Burning Up: Firefighter Contemporary Romance Series Box Set

by K. C. Crowne

  I stepped away to check on Justin and found several texts from him. My heart raced, thinking something had gone wrong, but as soon as I opened the messages, I smiled.

  It was a photo of him with Tiffany at the groomers. He was smiling and giving a thumbs up outside, the sign clearly visible and Tiffany in one piece. Several more photos had been sent as well, with Tiffany riding the train, sitting on his lap. She seemed to be smiling too.

  Relief washed over me, seeing that she’d been dropped off safely at the groomers. I’d pick her up when I was done searching for dresses and take her back to Elizabeth and all would be right in the world.

  “Hannah, come here!” Izzy called out to me. “You have to see this dress!”

  I put my phone away, making sure it was still on silent. Even if Elizabeth messaged me, tough. I was with my best friend now, and I wasn’t going to let anything ruin it - even if it meant I’d pay for it later.

  I hurried to the racks, and Izzy held up a lilac, one-shoulder gown. There was a small flower where the sleeve gathered on one shoulder. It was a pretty dress made of silky material that was fitted and went down to the floor. Melody beamed as she ran her hands over the material.

  “It’s your size, too,” Melody noted.

  “What about the others? Do they have it in their sizes?” I asked.

  “No, but you’re the maid of honor, silly,” Izzy reminded me. “You’re supposed to stand out.”

  Melody nodded. “We were talking. They have the same dress in black and in a variety of sizes since it’s the perfect little black dress, which would look lovely, don’t you think?”

  Cassie chimed in, her negative attitude returning. “Who wears black to a wedding?”

  We all ignored her. I knew it wasn’t traditional, but nothing about this wedding was traditional. Besides, purple and black did go well together and would look more formal than Melody expected. But it would be beautiful, and Melody seemed happy.

  “I love it,” I said.

  Melody was grinning now, happy as a clam. “Everything's coming together,” she announced happily. “I can’t believe it! I’m really getting married!”

  “And it’s going to be a beautiful wedding too,” I said, feeling at peace.

  Ooo000ooo

  It was late by the time I got home. Tiffany was home, safe and sound, her teeth and ears clean, her fur washed and trimmed. Elizabeth was happy and even told me to get some rest, so that was nice. Hopefully it meant I wouldn’t hear from her for the rest of the night.

  When I got back to my apartment, I was beat. I’d picked up some dinner while I was out, and even though it wasn’t even ten p.m, I was ready to hit the hay. Changing into my pjs, I climbed into my bed and rested my body. This wedding along with my job was going to kill me, I feared. Just two more weeks, I told myself. Two more weeks and you’ll be back to your normal grind. Still stressful, sure, but nothing like wedding planning on top of it all.

  I was so thankful for Justin, and even though I’d texted him earlier to tell him, I had to make sure he knew just how much I appreciated the offer.

  I pulled out my phone and looked at the silly pics again. It was hard not to smile when a handsome, strong man was holding a small dog. Tiffany looked so happy to be with him too, and she didn’t usually like people much. It was a good sign. He really meant it when he said he loved dogs.

  I sent him another quick message.

  Thank you, again. I owe you one. Melody really needed me today, and I’m so happy I could be there for her.

  I didn’t expect a message back, at least not right away. But my phone buzzed a second later.

  Happy to help. Anything for our friends, you know?

  Ah, speaking of which… I knew we had at least one more thing we needed to do before Justin and I could go our separate ways, and we needed to talk about it. I sent him another message and eagerly waited for his response.

  When would you like to get together to plan the bachelor/bachelorette party?

  Anytime you can. I know you’re busy, he responded. A second text followed the first. Just give me a time and we can meet at the bar one night this week.

  Meet Justin at a bar? Normally, I’d have to turn down such an offer. But it was probably best to go in and talk to the owner directly. Justin knew the guy, I didn’t, so it made sense for him to come along. I guess I didn’t have to go, but I wanted to make sure everything was planned perfectly.

