When the Smoke Clears (Interracial Firefighter Romance) (13 page)

Richard looked up at her. “Mommy, I’ll be fine.”

She waved his comment away. “Let’s just focus on giving back to the firefighters for wasting their time this week and less on setting stuff on fire.”

Richard didn’t groan or roll his eyes like most kids would’ve done. Instead, he kept his expression firm and nodded. “Okay, Mommy.”

She runs a tight crew. I had better make sure I stay in line.

“Hello.” Rockstar extended his hand to her.

I knocked it down. “Rockstar, why don’t you take Richard into the living area and put on the fire safety video? Later, I’ll come back there and show him around the station.”

Rockstar snickered and then saluted me. “Yes, sir. Let’s go buddy.”

Richard trotted off after Rockstar. Kassie kept her eyes on her son, as if she’d never see him again.

“He’ll be fine,” I said.

She turned her attention to me. “Setting things on fire?”

“You must admit that setting something on fire with a group of firefighters would be the best time for a boy to do it.”

“But what if that boy decided that he really loves starting fires?” She crossed her arms around that yummy chest of hers. “What if he continues to do it on his own and hurts himself or other people?”

“What if that boy decides that he doesn’t like setting fires, but he sure enjoys putting them out, and that maybe firefighting is a great career to consider?”

She pointed at me. “If something happens to him, I’m coming for you.”

With a hard dick, I let out the dark groan that I’d been holding in. “Is that the only way you would come to me?”

She opened her mouth and then, sighed. “You’re weird.”

“I think Bill Murray said that
weird is just a side effect of being awesome
.”

“Do you always get your life advice from comedians?”

“Only when they make me laugh.”

She looked back to watch Rockstar and her son disappear. “I’ll be back in two hours.”

“Good. I’ll take care of him. I’m too scared to mess this up with you. He’ll be my top priority for these next two hours. There won’t be one scratch. Your lovely, healthy boy will still be that when you return.”

I bet she battled with her face to maintain that unconcerned frown, but after a few seconds, a smile couldn’t help but spread across her face.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered.

The frown returned as she cleared her throat. “So. . .I’m going to work out. I’m at the YMCA down the street. If you need me for anything, call.”

“For anything?” I couldn’t stop flirting with her.

“Is this what you do with all the volunteer parents, flirt and call them up late at night?”

“No, I’ve been saving all of this unprofessional and inappropriate behavior for you.” I bowed in front of her. “You’re welcome.”

Again, she opened her mouth, but nothing came out. However, I could’ve sworn she blushed as she turned around and walked away. I might’ve growled or emitted something close to another dark groan. I couldn’t help it. That ass of hers came back into my view, lush, full, and jiggling with each step in her yoga pants.

“Do you always dress like that when you go to the gym?” I called back.

“Are you insulting my workout gear?” she said over her shoulder as she continued to head to the car.

“No. I like this outfit. I’m now thinking about joining the YMCA. I need to work out.”

“No. You don’t.” She arrived at her car. “Your body would probably cause a lot of envy in the poor guys at my gym. You should probably stick to stalking me at the fire station.”

“And your phone,” I added.

She shook her head and got inside the car.

I’m glad she didn’t realize I wasn’t on duty today. That would have been weird.

Richard’s two hours passed with no problem. I’d already had it in my head that I would love the kid, and that was what happened. One couldn’t hate a boy with manners, especially a young person growing up in this day and age where every song called women bitches or disloyal hoes and most reality shows projected similar thoughts.

I didn’t have a son, so it was fun to knock him around a few times and go berserk out in the training field.

After I’d given him the tour and explained my typical day, we really did go into the training section and burn some shit up. I couldn’t help myself. My twins were seriously girly. They kept me in touch with my feminine side. Richard was my sort of kid—rough around the edges, but smooth and balanced when it counted.

Rockstar had hung with us all day, too. No jobs had come up. The whole morning remained peaceful.

However, we might’ve gone too crazy. Richard was drenched from head to toe, even his sneakers sloshed around as we headed back. I might’ve sprayed him a few times for fun. We might’ve played too much with the water, dousing out imaginary flames and even drawing out our names in front of the trucks.

After his time was up, we waited outside for Kassie to come.

“I think I want to be a firefighter.” Richard placed my hat on his hat. It was an extra one I kept around in the sleeping quarters.

“His mother is going to curse you out.” Rockstar brought towels out for him.

“I promised to keep him safe.” I hoped I gave a convincing smile. “I never said that he would be dry and clean.”

Rockstar laughed at us both. “I’m not waiting out here with you both. I’ll end up getting a whipping, too.”

“Hey, we’re not afraid.” I roared and hit my chest. “We’re men!”

“Men!” Richard yelled and then, he smiled. “Plus, Mommy won’t whip me. She’s nonviolent.”

“Oh yeah?” My interests piqued. “That’s really cool. So how do you get disciplined?”

“She takes away stuff and sometimes, I have to clean and do extra chores. I hate it. I would rather get a whipping.”

I laughed. “Hey, count your blessings. Whippings are no joke. Be happy she’s found alternative ways to teach you hard lessons.”

“Yeah.”

“See you two later. I’m going to get some last minute studying in, before the day really begins.” Rockstar glanced at my drenched shirt and chuckled. “Oooooo, you’re in trouuuble!”

“Just go study for your exams and leave me alone.”

Richard looked at me. “You have to study, when you’re a firefighter?”

