Strike a Match

by Fiona Riley

  Sasha’s full weight was on her now as she gave Abby everything she asked for and more. Her thumb circled Abby’s clit as she stroked and curled her fingers inside her until Abby couldn’t hold out any longer—her orgasm erupted after a well-timed thrust by Sasha and she cried out as her body ignited with a rush of heat and tremors.

  Sasha kissed along her jaw while she gasped for breath and Abby was grateful for the tenderness that followed the dominance. If this was just a glimpse of what Sasha was capable of, Abby was more than interested in doing more one-on-one research.

  “You make the sexiest noises.” Sasha kissed her ear and rolled her hips, the buckle on her belt sending a shock wave through Abby’s clit.

  She hissed at the sensation—too much, too soon—and yet she wanted to feel it again. Sasha’s fingers traced along Abby’s belly button before sliding up to cup her still-clothed breast. Her nipple strained against the fabric and Sasha rubbed it between her thumb and forefinger. Sasha didn’t let up and soon a smaller orgasm followed the first. Abby saw stars and decided that if this was the end, then this was the best death she could ever have wished for.

  “Mm, that was…” Abby had no words. Especially since Sasha didn’t seem quite done with her.

  “Hot?” Sasha found her lips and abandoned her teasing in favor of cupping Abby’s face. She was equal parts appreciative and sad that Sasha’s hand had moved.

  “That does seem to be the theme tonight.” Abby exhaled as her muscles relaxed. Sasha’s body against her felt like a warm blanket. She wanted to be wrapped up in her immediately. She rolled to her side to make room for Sasha in front of her. Sasha settled into the space and Abby kissed her slowly, savoring the taste of Sasha’s mouth.

  Sasha wrapped her arms around her and held her while she recovered. She pressed a kiss to her head and breathed, “Thank you for coming tonight.”

  Abby laughed. “Which time?”

  “Mm.” Sasha tapped her chin in thought. “All the times.”

  Abby snuggled closer to her. The sweat on her skin made her feel cold even though the furnaces raged not far from them. Sasha rubbed up and down her arms to keep her warm and she felt safe. She tucked her head into Sasha’s neck. “This was really, I don’t know, perfect.”

  Sasha hummed in agreement, her fingers tracing delicate circles on Abby’s shoulder and the back of her neck.

  “How did you get into this?” She closed her eyes and focused on Sasha’s touch—it was heavenly.

  “Lesbianism? Or glassblowing?”

  Abby swatted at Sasha’s chest and Sasha caught her hand, kissing her palm. This woman was unreal—flirty one minute, tender the next. She was enthralling.

  “I first dabbled in lesbianism in high school.” Sasha’s lips stayed on her skin, kissing along the inside of her palm. “The glassblowing happened a few years ago when we had a call here for a small fire. I got to know the owner and took a few classes. It really drew me in and helped me overcome some of my fears.”

  Abby wanted to know more about the high school lesbianism but something Sasha said drew her attention. “Fears?” She turned her hand to caress Sasha’s face. Sasha’s lips found her wrist.

  “Yeah. When I got into firefighting, I had a fear of fire. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s pretty common. One of the reasons I pursued this work was to overcome that fear. I wanted to know more about it, take the power away from my ignorance, you know? Anyway, there was a small fire in the back and I was introduced to this amazing art form. It really helped ground me to see the beauty from the chaos of the fire. It’s all about how you harness it.” She shrugged, sucking on Abby’s wrist for a moment before continuing. “I found myself back here more and more often, trying to learn how to make different things. The fragility and immensity of the inferno personified. I find this really peaceful.”

  “Wow.” Abby wasn’t sure what to say. That was really…deep.

  She smiled against Abby’s wrist before she nibbled the skin a little. “I meant the glassblowing, but I find this really peaceful, too.”

  “It’s definitely something, I’ll give you that.” Abby pulled Sasha’s leg over her hip, bringing their centers closer. “Peaceful isn’t the word that comes to mind at first.”