  Besides, Justin had proven to be a lot nicer than he used to be. At least in one instance. I found myself not dreading the outing as much as I might have in the past. In fact, I was even looking forward to it.

  We had to act fast; the clock was ticking. So I set up a time, hoping Elizabeth would let me have a few hours free. She usually went out with friends on Friday night for a few hours and stayed off her phone during that time. With some planning, I could have a few hours free, so I picked Tuesday - just a couple days away since we had to get moving on it.

  Once that was set in stone, I laid in bed and put my phone away. My body was tired, but my brain wouldn’t shut down. It was common for me; I had a lot of trouble sleeping since I was always going. There was only one thing that could usually help clear my head and wear me out completely.

  Rolling over in my bed, I reached into my nightstand drawer and pulled out my vibrator. It wasn’t fancy - just a pink bunny type that massaged my clit while filling me. Nothing too big, nothing like what I felt in Justin’s pants at the cafe, but it satisfied me most nights. At least enough for me to sleep peacefully.

  It had been a long time since I’d had sex. My schedule didn’t really allow me to date, and I wasn’t into random hookups, which did nothing for me I had to like the person to enjoy sex, and some random guy I found on Tinder just didn’t intrigue me. No, I wanted the next time I had sex to be with someone I cared about, and since I worked 24/7, I was just praying I might find someone before I retired.

  Turning the toy on low, I rubbed it against my clit, teasing my opening. Closing my eyes, I let my mind wander a bit. My dream man formed in my head, touching my pussy and rubbing his cock against my opening. I teased my nipple, picturing his lips sucking on it as his hazel eyes stared up at me.

  Hazel eyes? I stopped for a second, surprised at who I was picturing.

  In my head, the man hovering above me, teasing me with his cock and staring into my eyes, was none other than Justin. I groaned, my body aching to be filled, and I found myself so incredibly turned on.

  It’s only a fantasy, there’s no harm in it, I reminded myself. Besides, Justin was incredibly attractive; many women have probably fantasized about him before.

  I pushed away all doubts, and let myself enjoy the moment. In my head, Justin was already naked, his ripped body glistening with sweat. I imagined running my hands down his chiseled chest, feeling his six-pack abs under my fingertips, then reaching for his cock next. His giant cock throbbed as I wrapped my fingers around it, not able to fit my hand around the entire thickness.

  “Fuck me,” I pleaded, staring into eyes.

  He smirked at me, because of course he did. He’s still Justin and liked to tease me. Why would sex be any different?

  “Beg me for it,” he growled. “Tell me how badly you want it.”

  God, I wanted him so badly. I couldn’t even put into words how badly I needed him inside me, but I did as he asked me.

  “Please, Justin. Fuck me,” I begged, writhing underneath him, trying to close the distance between us, to feel him against my opening.

  He leaned down, kissing me deeply, his tongue exploring the inside of my mouth as I trembled underneath him. My hand slipped from his cock in my head, but I positioned my vibrator, ready to thrust it inside of me.

  “Please,” I begged again.

  I thrust the toy deep into my soaking wet pussy, crying out in pleasure as I pictured Justin burying himself balls deep inside me.

  “Yes, yes,” I cried out, losing myself in the fantasy. There was no toy, just Jus
tin and me, fucking at last.

  His body moved above me, hitting all the right spots inside me. His mouth explored my neck and chest, kissing me everywhere he could reach. I wrapped my legs around him, taking him in even deeper than before and letting him work over my body.

  My climax came on quickly and suddenly. The imagery of Justin fucking me got me so hot and wet, it was only a matter of minutes before I came, my body shaking violently on my bed as I cried out, “Come inside me, please!”

  Justin’s face contorted into a look of bliss as he buried himself inside me one last time. We came together, our moans blending into one another as I came harder than I had in a long time.

  It was exactly what I needed. As soon as the orgasm passed, my body fell limp against the bed, and I was exhausted, not just physically, but mentally as well. My brain was silent for the first time all day.

