Hot As Blazes (14 page)

“Let’s take a ride.” Ray shoved the shifter into reverse. Seconds later, they hit Route 12 heading south. He kept her hand snug in his. Her silence worried him. “You okay?”

“What do you think is going on with him?” She gnawed her bottom lip.

He’d never seen him go at Jo like this morning. Whatever his problem, Jo had enough crap do deal with and it didn’t sit well with him. “It could be work or who knows, he might have just told her that because he’s getting cold feet.”

“Guy shit.”

“Let it go for now.”

After stopping for some coffee and doughnuts, they continued south.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse came into view. With its distinctive black and white spiral, the towering lighthouse was a historical monument of the Outer Banks. Her slight intake of breath pleased him.

“You haven’t been here since you got home?” It was her favorite place to surf.

“Haven’t been here since my last East Coast competition. Dad was still alive.” She clutched his bicep.

Hell, he hadn’t meant to bring her down even more. “I’m sorry. The plan was to take your mind off things.”

“No, it’s perfect.” She brushed his cheek with a kiss. “I’ve wanted to come, just not alone.”

He turned the truck for the ramp to the beach and soon they cruised along the shoreline on the clear crisp day. Her growing smile tripped his heart. Maybe he could turn the morning around. And so far they were the only truck in sight. A mile or so later, he pulled to a stop, then slid out and walked around to the passenger’s door, and offered her the driver’s seat.

Eyes wide, she looked like a teen who’d just been given their dream vehicle. “Okay, so how do you afford this beast?”

“DEA auction.”

“Drug running truck?” She frowned. “So, do you know any DEA agents?”

“No, Bobby told me about the sale.”

He didn’t understand why she wanted to know if he knew any DEA agents, but let it slide as they reached the narrowest strip of the beach called The Point. Two currents merged in a display of rippling water. “Stop here.”

He hopped out and waited at the water’s edge. Her arm slid around his waist making him smile. A public display of affection might be a sign of growing trust. “Remember when we used to wade out searching for shells?”

“It seems a lifetime ago.” Her head fell against his shoulder.

He’d hoped this place would help her forget the argument with Bobby and her past troubles. “You’re home now.”

She faced him. Caught his face gently in her hands. “You are my home. And I’ve been lost without you.”

Words failed him. He brought her close, lifted her off her feet and buried his head against her shoulder. His throat burned and his chest tightened. Except for saying she loved him, nothing had meant more. “Me too, Dahlin’. Me too.”

She nibbled soft lips along his jaw, working them toward his mouth. Timid at first, she grew bold tracing her tongue inside, melding with his.

Sugary, sweet from breakfast, he enjoyed her slow kiss. He caught loose strands of her hair. So long, he’d waited for her to come home. Patience in gaining her trust again had paid off.

“Come on let’s walk.” She took his hand.

The sun warmed them and had them peeling out of their sweatshirts.

“Can I ask you a question?” She avoided eye contact.

A thousand
what ifs
fired through his brain. “Shoot.”

“What’s the most scared you’ve ever been?” Her grip on his hand tightened.

“While being a firefighter?”

“In your whole life.”

Christ, at some point, he’d have to tell her about Iraq, but today wasn’t in his plan. He slowed his pace. “The nearly forty hours I spent on a rooftop.”

“What?” She stumbled.

He caught her and snugged her against him. “Our unit got hemmed in. It’s not something I talk about. People have asked me if I killed anyone when I was over there. What do you say to that? They don’t get it. They’re in their nice little safe world.”

“You didn’t think you could tell me?” She pulled away clutching her chest.

“Don’t. You did the same thing when Vic double-crossed you. Besides, it wasn’t something I could to put in an e-mail. I wrote letters to you about things―just mailed them to the beach house. I didn’t want to worry you.”

She latched onto his arm. “You’re right. I held out on you, too. Please tell me.”

He avoided her gaze. He hated revisiting that time, but how could he not share after she admitted missing him and called him her home. He tugged her to sit down with him on the warm sand. “It was late afternoon. We were outnumbered and outgunned. There was nowhere to go but the roof. We held them off until the following night, when Special Forces extracted us. You asked about my tat.” He pushed the sleeve of his T-shirt to the top of his shoulder. “It covers a bullet wound.”

