Red Hot Rescue (Blue Collar Heat Book 5)

by Ava Kyle

  “God, isn’t that the truth?” She finishes her beer. “Can I have another?”

  “Sure.” I retrieve one and hand it to her. “So, five years… When did things start going south?”

  “Before we got married.” Bitterness mars her features. “I should have seen all the red flags.”

  “If you’ve never been in that kind of experience before, you wouldn’t even know what to look for.” I’m trying to comfort her, but she’s too busy reliving the past. I can see it in her eyes.

  “When we were dating, he started commenting on what I wore. He didn’t like any of my friends. He wanted me all to himself because he loved me so much.”

  “That’s how they get started.”

  “You know about abusers?” She sits up.

  “Just what I see when I’m working. Most of the time we get called out, it’s not for fires. It’s for medical emergencies. Lots of heart attacks, but also lots of domestic violence. I’ve heard things over the years. I never could understand why women stayed, so I read up on it.”

  “You don’t realize what’s happening until it’s too late.”

  “It’s never too late to leave.” I put my hand over hers. She slides her hand into mine. The soft friction is enough to stoke the fire burning inside. It’s not lust. It’s something more. I want to protect her.

  “I know. The night I left, he tried to kill me. He choked me until I passed out. It’s a miracle I’m still alive.” Her grip on my hand tightens. “I was so scared. I didn’t think anyone would help me, but my parents did.”

  “Why aren’t you staying with them?” I ask gently.

  “I tried. He found me there. He beat my father and terrorized my mother. He was lying in wait when I got home from work. I barely escaped.”

  “And the cops couldn’t help?”

  “They said he had an alibi.”

  “But your parents were witnesses.”

  “He told the cops that I was just trying to throw him in jail so that I could take the house. He called it his house, but it was ours. I didn’t want his stupid house. I have nothing but terrible memories of that place. He can have it.”

  “So, nothing happened. The police did nothing?”

  “That’s right.” More than a hint of sarcasm infuses her tone. “Not a damn thing. So, you can understand why I’m skeptical of your brother’s instance that they’ll be able to stop him. No offense, but if Memphis police couldn’t stop him, how is a small-town cop going to do it?”

  I should be offended on my brother’s behalf, but I’m not. I can see the pain she’s in. She’s just lashing out. I understand the need all too well.

  The buzzer sounds. I pull a piping hot pizza from the oven.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” she mumbles.

  “You’re hurting. It’s okay to vent.”

  “I just want it to stop. How long will it take the crime lab to get any results?”

  “A few weeks. It’s not like TV. It won’t happen overnight.”

  Her bottom lip trembles. I set down the pizza cutter and circle around the island. Without thinking, I pull her into my arms. I gently massage the back of her head while she trembles.

  “I’m so tired.”

  “Do you want to go to sleep now? I can wrap up the pizza.” I press my face into her hair. The scent of smoke overwhelms me. “How about a shower? Or a hot bath?”

  “A bath.” She pulls back and sniffs. “Can I take pizza with me?”

  “Of course.” I smile and set several slices on a plate. “The bathroom’s upstairs.”

  She silently follows me up the stairs. I show her the large claw-footed tub.

  “If you need anything, my room’s right next to yours. Just knock.”

  “Thank you.” She sets the plate down on the sink and moves back into my arms. Her face presses against my chest. “I know we just met, but you make me feel safe.”

  “I’ll take care of you until my brother catches your ex.” I trace the edge of her cheek with the backs of my fingers. My thumb glides across her bottom lip. Her pupils dilate. Her breath quickens. I swallow hard.

  Instead of moving away from me, she leans into me. She’s too close and far too tempting. The desire to kiss her delectable lips overwhelms me. I dip my head slightly, moving slowly, giving her plenty of time to push me back or walk away. I’d never take anything from her that she isn’t willing to give.

  When our lips meet, her soft moan blows across my chin. She sinks her fingers into my hair and draws me closer. My hands slide around her waist. I pull her tight against me. I want her to feel every inch of the need she’s created in me. I haven’t been this hard in years.

