Wrapped in his arms, she was barely aware when the song ended. Leaning her head back, she inwardly purred with warmth moving through her at being close to his body. At least, she hoped the purr was inward.
“You look flushed,” he said, bending his face closer, his eyes peering deeply into hers. “Are you all right? Do you need some air?”
Her usual flirty quip died on her lips. “Yeah,” she whispered. “Air would be good.”
With his arm around her shoulder, he guided her toward the front, his free hand outstretched to help part the crowd.
“I usually just dart between people.”
He chuckled. “You’re like Tinkerbell… small enough to flit everywhere. And before you think I’m weird, that was my sister’s favorite character.” As they reached the door, he looked down at her. “But truthfully, you’re beautiful enough that the crowd should simply part for you.”
She sucked in a quick breath, her gaze once more ensnared by his. “Wow, if that was a line, it was your best one yet.”
“It’s no line.” He opened the door and escorted her outside. She nodded toward her vehicle parked down the street and they fell into step, her heels clicking on the sidewalk.
Once they reached her small SUV, he turned and leaned his back against the side, his legs separated enough for her to step close, placing her hands on his shoulders. She had no idea what to do next. Ask if he’d like to go somewhere to get something to eat? Ask if he’d like to have her phone number? She understood the rules inside the bar for flirting. Laugh, toss her hair over her shoulder, offer a bright smile or smoldering look. But anything beyond the safe confines of a group made her unsure.
He lifted a hand and cupped her face, gliding his fingers through her hair as his thumb swept over her cheek. He leaned forward, stopping when his lips were a whisper away from hers. With his warm breath puffing against her face, he said, “This is as far as I go. Now, it’s all up to you.”
A man handing her that kind of control caused her breath to hitch and her fingers to clutch his shoulders. Refusing to spend any more time thinking, she leaned in, her lips melding with his. The kiss may have started slow, but it soon flamed as his hands tightened around her back and she dug her fingers into his shoulders. A buzzing filled her ears as an electric current moved from her lips to her breasts before heading straight to her core.
With the angle he was leaning against her vehicle, she was pressed almost flush against his body as she rested against him. And yet he didn’t grab her ass or grind his pelvis against her. Instead, she simply felt embraced.
For all her outgoing, flirtatious nature, kissing was rare for Sandy. As his strong lips moved over hers, she sighed. He took advantage of her mouth opening and slid the tip of his tongue inside as though still asking for permission. Emboldened, she tangled her tongue with his, and when the dam broke, their kiss grew wild.
The sound of people walking past finally reached her ears, and she lifted her head, almost surprised to remember they were still on the street, standing at her car. Holding his gaze, she panted, “Wow.”
His lips, already curved into a smile, stretched wider. “You can say that again.”
She licked her lips, the tingle from their kiss still making them sensitive. Just as she opened her mouth to beg him for more, he placed his hands gently on her shoulders and settled her so that her legs were steady underneath her.
“I really want to see you again,” he admitted. “Hell, I want to see more of you right now. But just like a cheesy pickup line would never work on you, I want to be a gentleman. So I’m gonna walk away… for now.”
Disappointment speared through her, battling the admiration she felt as his words settled deep. Knowing he was right, she nodded and stepped back so that he could move away from her SUV. Pulling out her keys, she threw open the door and then turned. Offering a huge smile that came straight from deep inside, she said, “I can’t wait to see you again, either.”
With his hand on her waist, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, right by the edge of her mouth. “See you soon. Be safe.”
With a quick nod, she slid into the driver’s seat, and he closed her door. Tossing him a little wave, she pulled out onto the road. Keeping her gaze on the rearview mirror, she watched as he stayed on the sidewalk until she turned the corner and could see him no more. Biting her lip, she grinned. “A lady always leaves a man wanting more.”
“Okay, Grandmother, I did. But it left me wanting more as well.”
4
Rory watched Sandy drive off and sucked in a deep breath of air, glad that the bracing slap of the breeze gave him a chance to cool off before he went back into the bar. Walking toward the door, he looked up and saw Bill returning from taking Harper home.
With a smirk on his face, Bill asked, “Damn, man, you and Sandy were going at it. And I thought she was just a serial flirter.”
Stepping inside, he looked toward the other man. “Serial flirter?”
“I’ve known her for a long time. She loves to laugh, drink, dance, and flirt. What she doesn’t do is date.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask why, but his attention was pulled to the side as they approached a group of other firemen. Terry also had a smirk on his face, but unlike Bill’s, his was accompanied by a nasty gleam in his eye.
“Saw you dancing with the Ice Princess.”
“Pardon?”
“Sandy, otherwise known as the Ice Princess,” Terry said. Chuckling, he muttered, “Among other things.”
His fingers twitched into a fist, but before he had a chance to respond, one of the other men laughed and said, “Definitely gives a man a case of blue balls.”
Considering that he was the one that called off their kiss and not her, he had no trouble assuming she’d shot the others down. Not willing to rub that in their faces, he remained quiet. But the other men standing around didn’t do the same.