  Sasha’s eyes closed and her lips formed a small o. As much as Abby enjoyed receiving, she was more than willing to return the favor. If the way Sasha’s breathing increased was any indication, Sasha was just as turned-on as Abby had been. How turned-on she still was.

  She pulled at Sasha’s belt buckle, her lips brushing against Sasha’s as she repeated Sasha’s phrase from earlier, “Let’s open this up a bit, shall we?”

  Sasha moaned and Abby decided that was her new favorite sound.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sasha drummed her fingers on the steering wheel as she sat outside the fire station and let her mind wander back to last week’s date. Everything had gone off without a hitch. Like, it couldn’t have gone better. And yet, it got better, twice before the night was over, and still it felt like a dream.

  But it wasn’t a dream. She and Abby had spoken daily since the glassblowing date and they had plans to get together tonight after this ridiculous training session was over. She hated these things—they took up whole shifts and were boring and redundant. She’d much rather be fighting fires or hanging out with Abby.

  The thought made her smile. She really liked Abby, enough so that she found herself thinking of her often. She had noticed a change in their interaction after that night; she’d been worried that maybe Abby was keeping her at arm’s length, but she had felt a real connection to her during that date. Especially toward the end when she physically connected with her on so many amazing levels. Abby was playful and funny, but she was smart and sarcastic and really, really sexy. Like super sexy. So far, Abby’d had no problem matching Sasha’s physicality or endurance in the bedroom department, which made Sasha want to see all the sides Abby had to show her.

  She reached for her phone and shot off a quick text. Hey. Thinking of you. I’m looking forward to later.

  Text bubbles popped up on the screen indicating Abby was writing back but they stopped and Sasha frowned. That was the absolute worst thing about texting—knowing a response was being drafted only to have it never sent.

  Her phone rang.

  “You’re pouting about the text bubble thing again, aren’t you?” Abby teased her.

  “How do you know me that well already?” Sasha leaned back in her seat, resting her head on the headrest. She regretted ever telling Abby about that pet peeve.

  “I can just imagine the frustrated forehead crease. That must have been agony.”

  “Kick a gal while she’s down, why dontcha.” Sasha was glad Abby called, and she decided to tell her that. “I’m glad you called.”

  “I’m driving—it was safer.” Abby paused. “Plus, I wanted to keep you on your text bubble loving toes.”

  Abby’s sarcasm was one of Sasha’s favorite things about her.

  “So, when does your shift start?”

  Sasha could hear traffic sounds in the background when Abby spoke. “In about ten minutes.” She glanced at the clock on her dash to confirm. Yup. Time hadn’t stood still yet; she still had to do this class. “I would rather be doing just about anything right now.”

  “Just about anything, huh?” Abby’s voice had that lilt in it that Sasha was growing to love. It was that little bit of subtle provocation that she somehow managed to sneak into all their conversations of late. Sasha lived for it.

  “Or anyone,” she replied.

  Abby hummed. “Anyone? That’s a pretty broad net to cast.”

  “Well, I should be more specific.” Sasha cleared her throat. “I’d much rather be doing you than this. Or anything, really.” She wondered if that was an overshare, but it was true. Spending time with Abby, talking to Abby, thinking about spending time with Abby: all those things were pastimes that were becoming top priority in her day-to-day. It worried
her a little bit, but at the same time, it was refreshing.

  “That’s better.” Abby sounded pleased.

  Good. They hadn’t discussed exclusivity or anything, but when their banter entered this level, Sasha figured it was clear that her interests were with Abby and Abby only. Perhaps they ought to discuss that, she thought.

  “Speaking of which”—Sasha figured this was a good segue—“did you have anything in mind for tonight?”

  “Oh. I have the day from hell. A midmorning meeting after my breakfast meeting, then a lunch meeting, then an afternoon meeting…basically I’m meeting everyone in the world ever today and all I want is for it to be tonight so I can get reacquainted with you.”

  “But not meet me,” Sasha pointed out.

  “Oh no, we’ve already met. I’m the attractive, charming blonde with a sharp wit and endless capacity of sarcasm. And you’re the dashing lady fireman with perfect shoulders, a great sense of humor, and a mouth that makes me think bad things all day long.” Abby’s voice was so low Sasha had to strain to hear it.

