by Susan Stoker
“Thank you, Kor. I’ll be careful with her.”
“Her?”
“Of course. Cars are always feminine.”
“Oh, jeez. This I gotta hear,” Koren teased.
“The outside of your car might not be as beautiful as a Lamborghini or Porsche,” Taco said, “but if you treat her right, she’ll purr just the same. She’s mine to take care of and protect, and in return for giving her what she needs to stay healthy and at peak performance, she’ll stand by me, support me, and get me to where I want to go. It’s a give-and-take kind of thing.”
Koren couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “First of all, none of that explains why you think cars are female. But secondly…are we still talking about cars?”
Taco shrugged and returned the smile. “Of course.”
“Do guys get secret classes on things like this? On saying the right thing at just the right time?”
“I’ll never tell,” Taco said with a smirk.
“One thing…I don’t need protecting,” Koren told him.
He nodded. “I don’t necessarily mean from people barging into your condo with a gun or something. Just in general. Like today from Melvin. He wanted to rush out after you, but there was no way I was gonna let that happen.”
She stared at him in surprise. “He did?”
“Yup.”
“You know I do support you, right?” Koren asked. “I love how dedicated you are to your job.”
“My shifts can be a pain in the ass.”
“Yeah, they can be, but honestly, I like my alone time. It doesn’t bother me to have you gone for a day or two at a time, know why?”
“Why?”
“Two reasons. One, because when I get to see you again, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
His face softened.
Koren hurried on. “And two, because I know without a doubt if I needed you, really needed you, you’d be there. You’d leave work and come straight to me.”
“I absolutely would.”
“I know we haven’t been dating that long, and we haven’t gone all the way, but—”
“Gone all the way?” he teased. “Seriously?”
“Fine. We haven’t had sex yet—”
“Made love,” he corrected.
“Stop interrupting me,” Koren grumbled.
“Then say what you mean,” Taco returned.
“Fine, I know we haven’t made love yet, but you’re important to me.”
“Ditto.”
“And I trust you.”
“Same,” Taco reassured her.
“So take my car and get me something to eat,” Koren finished.
“Anything you’re in the mood for?”
Carnal images flashed through her brain, but she knew he wasn’t talking about that.
As if he could read her mind, his gaze dropped to her lips. “Damn, woman. You’re killin’ me.”
“Puffy tacos from Henry’s?” Koren asked.
“You got it. And good choice,” Taco said.
“I thought you’d approve.”
Then Taco took her face in his hands and held her gently. “After Jen, I never thought I’d get here.”
“Where?”
“Here,” Taco said, nodding his head at her. “Being with a woman who could make me laugh one second, and the next, make me want to throw her down onto the nearest piece of furniture and ravage her. I’ve been a bachelor for a hell of a long time, but now the only thing I can think of is when I’ll get to talk to you, see you, touch you. You’ve changed my life, Koren. And I couldn’t be happier about it.”
It was a hell of a compliment, and Koren wasn’t sure how to respond. He’d changed her life too. She’d never really been jealous of Vicky and Sue, just a little envious that they’d found good men who’d made them happy. Now she had her own.
“I’ll be back soon,” Taco told her, before leaning down and kissing her hard. It was a short kiss, but not lacking in passion. “Now, stop slacking and get to work.”
She chuckled. “Yes, sir.”
As Koren sat down to check her emails, she couldn’t help but marvel over her luck.
Chapter Nine
Taco wasn’t nervous at all to officially meet Koren’s parents. In fact, she was way more anxious than he was. Of course he wanted them to like him, but the bottom line was that even if they didn’t, he wasn’t giving up Koren. She was amazing, and he knew a good thing when he had it. He’d dated enough women to know that what they had together was precious. So while he hoped he got along with Mr. and Mrs. Garner, ultimately, it wouldn’t make a difference in his choice.
He’d never had a good relationship with his own parents, so that was probably influencing his thoughts now. Though he still hoped things went well tonight because Koren was super stressed about it.
“Relax, Kor. It’s going to be fine.”
“I know. They’re good people, they’ll see how awesome you are and it’ll be great.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“I’ve never done this,” she blurted.
“Done what?”
“Brought someone home before. Someone important.”
Taco grinned and pulled her across the console. He kissed her forehead. “I’m flattered.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re just possessive,” she countered.
“That too.”
“My dad is awesome, but whatever you do, don’t talk politics. He can go on for hours and he’s definitely opinionated. And ignore my mom when she starts talking about how she wishes she had more grandchildren. And their cat is old and grumpy, so don’t be offended if she won’t come to you for pets. Don’t take it personally. And if you use the downstairs bathroom, the toilet squeaks when it flushes. Dad’s been meaning to get to that forever, but I don’t think he has yet. And Mom—”
“Shhhh,” Taco interrupted. “It’s going to be great, you know how I know?”
“How?”
“Because they love you. And you love them. You respect them and you told me yourself that your mom is still one of your best friends. How could I not like them?”
Her shoulders relaxed and she took a deep breath. “You’re right. You’re so down to earth, you aren’t going to freak out if Mom gets out one of my baby albums.”