“All the time. There’s always new technology. New ways to start fires and new ways to put them out. However, Rockstar is trying to get to my awesome level of Lieutenant. It requires a good bit of time in the books and serious dedication. It takes most people years.”

“Cool. Did it take you long?” he asked.

“It took a decent amount of time, but not as long as most.” I winked at him. “I’m basically the most amazing man in the world.”

Laughter poured out of Richard while he sloshed around in his sneakers. “Could you teach me some more firefighter slang?”

“Sure.” I raced my mind for some appropriate things that wouldn’t get him or me into trouble. “Leather Lungs is one. Some of the veterans like to show us young guys how it’s really done, so they’ll go into a fire without wearing their SCBA equipment. It’s not wise. So, although they think they’re showing everyone how courageous they are, they end up coughing and blowing out black snot from their noses for a good week. You see, no matter what age you are, you should always follow the rules. Growing up doesn’t mean you follow less orders. You actually end up doing even more of what people say.”

“That sucks.”

I shrugged. “Enjoy the free rent and meals now, buddy.”

He kicked a rock in front of him. “What else?”

“A job is called a working fire.”

“Job,” he mouthed the word and smiled.

“Remember the Halligan bar and flat head axe I showed you?”

“Yeah.” He nodded.

“Those are irons.”

Kassie pulled up in her car. By the time she parked and jumped out, tension had built in my neck.

I hope she isn’t pissed that I got him wet.

“Rich! This is an interesting new look.” Surprisingly, she widened her lips to a big smile. “So. . .I’m thinking you
did
start some fires and put them out.”

“It was so awesome!” Richard ran up to her with my hat still on his head. “I’m totally going to be a firefighter one day. Lou, says it’s a lot of work and studying, but to never go in a fire without equipment because your lungs will turn to leather.”

“Interesting.” She giggled. “Sounds like some serious science happening in this field.”

“Yes.” Richard handed me back the towel that Rockstar had given him.

“Say thank you to. . .Lou.” She pointed behind her. “And then, head to the car, please.”

“Thanks, Lou! See you next Saturday.” He sped off.

“Be careful.” She frowned.

“Cool guy.” I laughed.

She brought her focus back to me and it made my whole body warm. “Are you the one that got him wet?”

“That depends on two things.” I held up two fingers. “Will I get in trouble and will the punishment feel good?”

“No, you won’t get in trouble. You said he would be safe, not dry.”

I chuckled. “That’s exactly what I thought when I hosed him down.”

“I bet he loved that.”

“He did.” I drank in her sexy curves. “How was your workout?”

“Good.”

I practically growled the words out, “Nice and sweaty?”

Damn it. Why can’t I control myself around her? Stop taking this to the sex level.

I figured she’d curse me out, but instead a blush came on her face.

“Yes,” she said. “Nice and sweaty, but I won’t need you to hose me down.”

“Hmmm,” I groaned.

She bit her lip and I bet she was thinking the same thing I was. It all hit my mind in an erotic flash—her wet, naked body slipping against mine. I would touch every inch of her flesh with my fingers, squeezing the curves and lapping my tongue at her center.

I might not take my time. I want her too much. Fuck. Patience. Be patient. She’s worth the wait.

Heat blazed over my skin and I had to force myself to stay where I stood. Her nipples hardened under her thin top and I craved to pinch them, lick and devour them. They were only a few feet away. A few seconds away from being in my mouth.

Stay calm. Don’t forget the plan.

I cleared my throat. “So, you’re busy today?”

“What?” She breathed in and out before saying another word.

You’re unraveling. Aren’t you?

“What are you and Richard doing today?” I asked.

“Why?”

“I wanted to invite you both to the beach. The guys and I get together with our families on our off days. Today, it’s the Siesta Key.”

“But it’s not your off day. Won’t you be working the rest of the day?”

I hoped she wouldn’t ask because I didn’t want to start this off with lies, so I admitted it, “I’m off, today.”

She raised her eyebrows. “So why did you come in?”

“Because, I wanted to see you.”

She backed up, as if I’d hit her. “Oh.”

“That’s right.”

“What?” She widened her eyes.

“That’s right. I know what’s on your mind. You think I’m crazy.”

“No. Not crazy, just persistent.”

“I’m more than that. This isn’t a game for me. I’m not one of those guys that do this for sport. I’m interested in getting to know you and your son.”

“I’m. . .” she said nothing else.

“You’re not ready. I know.”

“Either way, you seem like a nice guy, but you’re really wasting your time.”

“How about you let me decide when I should feel that way. For now, just let me pursue you.”

“Pursue me?”

“Yes, Pursue. Hunt. Catch. Seek. Follow, track, and chase.” I stepped closer to her. “Let me decide, when I should stop. Please, come to the beach. It will be a lot of fun and Richard will have a blast.”

“I don’t know. I’m a writer. I have to write.”

“The beach is good for inspiration.”

For some reason, it made her laugh and then, she said, “You’re right about that. The beach is good for inspiration.”

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing.”

“I want to see you today,” I said again.

“That’s clear.”

“Then come.”

“I. . .”

“I’ll text you the address and where we’ll be.”

“Maybe.”

“I don’t like maybes. I like clear answers.”

“Too bad.”

Damn you, curvy woman! You’re really going to make me work?

“I’m a nice guy.”

“Yes, you are.”

I gestured to the golden sun rays, caressing the few fluffy clouds in the pale blue sky. “Damn. Look at this day. It’s—”

“Great for a beach day?”

“Yes.”