  “So maybe tonight we Netflix and chill? You know, unwind, de-stress, maximize that reacquainting thing?” Sasha was already thinking of movies she could put on and not watch with Abby.

  “Yes. All the yes to that. Sign me up. That sounds perfect. God, I could really use some…reacquainting. With you. Tonight.”

  Sasha laughed. “My place or yours?”

  “There’s a TV in my bedroom,” Abby offered.

  “Your place it is.”

  “Great—call me when you’re out and we’ll finalize the details. I have to head in. Good luck today.”

  “Will do. Thanks.” Sasha paused before disconnecting to add, “I’m really looking forward to seeing you. You know, outside of the reacquainting part.”

  “Me, too.” Abby’s confident reply gave Sasha all the motivation she needed to get out of her car and get this day over with. Great things awaited her tonight.

  *****

  Sasha had been staring off into the distance for the better part of an hour. It wasn’t that she found the mandatory training boring, per se, it’s just that she found it incredibly…boring.

  “Turn to page ninety-four and pair up with a buddy.” The nasally instructor licked his finger when he turned the page. That never ceased to gross Sasha out. How many people licked their fingers and touched that book in a day? In a week? She could think of just about a million things she’d rather lick, Abby being at the very top of that list.

  “Hey, partner. You ready?” Burger plopped down next to her and she cursed. Served her right for daydreaming.

  “Uh, yeah. Sure.” She checked the clock on the wall again, willing the minute hand to move faster so she could meet with Samantha over her lunch break. Samantha was coming by the station to drop off the check from the fundraiser and Sasha wanted to take the opportunity to debrief about the glassblowing date with Abby last week that ended up, well, mind-blowing.

  “You got somewhere better to be?” Burger scratched his forehead as he read the booklet in front of him. It was common knowledge that he had barely passed the written part of the firefighter exam. These semi-annual reviews were for people like Burgertime, not people like Sasha.

  She sighed. “Don’t we all?”

  He snorted. “They’re paying us to be here. I say we should enjoy it.”

  “You were a lot less annoying when you weren’t all rainbows and sunshine trying to get back on Casey’s good side.” She rolled her eyes and picked up her pencil, doodling in the margin of page ninety-four.

  “Do you think he’s noticed?” He looked so hopeful she almost didn’t want to insult him. Almost.

  “How could he have missed it? You shined the back bumper of the rig with a toothbrush and it wasn’t even his.” Sasha slow-clapped for effect. “That’s some serious ass kissing, Burger.”

  “Thanks.” The poor kid didn’t even know to be offended. Her sarcasm was wasted on him, yet again. “So do you think I should ask him about a shift or two with the catering company again? Enough time has passed, right?”

  Sasha did a quick mental calculation of the approximate repair bill from Aaron’s coat check fur debacle at Samantha’s wedding. “It’s not about time, Burger. It’s about money. You cost Casey a lot of money because you’re a lovable—but bumbling—oaf.”

  “Aw, you think I’m lovable?” He looked touched. Sasha tried not to gag.

  “What I’m saying, you big lug, is that you’re worth more on a barter system than an ass-kissing one.”

  “I’m not following.”

  Sasha was afraid if she didn’t break it down for him, his eyes would remain permanently crossed from this amount of concentration.

  “Offer to work off the repair bill. Find out how much it was and work those hours for Casey unpaid. Erase the debt with your time. That’s where I would start if I was you.” Sasha shrugged.

  “Really? You think that would work?” He had a look of confusion and consideration on his face. It was impossible to tell which was winning out.

  “I think it’s worth a try.” Sasha’s doodle had become an entire mountain range populated by tiny stick figure skiers. “Casey’s not an unfair guy. It’s better to ask and be denied than to continue to drive the rest of us at the station insane. Because it’s only a matter of time before someone leaves you at the top of a building with a hundred pounds of uncoiled hose and a pat on the back.”

  Aaron gave her a look. “How tall is this building?”