  I quickly shove aside that thought. Anytime I’m drawn back into the past, I’m dropped into a world of pain. Right here, with Ella, there’s nothing but pleasure.

  Her lips move over mine. Softly, tentatively, before becoming more demanding. I follow her lead, letting her set a luxurious pace. When she deepens the kiss, I slide my tongue between her parted lips. We melt together into a passionate embrace that goes far beyond simple lust. There’s a need burning inside both of us that can only be met one way.

  I’m stripping her clothes before I realize I’m doing it. I pull back and look into the storm brewing in her eyes. She grabs the hem of her shirt and pulls it overhead. It hits the floor with a whisper of sound.

  My hands slide up from her waist to cup her white lace-covered breasts. Her bra can’t contain her heat or her hard nipples, which poke and strain against the fabric. I fumble with the clasp behind her back.

  Once revealed, her breasts are perfection. Creamy skin fills my rough palms. I groan and bend to take one plump nipple between my lips. She gasps and shivers. Her hands drag my shirt over my head. I break away only long enough to let her strip it away.

  When I return to kissing her, she tosses her head back. Gloriously silky blonde hair trails down her back. From this position, I can see every angle of her perfect curves in the mirror.

  I lavish her nipples with silky kisses before licking the tips until she’s squirming. We still have far too many clothes on, so I unbutton her jeans. She wriggles out of them, leaving her body on display. I’m destroyed by her beauty. The curve of her hips, the softness of her thighs, the way her white, lacy panties cling to her damp folds—it’s madness. I have to have her.

  She strips my jeans and boxers before shimmying out of her panties. I drop to my knees. I hold the backs of her thighs as I spread feathery kisses up the insides of her thighs. She backs into the shower where a long stone bench runs the length of the wall.

  When she sits on it and spreads for me, I groan. I don’t know how we went from sharing pizza and beer to this, but I’m not about to question it. We both need this, and if she wants it, I’m not going to turn her away.

  4

  Ella

  I literally can’t believe I’m naked in the fireman’s shower. I mean, it’s not technically his shower, but we’re in his house. This is insane. I don’t know what’s come over me, but I’m not going to question it. I haven’t had sex in years. I haven’t had good sex… ever?

  I dated exactly one guy before I met Brock. I never saw stars or pyrotechnic explosions. It took a vibrator to get me to my first orgasm. But right now, I’m ready to spontaneously combust, and he hasn’t even touched me—there.

  A seductive smile spreads across his face. He turns on the faucet, and water streams from heads along the wall and in the ceiling. It’s the most luxurious shower I’ve ever been in. Screw the bathtub, this is glorious.

  I lean back, enjoying the splash of water across my breasts. Rivulets tickle the space between my thighs. I haven’t closed my legs, and why should I? He clearly wants what I’m offering.

  He gets on his knees and wraps his hands around my thighs. With a sharp tug, he pulls my ass over the edge of the shelf. I gasp and laugh.

  “Subtle.”

  “There’s nothing subtle about what I’m about to
do to you.” His grin is wickedly intense. It sends little sparks of anticipation down my spine.

  “Show me.”

  He dips his head between my thighs. A surprised cry bursts from my lips. His tongue is rough against my tender flesh. He strokes it along the inside of my thighs, nipping and nibbling as he explores all the erogenous zones no one has ever bothered to find before. And he finds all of them. Ones I never knew I had.

  “Logan,” I whisper.

  “Mm?”

  “Don’t tease me.”

  He growls in response. His mouth closes over my pussy. A jolt of electricity awakens something deep inside. Tension coils as he circles his tongue against my lips.

  A heady musk joins the lingering lavender scent of an air freshener or possibly a hidden sachet. He doesn’t seem like the sachet type, but you’d never know with the way they’ve decorated the house. It looks like a model home, but lived in.