  I put the toy away, promising to clean it the next day. I was too tired to even move. I fell asleep, dreaming of Justin and imagining what it must feel like to lay in his big, strong arms, knowing I’d never find out for real.

  Justin

  Being a Friday night, the bar was packed. Trivia nights were on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and during the week, they had a number of specials, but Fridays were busy simply because it was Friday. Most people came out midweek or at the end of the week, not at the beginning.

  At first, I didn’t see Hannah when I arrived. I was just about to text her when I caught sight of her across the room, standing at the bar with a beer in her hand.

  My breath caught in my throat when I saw her. She was hot as hell, easily the hottest woman in the entire place, and that's saying something. We were in New York City, at a pretty hip club for twenty-somethings. There might have been fifty attractive women crowded into the small space, but Hannah was the only one worth looking at.

  Her reddish blonde hair was down, falling in soft, natural waves over her shoulders. She’d worn a black mini skirt, which surprised me. It hugged her body, showing off the small swell of hips on her otherwise petite frame. Her legs might not be very long, but in the heels, she was rocking, her strong calves were accentuated, giving her the illusion of being a supermodel. If it wasn’t for her height, she’d have the beauty for it, that’s for sure.

  In addition to the short skirt, her off-the-shoulder top bared just a hint of her belly. Just a little tease of what lay underneath her clothing, and I had to admit, I liked what I saw and wanted more.

  Fuck me, I thought. Why did Logan’s little sister have to be so fucking gorgeous? She was always pretty, but now, she was a bombshell. It simply wasn’t fair, considering there was no chance in hell the two of us would ever get together. We were too different, and I wouldn’t hook up with my best friend’s little sister - unless there was a chance at something serious. I wouldn’t risk our friendship over a fuckbuddy, no matter how gorgeous she was.

  Her blue eyes turned to me, and she smiled. All the blood rushed to my groin, and I knew I was doomed. The tightness in my jeans would give away my thoughts. I would have slipped away and taken care of business if I could have, but I had to do this. We were running out of time to plan the party, and we had a meeting with the owner. I couldn’t be late.

  I hoped she wouldn’t notice the obvious erection in my pants - caused by her - and strode across the room to join her. I sat down quickly at the bar stool, and she joined me, sitting next to me.

  I felt like I’d dodged a bullet, even if I came off as a little bit rude to not greet her first.

  “Mario said he’d meet with us at seven,” I said. “We have a few minutes.”

  She nodded and took a sip from her beer, a local IPA, a specialty of the bar. I was instantly impressed.

  “I figured I’d scope the place out first,” she said, looking around at the bar. “I haven’t been here in a while. I’ve been too busy.”

  She sounded a little sad and stared down at her hands for a second. She really had the most beautiful, dainty features and gorgeous, big, blue eyes. I was mesmerized by her beauty for a second, and when she looked up again, she caught me staring.

  Giving me a strange look, she asked, “What are you looking at?”

  Normally, I’d have given some jackass response, probably made fun of her, but she was feeling down. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. We weren’t teenagers anymore, and I needed to stop acting like one.

  “You have really pretty eyes, you know that?” I commented, flagging the bartender down. Her cheeks flushed and she looked away, but I saw a hint of a smile on her lips. When our bartender arrived, I said, “I’ll have what she’s having, and get her another one too, while you’re at it.”

  I laid the cash down to buy her a drink, and Hannah tried to stop me, opening her mouth to protest, but I held up my hand. “Next round can be on you, if you insist, but let me do something nice for you, Hannah. Looks like you’ve had a long week.”

  She seemed lost for words. Finally, she said, “Thanks, Justin, but really, I already owe you one for saving my ass with my boss.”

  I shrugged. “That was nothing. I had fun,” I said. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had a dog, I’ll take every opportunity to spend time with one, so we’re even.”

  “No, we’re not,” she stammered. “You have no idea how much it meant to me. Melody really needed me that day, and had I not been there-- well, I can’t imagine things would have gone well.”

  “Oh yeah? What happened?”