She flinched. “You were shot?”

“In the crossfire. It went clean through.” He showed her the exit wound.

Jo studied his ink, tracing the sickle pattern with a cold finger. “Jesus, you were lucky it didn’t hit an artery. You never told anyone? Your mom?”

“Captain Brody. He did a tour during the Gulf War. Are you okay? You’re pale.” He tugged her onto his lap, sorry he’d frightened her.

“Ya, think?” She swiped a hand across her forehead.

Silence fell between them. The surf filled the void.

“Jo.”

“You shocked me, that’s all. I know. I know. I’m going to see bullet wounds and more on the job.”

“You got the tough part down already. First, when your mom walked. Then California taught you another type of survival.” The feel of her curves clashed with her tough-as-nails exterior. “But you won’t always find the child like you did last night. Or, you might find one burned or lifeless. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but eventually it probably will. When you hear the veterans making crude jokes about calls, just know it’s their way of coping. Only children and other firefighters are sacred.”

She nodded.

“Since I’ve answered your question, do I get a turn?”

“Sure.” She rolled her lips inward.

He raised her sunglasses. “Why didn’t you tell me about your concerns with sex? I want you to feel like you can talk to me about anything, baby.”

Her cheeks flushed beet red. She averted his gaze studying the water. “I stayed a virgin until college.” Her eyes softened. “I wanted you to be my first.”

Christ. If she knew, he’d always envisioned her face when losing himself. He laced his fingers through hers. “Maybe you’re supposed to be my last.”

On the way home, Jo turned on the truck’s seat warmer. The last twenty-four hours of revelations piled up in her brain. The man she’d fantasied about for years had willed her into the first abyss of orgasm with a lover. Yet her brother suddenly hated they were together. Then she’d learned her best buddy in the world had been shot.

Ray glanced from the road and wrapped his fingers around hers. “You okay?”

She relaxed as his strength and heat resonated through her. A born protector, he looked perfect behind the wheel of the beasty vehicle. Would he stay with her tonight? She shivered with desire as she’d soon feel the passion of him inside her. Her stomach fluttered.

“I am when I’m with you.” She squeezed his fingers tighter. “I’m sorry Bobby busted you this morning.”

“He’s worried I’ll distract you.”

“You mean make me too sore for PT.”

A dimple formed on his cheek. “Sorry, guys don’t usually get sore wearing a condom.”

“Huh?” She really didn’t need to hear that. “So, is sex better without one?” The words spilled from her mouth. Jesus, she didn’t just ask that. “Sorry, none of my business.”

“Wouldn’t know. Been waiting for you.” He brought her hand to his mouth for a kiss.

“Reeeally.”
Hot damn.
“So, I guess we’re both virgins in that respect?”

“Ready to change your status?” He let go of her fingers and twirled a loose curl.

“Ahhh, it’s going to require a script.”

“Ya know, those doc in the box urgent care places are open on Sundays.” He snickered and arched a brow.

* * * *

Sunset painted the sky a dusky pink into the darkening blue of approaching night. Jo exhaled in relief at the empty driveway.

Ray opened her door before she unbuckled her seatbelt. His hand remained at her back as they climbed the stairs.

Could he feel the tremors racing through her? She ached for him to make love to her, but critical voices from the past ricochet around in her head, carving at her self-confidence.

She dropped her bag on a dining chair and headed for the bathroom. Afterward, the tinkle of ice in glasses advertised his presence in the kitchen. She returned to the table and sat as he made cocktails. In a hoodie, he was utterly male. Her gaze fell from his broad shoulders to his jeans and admired how the worn denim molded to his fine ass. The spectacular view of those muscular cheeks last night and this morning as he dressed remained burned into her retinas.

It had surprised her when he hadn’t made love to her this morning. She doubted he cared if Craig was in the house. He must have known she did.

He eyed her over his shoulder. His sultry blue squint had her body heating. In three long strides he handed her a frosted glass filled with her favorite whiskey.

“Cheers.”

She mustered a voice. “To us.”

He followed with a visible swallow “To us.” He tapped his glass against hers.