“Exactly. Take a deep breath,” he ordered.
She did.
“And another.” He waited until she’d exhaled. “Good. Feel better?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Taco leaned in and nuzzled the skin behind her ear for a moment, waiting until he felt goose bumps break out on her arms. “And if you stay nice and relaxed tonight, I’ll reward you…later.”
Her hand came up and took hold of his sleeve. Taco didn’t even care if she wrinkled it beyond repair. Every time he looked down, he’d see the evidence of how she liked to touch him.
“Yeah?” she asked. “Maybe it needs to be the other way around. If you’re good tonight, I’ll make sure it’s worth your while later.”
Her words brought erotic images to mind. The last time she’d spent the night with him, he’d brought her to orgasm with his hand. She’d straddled his thigh and rode him, and with a little extra stimulation on her clit, through her clothes, she’d exploded.
It had been hot as hell…and just another chink in his armor when it came to her.
“Deal,” he said immediately.
“How about a good luck kiss before we go in?” Koren asked.
“Making out in your parents’ driveway? I’m shocked, Miss Garner,” Taco teased.
“That’s me, Miss Shocker,” she quipped before grabbing him behind the neck and pulling him to her.
He gave her what she wanted. He devoured her mouth as if it was going to be the last time he’d ever get to kiss her. When he pulled away, he was both delighted and dismayed to see her red, swollen lips. Hoping her parents would be clueless as to why their daughter was flushed, he kissed her on the forehead and said, “Come on, Kor. Le
t’s do this.”
Twenty minutes later, after the initial introductions were made and Koren had settled a bit when everyone seemed to be getting along, Taco was on the couch with his fingers intertwined with Koren’s as they sat and chatted with her folks.
Just as she’d said, they were a bit old fashioned, but very down to earth. It was obvious they only wanted the best for their daughter.
“How long have you been a firefighter?” Mr. Garner asked.
“It seems like my entire life,” Taco said. “I was a junior volunteer in high school and when I moved to Texas, volunteered while I got the necessary schooling to be hired on by the city.”
“We appreciate what you did for Koren,” her mom said. “You know, when she was in that wreck. She said that you were very calm and didn’t panic at all. We didn’t get a chance to really talk to you at the hospital, so I wanted to make sure I said it tonight.”
Taco shook his head. “I actually didn’t do much at all.”
“Not true,” Koren said with a shake of her own head. “He does this all the time, Mom. Downplays what he does. He and his friends are amazing. I never really thought much about it until it was me needing help. He works for two days straight, and it doesn’t matter if the call comes in the middle of the night, if it’s for a huge fire, or just a lonely little old lady who wants someone to talk to, they go without a single complaint.”
“It’s my job,” Taco said, a little uncomfortable with the praise.
“See?” Koren said with a smile.
“If you could do something else, anything else, what would it be? Pretend that you had the education needed and you could automatically be awesome at it…what would you do?” Koren’s dad asked.
That was easy. “Be a firefighter. Honestly. I never really dreamed of being a pilot or doctor or anything. When I was little, a house caught fire on my street. I sat on my front steps and watched it for hours, how chaotic the scene was, and how the firefighters seemed so capable despite the frenzy. They hooked up their hoses and ran into that house without hesitation. It was fascinating and awesome. I wanted to be them.”
“Good answer,” Gavin Garner said.
“What about you, honey?” her mom asked.
Koren shrugged. “I don’t know. I like what I do. Is it my dream job? No. But I have a super-flexible schedule and can work from home. If I ever have kids, that’s important to me. I don’t want to see them for only a few hours after five-thirty, when I get home from a nine-to-five job, until they go to bed at night. I want to be there for them. And working from home would let me do that.”
“Do you want children, Taco?” Deena Garner asked.
“Don’t answer that!” Koren exclaimed, holding up her hand. “Mom, we talked about this.”
“What? I’m just curious,” she said with a sly grin. Her mom shook her head, but let the topic drop.
Gavin got up not too much later and headed out to grill the steaks they were having for dinner. Deena headed for the kitchen and before Koren could follow her, Taco stole a kiss.
“Told you it would be fine,” he said after he’d forced himself to let go of her.
She rolled her eyes at him, but she smiled before heading into the kitchen.
Taco went out to talk to her dad and they had a nice, easy chat about nothing in particular. The area, the best restaurants, and the best places to go for a hike. Then they re-entered the house and sat down for dinner.
Taco was actually having a great time. Koren’s parents were funny and obviously still deeply in love. They teased each other a lot, and Gavin and Deena even whipped out a small photo album she’d obviously pre-planted near the table just to torture their daughter.
Seeing Koren as a teenager was hilarious. She, of course, thought she was hideous, but Taco loved seeing her smiling and happy in the photos. She sportingly shared a story about a homecoming dance she’d gone to where her date had spent the evening flirting with another girl. Koren had dumped his ass and, because she’d driven, left him to find his own way home.
Just after they’d eaten dessert, an amazingly wonderful strawberry cheesecake, Taco’s phone rang with a text. He knew it was Sledge’s number, as he’d programmed a special tone just for him in case of emergencies, since he was in charge of their crew at the station.