  His insistent tongue draws me back. I run my fingers through thick hair before trailing them down his neck. It’s thick and corded with muscle. His shoulders flex as he leans in to brush the tip of his nose across my clit. I jump.

  “You smell like heaven.”

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “You do.”

  His gaze is hooded as he looks up at me. The sheer intensity stuns me. I knew he wanted me, but I didn’t realize that he needed me, not until this moment. There’s so much more to him that I don’t know, and I want to know everything.

  What makes him burn inside? What makes him smile? What brings him joy?

  He’s a mystery I can’t wait to solve. But for now, I’m letting all of that go. I only want to focus on one thing—the feel of his lips all over my body. Right now, they’re grazing the very edge of my sensitive flesh, and I want to revel in the sensation.

  He carries me closer to the edge with every flirtatious flick of his tongue. He’s doing more than just teasing me, he’s helping ease all the tension and fear I’ve been carrying around for the last two years. He probably doesn’t even realize he’s doing it, but he’s healing me with his devilish lips. And I need to be healed.

  As I careen closer to my breaking point, he captures my clit between his tongue and teeth. He’s gentle, lingering softly before sucking me against his mouth. The contrast in intensity ratchets up the ever-increasing constriction in my core. I strain against the need to give in, wanting to wring out every last ounce of pleasure before I dissolve into nothingness.

  But I can’t hold back. I explode against his lips. Throbbing heat pours out from my core to fill every cell in my body. It’s as if I’ve laid dormant for years and now, I’m coming alive. He’s bringing me back to life.

  A liberating sob bursts from my lips. I’m pulsing against him as he caresses my trembling flesh with his fingers. He slides into me, coaxing me higher until I’m screaming from the pleasure.

  When he’s wrung out every last drop of ecstasy, he lifts me into his lap. I move into a kneeling position while straddling his thick thighs. I don’t know where the hell he’s been hiding it, but he pulls a condom out. I grab it from him, tear into the foil, and roll it into his thick length. For the first time, I realize—he’s huge.

  I stroke his shaft several times. His head lolls back. His lips part. I need this man.

  I wrap my legs around his waist and slowly lower onto him. His eyes flash open, blazing with desire. No one’s ever looked at me like this. It’s pure, masculine need. And it’s all for me.

  As smile spreads across my parted lips. I rock my hips, riding my fireman, the man who saved me, not just from the fire, but from that terrible shelter. He didn’t have to do it, so now I’m going to thank him in the only way I know how.

  I roll my hips, letting him thrust into me before pulling back to continue the endless dance. He pulls me close, catching my nipple between his lips before turning to the other. He’s grinding his pelvis against my clit, challenging me to come while he’s inside me.

  He doesn’t have to wait long, because flames of ecstasy lick at the threads of my control. They fray, snapping one by one until I can’t stop the inevitable conclusion.

  I cling to him as an orgasm wrecks my balance. He holds me tight, pounding into me with relentless thrusts that intensify my ecstasy. I break wide open in a way I’ve never been with any other man. Every worry vanishes into a pool of liquid bliss.

  He groans as he thrusts into me, jerking hard, filling every inch of me. His orgasm is a fierce release.

  And then it’s over.

  We pant, holding each other. My lips against his throat. His hands on my ass. His mouth on my shoulder.

  “Holy shit,” he whispers.

  “Yeah.” It’s all I can say. Words are worthless after the experience he just gave me.

  We sit together until the water runs cold. Eventually, he sets me on my feet. He washes me from crown to toe, missing nothing. It’s like a rebirth, because by the time we get out, I’m exceptionally clean and smell like fields of lavender.

  He towels me off.

  “I’ll make the bed,” he says.

  “Take me to yours.”

  He doesn’t hesitate. He scoops me into his arms and carries me down the hall to his room. It’s ultra-masculine. A thick brown rug covers the floor around his four-poster bed. The sheets are black satin. The comforter’s a pale cream. The contrast is warm, inviting.