The alcohol burn amped her senses already flowing to her belly. She sipped again. “I’m headed for the shower.”

“I’ll lock up.”

She stripped and drained the rest of her Jack before stepping beneath the hot spray. Seconds later, he slipped in behind her. Firm muscles warmed her back as he nuzzled her neck and began a sensual shoulder massage.

“Mmmm.” More than half-mast and rising by the second, his rigger grazed her rear in a deliciously slow glide.

She faced him and poured shower gel into her palm, then lathered it over his broad chest. His pecs tensed under her attention. Moving along his torso in slow circles, she felt his abs rippled and she regaled at her effect on him.

She followed the sexy line of hair that arrowed to his thick erection. A few pumps with her soapy fingers and his steely length teased her belly. She ached to feel inside of her. So many nights she’d imagined him thrusting deep taking her to a special heaven.

Slipping between his thighs, she teased his sac with tedious dexterity.

Through half-closed lids his eyes darkened. His sinful moan excited her. She started to kneel but he stopped her and turned her away from him.

“Indulge me in another way for now.” Gently, he lathered shampoo through her hair. “I’ve always wanted to do this.” His lips tickled her ear.

With his hard body nestled behind her, his skilled fingers worked her scalp as the outside world ebbed. Only he existed.

He worked his massage down to her neck, then her shoulders and back. Slick fingers slowly circled white foam over her breasts, caressing each nipple until her body begged for release.

When his hand drifted down her belly and delved between to the slippery apex of her thighs her legs nearly gave way.

“I certainly could use your handwork after a grueling day of PT.”

“Anytime you want, baby.” Ray moved her under the showerhead, and rinsed her hair.

She took her turn washing his back, admiring defined muscles that tapered to slim hips and the best ass she’d ever seen on a man. Lord, she used to pray one day she’d catch a glimpse him in the buff.

Once they were soap free, he grabbed a towel and wrapped her tight. Then he tossed her on his shoulder. She giggled during her hallway ride, playfully squeezing his butt.

In her bedroom, the TV played soft rock music against a dark screen. She liked how he’d thought ahead. It helped quell her nervousness. Her back hit the soft bedding.

His lips tickled her neck. “Payback for your assault on my ass.”

She twisted and squirmed, giggling so hard she nearly lost her breath. “Please stop.”

His tickling bordered on torture. She wrenched an arm free as he let go. Her elbow plowed into his nose full force.

He recoiled sinking back on his heels.

“Shit! Oh, God. I’m sorry.” She sat up. Fuck, had she’d broken his nose?

“I’m okay. I think.” He pretended to reset his nose.

“You won’t be for long if you keep laughing at me.” She poked his ribs.

He pinned her faster than a lion taking down an antelope.

Under his fiery glare, she sucked in a startled breath. She would have given the palms up signal for surrender, but her wrists were manacled by hands that bench-pressed four hundred pounds. She blinked in awe of his speed and prowess.

“I believe the word you’re looking for is mercy.”

She wanted anything but. “Ahh more like…more, please.” She softly pecked his nose.

“Be careful what you ask for, Dahlin’.” He dipped his head and ravaged each nipple into a stiff peak. “You’re gorgeous and mine,” he said in a growl before sliding down her body.

She arched toward his exquisite touch.

“So wet, baby.” He lowered and tasted.

His heated tongue felt like velvet over her throbbing clit. He circled and teased. She clung to his hair as he inserted a finger and pumped. He latched on and sucked making her hips leave the bed. She hung on at the edge of the cliff, ready to topple.

“Not yet.” He rose over her and grabbed a condom from the nightstand.

Damn, he’d thought of everything. Such a prepared firefighter. She licked her lips as he knelt before her.

He was a study in perfection for sculpture. Minus the fig leaf, of course. She traced a finger down the center of his chest and to his navel. Then lower. His cock beaded with pre cum.

His eyelids lowered as he allowed her to play. “I want to feel you come around me.”

Her blood turned molten in her veins. Her center called to be mastered. By him. He called it right. She’d never been with a man. This man could be her undoing.

He tore open the packet and rolled the condom over his shaft. He stroked his length and watched her lick her lips.