“Her daddy’s loaded,” James said. “She’s got a fancy-ass job, but I figure she lives off Daddy’s money.”
“One look at her and you can tell she’s high-maintenance. Those aren’t fake diamonds on her ears or around her wrist. Gorgeous as fuck, but damn, she never lets anyone get in there,” one of the others said.
“And what I wouldn’t do to get in there!” Terry laughed.
His gaze steady as he looked at the others, Rory asked, “If she’s such a pain in the ass, how come everyone is so friendly to her?”
“Because she’s a friendly girl,” James said. “She’s funny and great to have a drink with.”
“And because she’s so fuckin’ gorgeous,” Terry added. “Damn, most women see her as competition, and then when you move on from her to someone else, they’re grateful just to have your attention. It’s like Sandy’s the perfect wingman and doesn’t even know it!”
The others laughed, lifting their beer mugs into the air. Remaining quiet, he had to admit their words were biting into the pleasure he’d felt. He had even considered her flirting to be in a quiet, understated way. And if the kiss they’d shared was anything to go by, she wasn’t a cold fish—and sure as hell wasn’t a cocktease. He had been the one to end it only because he truly wanted to be a gentleman. She didn’t strike him as one-night stand material. But what do I know? I’m just the new guy around here. Maybe I’m just the fresh meat.
Disquieted, he glanced over and saw Blay walking into the pub. As they greeted each other, Blay held his gaze. “Damn, you either look like you need another drink or you need to talk.”
“Probably a little of both. Got a moment? Privately?”
“Absolutely.”
The two moved closer to the front of the bar where it was less crowded. “What can you tell me about Sandy?”
Blay’s chin jerked back as a smirk crossed his lips. “Well, damn, Rory, you haven’t needed my advice since we both wanted to go after Mary Lou Connor in middle school.”
“Jesus, fuck, Blay. Shut up and listen. Met her, like her, she seems i
nto me.”
Blay’s grin widened. “Then what the hell do you need from me? I don’t see the problem.” Rory remained quiet and Blay glanced toward the back and slowly nodded. “I get it, I get it. Let me guess… Terry, right? Man, he just likes to stir up shit. She probably turned his ass down and he’s still bitchin’.”
Rory snorted. “I guess I just need a little perspective from someone who’s not trying to prove who’s got a bigger dick.”
“Well, if it’s a bigger dick you’re asking about—”
“Christ, Blay… seriously?”
Blay barked out a laugh and jerked his hand up in front of him. “Look, Terry is full of shit. James is a player, and Terry is always trying to one-up him. I don’t know Sandy very well. She seems friendly, and with her looks, it’s not hard to imagine that she’s used to the attention. I mean, Jesus, she’s fuckin’ gorgeous. And if she’s into you, then I’d believe it. Yes, I’ve heard that her dad’s loaded, and she’s got money, but that’s no sin, and you can’t hold that against her.”
With his hands planted on his hips, Rory dropped his head and stared at his boots. “This is stupid. I haven’t been out of the Army that long and sure as fuck don’t need to be getting involved right now.”
“The only advice I can give you really has nothing to do with her specifically. You’re trying to get hired as an EMT, and you want to go for paramedic certification, which is going to take time and a lot of concentration. You moved in with your parents to save money. Do you have time in your life for a woman? Especially if there’s a possibility that she’s high-maintenance?” Shrugging, Blay added, “Hell, you’re the only one who can answer that, but just think about it.”
Nodding, he clapped his friend on the shoulder and led their way toward the back to their friends.
That night, he lay in bed on his back, one arm bent at the elbow with his hand under his head. His mind was churning with everything Blay had pointed out, all of it true. He’d only been home a short while, having been honorably discharged from the Army. Blay had already gotten out of the military and was working for the Hope City Fire Department, and Rory jumped at the chance to volunteer. He’d been a combat medic and was now almost finished with the certification for becoming a civilian EMT. The military now provided the necessary training and paperwork so that it was easier to make the transition into civilian emergency services work. Once he had that under his belt, Hope City would hire him, and he’d finally have a paycheck again. His military service would count as part of his required hours of training to become a paramedic, but then he’d have to take more classes, study, and take the national exam, followed by the state licensing certification.
He had a lot of work in front of him to accomplish his goals. Sandy did not strike him as fling material, but he had no time or money for a relationship. Hell, not on my shoestring budget. Rolling over, he looked around the room that he’d grown up in. Their house was large, but with six kids, they’d filled it to the brim. Squarely middle class, he’d lacked for nothing, even if money was occasionally tight.
Blay was right… a relationship wasn’t in the cards at this time, and even if it was, Sandy wouldn’t be the right choice. He’d spent the last week thinking of the gorgeous and funny woman, now hating the idea that there would be nothing more. But after years of giving everything he had to Uncle Sam’s Army, it was time to focus on him.
The fire truck pulled into the Second Battalion Barker Street Station, and Rory climbed down, immediately pulling off his gear. He wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a sigh. It was time to check the equipment and get ready for the next shift that would be arriving within the hour—and that was if another call didn’t come in. Three automobile accidents, one garage fire, and two emergency calls had kept them busy during the shift.