  She started telling me about Melody’s sister, Cassie, and I could see her getting worked up. She was flustered, and like always, I found it so incredibly cute and felt like an asshole for being attracted to her annoyance. I scolded myself for it and focused on what she was saying instead.

  “Sounds like a real bitch,” I commented.

  “You can say that again,” Hannah said with a sigh. “But thanks to you, I was there to diffuse tension and help her find the perfect dress. Even Cassie couldn’t say anything rude about her, she looked so amazing.”

  The bartender brought us our drinks, and I handed the bottle to Hannah, who thanked me. I took a long swig from the bottle. Truth be told, I was happy that I could help her. I hated the way her boss pushed her around and dragged her down all the time. She deserved better than that. We might bicker like two kids sometimes, but she was a pretty awesome person. She’d been through hell and back after the death of her parents, but she never gave up. She never stopped working her ass off to take care of the ones she loved.

  I admired the hell out of her for that.

  She was more than a pretty face and a hot body, and that’s what killed me the most. She was perfect. Utterly perfect. Except we couldn’t be in the same room for five minutes without fighting, so that ruined any chance of us ever getting together.

  Or did it? I glanced at her, giving her a once over. My body reacted instantly. My erection hadn’t gone away, and it throbbed in my jeans as I pictured fucking her brains out. I could only imagine how her tiny little body would feel underneath mine, the way her eyes would widen as I thrust inside of her, the way her face twisted into a look of pleasure as I made her cum.

  Fuck, Justin. Stop tormenting yourself. I took another drink of my beer, turning my attention to the shelves of liquor behind the bar.

  “So we should probably talk about the party,” I said. “Know what we want to ask for when we meet with Mario.”

  “Oh, yes, of course,” Hannah agreed, pulling out a file folder from her giant purse sitting beside her. “I made a checklist.”

  “Of course you did,” I laughed. She frowned at me, and I held my hands up. “I didn’t mean nothing by it. It’s good someone is organized around here.”

  “Thank you,” she replied, opening the file and pushing it between us. She leaned closer to me, and I caught a whiff of flowers.

  Soft, Delicate. Sweet.

  Just like her.

  It was an intoxicating scent and drove me absolutely wild, but I kept it together. I had to.

&n
bsp; She ran her finger down the list. “So, first thing, we need to make sure the trivia is available on a Friday night and that we can have a private party,” she murmured. “Friday is the only day they can do this, so we need to make it work at all costs.”

  “Alright, got it. I doubt it’ll be a problem. Mario is a pretty chill guy,” I informed her. “The trivia is usually held in the back room anyway, which is available for rentals, so it should work out just fine.”

  “That’s my hope too,” she said, nibbling her lip. “And Melody wanted to have a signature cocktail, plus a non-alcoholic version for herself. She gave me a few ideas.”

  She pulled out a list of drinks, all printed out with recipes and handed it to me. I glanced at it. There was nothing too difficult on it; all required typical bar ingredients.

  “That shouldn’t be an issue either,” I said.

  “I didn’t think so, but I don’t know Mario, so I wasn’t sure.”

  I could sense that she was stressed. Her jaw clenched, her shoulders were tight. She was in work mode and worrying about things that she didn’t have to worry about. Typical Hannah, though. The poor girl was running herself ragged. I closed the file before she could get to the next thing on the list.

  “Justin, we need to--” she stammered, her cheeks turning red with frustration.

  “No, Hannah, you need to relax,” I said. “Everything is going to be just fine. Like I said, Mario is a chill guy. He already told Logan he’s happy to host the party, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

  Hannah grumbled but leaned back in her chair. “I know you’re right. I just want everything to be perfect.”

  “And everything will be perfect,” I promised id with a grin. “Especially since I’m helping plan this thing.”

  Hannah chuckled and rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh right. Let’s face it, without me, you wouldn’t know where to begin.”

  She had a point. I could have set up the meeting with Mario, reserved the space and all, but the little details like custom drinks and decorations? I wouldn’t know where to begin.