  “Real tall. No elevators, only stairs, on the hottest day of the year in full gear, while someone pumps Michael Bolton music at full blast through the stairwell.”

  “Michael Bolton? Like the nerd from Office Space? He sings? I thought he was a rapper…”

  And the dead space between his ears won again.

  “All right—now that you’ve had a chance to go over the scenario with your partner, each pair will be randomly called to demonstrate the fire safety technique to the class. Let’s break for lunch. See you all back here in an hour.” The instructor saved her from having to YouTube Bolton’s greatest hits to prove her point.

  “Oh, shit, Sasha. We’d better review the case over lunch.” He looked genuinely worried. It was almost cute.

  She picked up the manual and skimmed it aloud. “Old lady at home trips over cat, breaks hip, soup burns on stove. Easy-peasy. This is a teachable moment for you, Burger. You lead and I’ll be your wingman this time around.”

  “Really? I can call the case?” He rubbed his hands together in excitement.

  “Sure.” Sasha would say just about anything to get out of here faster—she was supposed to meet Samantha five minutes ago.

  “Great, you wanna grab a—”

  “I’ve got plans, Burger. See you in a bit.” She was out the door before he had a chance to reply.

  She found Samantha in the common area talking to the chief on the couch, her designer suit and heels looking out of place against the worn, cracked leather of the sofa. Sasha would bet that Samantha’s purse cost more than her monthly rent.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting.” Sasha meant that. She was an early bird whenever she could be.

  “No worries, Sash.” Samantha kissed her on the cheek when she stood. “Luke was just telling me all about his gala last week.”

  The chief was smiling until he noticed Sasha staring. She couldn’t help it—this was a new side to him she had never seen before. He cleared his throat and looked away. “McCray.”

  “Chief.” She liked seeing him squirm—it made him so human. She doubted he’d reprimand her with Samantha around, so she decided to test her luck. “Oh, that’s the night I helped you with your bow tie. How’d it go, stud?”

  “McCray.” His tone held warning.

  “Too far? I took it too far, didn’t I?” Samantha laughed and Sasha decided it was worth the death stare from the chief. “Just kidding, Chief. You looked dapper and handsome and I hope it was fun.”

  H
e stared at her for a minute, his face an expressionless stone until he turned back to Samantha. Then he was all smiles and sunshine. Figured. “I can’t thank you enough, Samantha. That auction raised a record amount of money for the firehouse. It’s going to make such a huge impact on the station and the neighborhood.”

  “I’m glad to have helped.” Samantha gave him a hug. “Keep me posted on how things go with Edie.”

  “I will.” He was beaming, and he had this googly-eyed, faraway look. Sasha tried to stifle her laugh, but self-control wasn’t a strong suit of hers. He growled in her direction. “Don’t you have a training course today, McCray?”

  “Yes, sir.” She plastered on the most serious face she could muster. “We’re on break, sir.”

  He grunted. “Well, then. I’ll leave you ladies to it.”

  This time Sasha was at least able to keep it together until he was out of the room. Then the giggles took over and Samantha swatted her on the arm.

  “Leave him alone. He’s happy. It’s cute.” Samantha grabbed her purse and pulled out her phone.

  “I know, I know.” Sasha wiped tears from her eyes as she tried to catch her breath.

  “Anyway, troublemaker, tell me about Abby. Did you two go on a date after the auction?” Samantha’s eyes shined as she leaned against the arm of the couch.

  Sasha remembered the café in Cambridge. But mostly she remembered the kissing afterward. “Yeah, a couple of times since then, too.”

  Samantha raised an eyebrow at this information. “Really? How many times?”

  “Twice.” Sasha paused. “Once was a lunch date thingy, but I’m still counting it.”

  “A date is a date.” Samantha nodded in agreement. “And? How’d it go?”

  “The lunch date?”

  “Yeah, let’s start there.” Samantha waved her hand, indicating Sasha should get to the details.

  “Right, so I had a fire safety lesson at an elementary school by Abby’s work, so she came to observe and then we grabbed lunch afterward. It was nice.”