If only walls could talk. I bet this house holds tons of secrets from your childhood.”

  He laughed. “When you meet Brooke, you’ll realize you won’t need the walls. She’ll tell you anything you want to hear. So please don’t take advantage.”

  She slid closer to him on the seat, surrounding him in her mind-numbing scent of warm honey and flowers. She’d showered since their hike, and he wished he could say the same.

  She linked her arms around his neck. “Don’t worry; I’ll be gentle.”

  He kissed her then, wondering why he’d waited so long in the first place. It was the first thing he’d wanted to do when he had seen her but he didn’t. Now it was all he could think about doing.

  Her lips parted beneath his, and he swiped his tongue across her plump bottom lip before plunging into the warmth of her mouth.

  She moaned against his lips, and he hardened at the sexy sound. He was seconds away from grabbing her when
she straddled him, pressing her center tight against his, never once breaking contact with her mouth.

  Chase loved the way she tasted and how she wasn’t afraid to take initiative. She grinded against his erection and he lost himself to the sensations. His hand slid beneath her shirt, fingers sprawling against the soft warm skin of her back and moving toward the clasp of her bra.

  She moaned into his mouth and the sound triggered the animal inside him.

  He snapped her bra free, his hand instantly finding the puckered flesh. He pinched the bead between his thumb and forefinger and she cried out. He devoured her cries as he deepened their kiss.

  A knock on the window caused Rebecca’s hips to stop moving and her lips to freeze in place.

  Chase cursed under his breath then let his hand slowly slip out from Rebecca’s shirt.

  “You’re disgusting. Get a room.”

  Rebecca’s head fell into the crook of his neck as Chase turned to the window and met Brooke’s amused gray glare. Chase shook his head at his impossible sister and ran a hand over his face. He glanced at Rebecca who was still hiding. “Meet my sister. Brooke,” he said.

  Rebecca lifted her head from his neck, her cheeks red with embarrassment, and smiled. Brooke lifted a light brown eyebrow and gave a slight roll of her eyes. “You have a little.” She pointed to her lip before walking away and into the house.

  “I think she hates me already,” Rebecca said, pulling down the visor and checking her hair and makeup. She ran her finger around her lips cleaning up the pink gloss that smeared.

  “No,” Chase said. “If she hated you, she would’ve grabbed the garden hose and sprayed us down.”

  “So, you’re saying there’s still hope?” Rebecca shut the visor and looked at him with wide eager eyes.

  “Yes, there’s still hope.”

  “Okay then. That’s all I need to know.” She opened the door and slid out. He loved her determination and the fact that she didn’t cower to Brooke when most people did.

  Chase followed suit and met her at the front of the truck. “Are you sure about this?”