The station held the massive ladder truck, two fire engines, and two ambulances. The bays were kept clean and all equipment was checked at the end of each run. The firefighters moved about the space, each to their duties, jokes abounding as they worked off the stress.
“McBride!”
He glanced over his shoulder and saw another firefighter walking toward him.
“Chief wants a word.”
He looked upward and saw the Battalion Chief standing on the platform near his office that overlooked the large truck bays. Nodding, he handed the toolbox he had just taken down to clean and check to the other firefighter and jogged to the metal stairs leading to the second floor. This level held the barracks, the kitchen, and break room as well as several administrative offices.
Knocking on the door frame, he waited until he’d been permitted to enter. Chief Marks was generally easygoing, but not having any idea why he was being summoned, Rory wanted to offer every respect.
“Come in, McBride.”
Entering the office, he took in the space with a glance. Shelves lined one wall and windows that overlooked the main bay area filled the opposite wall. The chief’s desk was large but utilitarian grey metal. Chief Marks was in his fifties with thick, grey hair cut close to his head. He had no problem smiling with the firefighters when the time was right but also had no problem jerking someone’s chain when that was required as well. A flashback of approaching his father when he knew he’d been caught screwing up hit him. He searched his mind to see if he could remember a reason why the chief would need him but came up empty.
“You requested to see me, sir?”
“Sit down, McBride,” the chief said, chuckling. “You can take it easy. You’re not in trouble.”
“Thank God, sir.” He grinned in return, dropping quickly into the chair in front of the desk, maintaining an erect posture. The Army’s habits were hard to break.
Chief Marks had an open file on his desk and he peered down at the contents before lifting his gaze, holding it squarely on Rory. “You handled everything from burns to gunshot wounds in Afghanistan, but the road to transitioning from a Sixty-eight Whiskey back to the civilian world isn’t easy.”
Rory nodded at the chief’s words, but since they were true, he had no comment. As an Army Combat Medic, he’d handled complex medical and emergency situations, but becoming certified as an EMT or paramedic back in the states was difficult. Licensing, educational credits for past work, and reciprocity, just to name a few roadblocks.
“Of course, it’s a lot better now that the military requires a National Registry of EMT certification. Your scores were exceptional, and now that you’ve completed your one-hundred-fifty hours of training, I’m pleased to let you know that you’ll soon receive your EMT certification. We should get the official paperwork later this week, and if you still want to join the Hope City EMS department, I’ve got a temporary position in this station. Frank broke his wrist over the weekend and had surgery. He’ll be off rotation for about two months. Once he’s back, the Captain at Clifton Street Station has an EMT that has given notice. She’s moving to Texas with her husband and I’ve recommended you for the position.”
The air rushed from his lungs and a smile burst forth, unable to be hidden. “Sir, I… well, I can’t thank you enough!”
Chief Marks waved his hand dismissively. “You put in the work. You did your tour of duties in the Army as a certified combat medic, then completed what you needed as well as volunteered with the fire department. This is entirely on you, son.”
“I know, sir, but the opportunity to be able to move from volunteer here to a paid position is more than I hoped for.”
“It works for all of us. You’re used to this station and the people. I’m shifting a few people around since Frank is out. You’ll be assigned to Carlotta. She’s got seniority. She’s smart and you’ll do well with her until you transfer to Clifton Street.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now, about your paramedic training. Still taking classes?”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, once more.
“HC wants to encourage advancement in training. Now that you’ll be an employee of the city, you’ll have
the opportunity for on-the-job training that will count for certification. You’ll also have time off and schedule arrangements for the classes you’ll be taking. Your military training allowed you to step into an EMT position, but you’ll find the demands on your time to become a paramedic to be severe. But the employment opportunities are good. With your firefighting certification also, you can be assigned to an ambulance and as a firefighter-slash-paramedic.”
“I’m ready, sir. There’s nothing in my life that’ll impede working toward my goals.”
Chief Marks nodded then smiled as he hefted out of his chair with his hand stuck out. “Glad to hear it, McBride. Welcome aboard Barker Street Station as a full EMT for the next two months.”
Clasping his chief’s hand in his, he grinned widely. It was all he could do to keep from running out of the office, yelling his excitement. Instead, he quickly placed a call.
“Erin? Guess who’s a newly hired EMT!”
The excited squeal from his twin met his ears. Erin had joined the Army at the same time he did. She had gotten out shortly after him, ready to return to Hope City as well. She had chosen to become an Army medic also but had seemed lost when she first came home. A specter of sadness had filled her, and she had kept her thoughts to herself, only beginning to unburden her experiences to their oldest sister, Tara. She’d recently worked on her certification for nursing aide and acceptance into nursing school.
“Rory, I had no doubt you’d make it,” she assured.
“Well, the even better news is that they want me to stay at this station for now and then transfer to Clifton. So, I’ll be riding out with EMS as a paid employee now instead of as a volunteer on the fire truck.”
Rory: Hope City, Book 7 Page 3