  I crawl into bed. He joins me and cradles my head against his chest. His heart’s steady rhythm helps slow the thundering beat in my chest. I can’t believe I just had sex with him. Not that I’m complaining, but I never do things like this. It must be the stress.

  As we lay together in silence, tension returns to tighten the muscles in my back. I reach to massage my neck.

  “Let me,” he says.

  “Sorry, I guess the stress is getting to me.”

  “Do you regret what just happened?” His hands slide onto my shoulders. He kneads the muscles until they melt.

  “No… I don’t usually jump into bed with men.”

  “Me either.”

  I laugh. The intensity of the massage increases incrementally. He delves deeper into the muscle, and somehow it loosens my tongue.

  “I’ve only been with two other guys. A boyfriend from high school and my husband.”

  “You’ve been under a lot of stress. I shouldn’t have taken advantage of it.”

  “You didn’t.” I twist and cup his face between my palms. “I wanted you. But, I need to make things clear. I’m not in any position to start another relationship right now.”

  “I wasn’t making any assumptions.”

  I blush.

  “Hey…” He tilts my chin up. His fingers trail across the edge of my jaw. “I’m not looking for anything either. My life’s… complicated. So, let’s not overthink this.”

  “Sounds good to me.” I turn and offer him my back. He continues the massage. “Why are you still single?”

  “You like to go right for the jugular.” His chuckle is sharp.

  “Sorry. I’m nervous.”

  “Don’t be. I’ve already seen you naked.”

  Now it’s my turn to smile.

  “I don’t have time to date,” he says. “I work long hours, and when I’m not working, I’m on call or hanging out with my brother.”

  “You’re close?”

  “We are now. We were living separate lives until… a few years ago. I needed a change of pace. He offered to share the house with me. I mean, it’s fifty percent mine anyway, but he could have turned me away.”

  “Why did you need a change of pace?” I can’t help myself. He’s hiding something, and I want to know what it is.

  “Something happened. I don’t like talking about it. But it made me rethink my life. I’d been going along thinking everything would be fine. In an instant, everything I thought I knew blew up in my face.”

  “That sounds intense.”

  “It was.”

  “Have you ever talke
d to anyone about whatever it was that happened?”

  “No. It’s in the past. No point in dwelling on it.”

  “I used to think that my ex was in my past, but he keeps reappearing to destroy my future.”

  “As long as he’s free, you can stay with me. I’ll protect you.”

  “Why are you being so nice?”

  “I… there was someone… I couldn’t protect her.”

  Raw pain constricts his voice. Whoever she was must have been the reason he moved in with his brother. I want to ask a million questions, but I can tell he’s not ready to talk about it. After all, if he hasn’t spoken with anyone about it in over three years, why would he talk to me?

  “If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.” I mean every word. Keeping pain bottled up inside only rots a person from the inside out. I hardly know him, but I sense a deep wound festering in his soul.

  “How are the muscles?” His hands still on my shoulders.

  “Good.”

  “Get some sleep. We can check in with the crime lab tomorrow and see if they have any updates.”

  He pulls me back into his arms. I can’t remember the last time I fell asleep in anyone’s arms. It’s been too long, and I miss having someone by my side. Things weren’t always bad in my marriage. There were good times, but the bad slowly started overtaking the good. And by the time it ended, it was all bad.

  The next morning, I wake to find a note on the pillow beside me. Logan was called to a fire in the middle of the night. He’d warned me it might happen, but it leaves me on edge. I’m in a strange house with only my phone and a bunch of soot-covered clothes. I wonder if he’ll care if I do laundry.

  Since his brother might be home, I search through Logan’s closet and find a button-up flannel shirt and a pair of drawstring lounge pants. They’re both way too big on me. I cinch the pants as much as possible. The shirt doesn’t matter as much because at least it covers everything.

  My stomach rumbles. It feels odd to roam around someone else’s house, but I’m too hungry to care.

  I head into the kitchen and find Jeff sitting at the kitchen table reading news on his tablet. He looks up and does a double take.