“Saved by the bell,” Koren muttered.
Taco grinned as he looked down at his phone.
* * *
Sledge: Car fire. Fully involved. Crash’s house.
Taco: On my way.
* * *
He turned to Koren. “I need to go.”
Without asking why or complaining, Koren stood. “Sorry, Mom and Dad.”
“No, no, it’s fine. Go. We’ll catch up with you later,” her mom said.
“Everything okay?” Gavin asked.
Taco shrugged. “Probably. Just need to check on a friend.” He didn’t want to go into detail right now. He needed to get to Crash and Adeline’s place. Sledge didn’t say whose car was on fire, but if it was Adeline’s brand-new Volvo, Crash was going to lose it. He’d wanted Adeline to have something safe and stylish. He’d thought about what to get her for ages and finally settled on the Volvo. Adeline loved it, and she’d be devastated as well.
They quickly said their goodbyes and were in his truck and heading for the scene in minutes.
“I’d drop you off at your place, but I really want to get there and make sure everyone is all right.”
“It’s fine. I’d rather go with you anyway,” Koren told him. “I’ll stay out of your way.”
“I’m not worried about that,” Taco told her with a small smile.
She returned it.
“Oh, and…” He paused dramatically.
“Yeah?”
“I loved your baby pictures.”
Koren smacked him on the arm. “Shut up.”
“Seriously, your parents are awesome. I can definitely see why you are the way you are. They’re gracious, sweet, and I love how much they’re concerned about your well-being.”
“Sorry about the third degree you got about your intentions toward me over dinner,” Koren said.
“I’m not. I’d be more concerned if they hadn’t grilled me. They love you and want the best for you. It’s obvious.”
“Yeah.”
They were quiet the rest of the way to Crash’s house as Taco concentrated on getting them there fast but safely. When they got close, the lights from the emergency vehicles were visible from blocks away. Taco had to park way down the block from his friend’s house. He quickly walked around his truck and put his hand on Koren’s back as they made their way through the police cars and fire trucks.
They immediately saw Crash and Adeline, along with the rest of the Station 7 crew—except for Moose and Penelope—hanging out in a group in the front yard. Taco headed right for them.
“Is everyone all right?” he asked as he neared.
Crash nodded. “We’re good.” Adeline was standing in front of him, and he had one of his arms slung diagonally across the front of her body. She was holding Coco’s leash with white knuckles.
“What happened?”
“We were eating dinner, and we heard something out front. Coco went crazy and when I looked out there, we saw the back end of my Civic on fire,” Crash explained.
“It’s yours? Not the Volvo?” Taco asked.
“Hers was in the garage,” Sledge offered.
“Any ideas about how it started?” Taco asked.
It was Chief who shook his head this time. “I’ve already talked to the fire investigator, but it’s too soon to tell.”
“Any guesses?” Taco pressed.
“Are you the owner?” a voice asked. Taco turned to see a sheriff’s deputy standing behind them.
“Yes,” Crash said.
“When the flames had been knocked down enough, we saw some lettering on the back windshield of your car. I just need to make sure that you didn’t write them on there yourself.”
>
“What? No, nothing was written on my car.”
“Right. If you can come and see?” the officer asked.
“Stay here,” Crash ordered Adeline.
“I want to see what it says too, Dean,” she protested.
Crash took her shoulders in his hands. “Please, stay here. I’ll bring you up to date as soon as I can.”
“I’ll stay here with you,” Koren said. She squeezed Taco’s hand, then moved closer to Adeline. “We need to let them do their thing.”
“Okay, but come right back here and talk to me,” Adeline warned Crash. “I mean it.”
“I will. Thank you.” Crash kissed Adeline tenderly and followed the deputy to the back of his car.
Taco and the other men followed behind him as well.
“Motherfucker,” Crash said under his breath.
Taco tilted his head and squinted until the words written on the glass finally made sense.
* * *
Are you sorry?
* * *
“Does that mean anything to you?” the deputy asked.
Crash ran a hand through his hair. “Maybe.”
When he didn’t elaborate, the deputy looked a little impatient. “And?”
“My wife had a…thing…with her boss a while back. He assaulted her in a hotel room up in Dallas. She pressed charges, and we haven’t heard anything from him since he was sentenced, but it’s possible he was paroled, has stewed in jail and is still pissed.”
“What’s his name?” the deputy asked, getting his notepad and pen out of a pocket.
Taco wandered nearer to the car, followed by Squirrel and Driftwood. The firefighters were still putting water on the tires to make sure they were out.
“Car fires usually start in the engine,” Driftwood said. “I’m not saying they don’t start other places, just that it’s unusual.”
“Jesus, let’s just hope there’s not a dead body in the trunk,” Squirrel muttered.
“Don’t even say that,” Taco admonished. “Oh, shit… Is that a flare?”
“Where?”
“Stuck under the back tire,” Taco said, pointing.
Without a word, Squirrel turned and headed back to the deputy, probably to inform him of what they’d seen.