Fireside Love

by S. L. Sterling

  "Good. It was nice to have time to myself."

  Addie frowned. "What did you do?"

  "I had a couple of drinks and some food in one of the pubs when I arrived. Then I spent Saturday hiking, then sat down by the lake for the afternoon," I said, sipping on my coffee and watching Addie's expression as she packed her lunch for work.

  "I see. Did you run into anyone you know?" she questioned.

  I smirked when she looked away and ran my hand over my face. I had to keep my composure and hide the smile that was there at the thought of Kristy. "Nope, it was just me, all alone, in the woods." I shrugged.

  "Oh, that's odd," she mumbled to herself.

  "What's odd?" I asked, pretending I didn't know what she was talking about.

  "Nothing, it's nothing. Okay, I've got to run or I will be late. You’ll be home when I get here?" She zipped up her lunch bag and threw that over her shoulder along with her purse.

  "Nope, going out with some of the guys from work. I probably won't see you for a week or so. I start back tomorrow. I think I may even take my things and stay at the station tonight instead of coming back here."

  "That's odd. You don't normally do that."

  "I know, but we are going out tonight, so it may just be better to crash there instead, especially if we get drinking."

  "Where are you going?"

  "Greg wants to head to the next town over to a bar there, so we're going to make it a guys’ night."

  I could see a skeptical look on Addie's face as she reached for her keys. I never participated in these nights and she knew it.

  "Okay, well, be careful!" she yelled behind her as she walked out the back door.

  Once I knew Addie had backed out of the driveway and was on her way to work, it made planning everything so much easier. I'd gone to the grocery store and picked up some food for tonight. I grabbed pop, chips, movie-style popcorn, and a couple of bags of candy. It definitely wasn't my normal diet, but I wanted to bring all the comforts of the movie theater over to Kristy's. What girl didn't love a night of junk food?

  Once I had my bag of clothes tucked in my truck, I placed all the goodies neatly in a box and left them on the kitchen table. I spent a little time scouring Netflix for a good scary movie. We'd loved watching them as kids. Although, back then I was more about scaring Kristy and Addie senseless. Once I'd chosen a movie, I hopped into the shower.

  I came out of my bedroom dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt; a hoodie hung over my arm. I wanted us to have as relaxing a low-key night as possible—no pressure. I walked into the kitchen to grab the box of food and found Addie sitting reading a magazine. She took one look at me and smiled.

  "What are you doing home already?" I asked, glancing at my watch. It was only five. Her shift at the hospital didn't end until nine.

  "I wasn't feeling well. We had a shooting victim come into the ER, and for some reason, it just sent me for a loop."

  I knew all too well what she meant. The things we both saw daily were enough to drive most people off the deep end.

  "Feeling better now?" I asked.

  "Yeah. You're going out with the guys dressed like that?" she questioned, eying my clothes and then the box of food on the table. "What do you have in there?"

  She went to stand up to look in the box, but I grabbed it before she could. "It's none of your business," I said, holding the box above my head.

  "Come on, Austin, let me see," she whined.

  I flicked her nose. "See you later, sis. Have a good few days. You know how to reach me if you need me."

  "What about your clothes?"

  "Bag is already packed and in the truck. See you in a few days," I said, stepping out the back door and pulling it closed, leaving Addie standing there with an annoyed look on her face.

  Since I'd been practically kicked out of my house, I now stood outside of Kristy's door, box of goodies in one hand and two bottles of wine in the other. I couldn't wait to see her.

  I'd barely knocked on her door when it was pulled open. She looked amazing dressed in tight jeans, and a black sweater. "Your movie theatre experience is here." I leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  "Oh. I thought we were going to the theater," she said, glancing down at herself and then at me. "I'm a little overdressed," she said, biting her bottom lip and blushing.

  "You look perfect! I just figured since you didn't want to do dinner that maybe a public movie theater wasn't a good idea either. So, instead of going out, I brought everything to you. Pizza should be here in about thirty minutes."

  "Oh, that sounds wonderful." She opened the door farther so I could step in and locked it behind me. She led me to the living room where I set the box down on the table.

  "What are we going to watch?" she asked, coming into the room and placing her hand on my back.

  "Well, I skimmed through Netflix this afternoon. Figured perhaps we could watch Annabelle Comes Home. We used to watch scary movies all the time, so I thought it might be fun to take a trip down memory lane."

  "Okay, but only on the condition that you don't plan on scaring me or jumping out from some random corner," she said, grinning as I began unloading the box I'd packed.

  "I swear I'll be on my best behavior. Well, unless you ask otherwise," I said, winking at her.

  "Okay, I'm going to get changed. There are bowls and glasses in the kitchen. Help yourself."

  While Kristy was getting changed, I opened the chips and popcorn, dumping half a bag of each into two bowls, and then opened the two bags of candy and mixed them into another bowl.

  "Wine or soda?" I called out.

  "Whatever you are having," she yelled back.

  I opened up both a bottle of wine and a bottle of soda and had set everything up on her living room table when she appeared in the doorway. I couldn't help but check her out. She now wore nothing fancy—just black sweats and a purple T-shirt—but she looked so freaking sexy it was unbelievable.

  "Couch or floor? The floor we can stretch out."

  I glanced at the couch. I knew my height would make it somewhat impossible for me to get comfortable. "Let’s go with the floor."

  "Sure, just let me grab a couple blankets and a few pillows from the bedroom then." She was back in seconds and laid out a blanket on the floor, then threw down four large fluffy pillows.

  A loud knock on the door let us know the pizza had arrived. I went to the door, paid the delivery guy, and brought the hot pizza inside, setting it on the table.

  "That smells great," Kristy said as she pulled the blinds, while I got the movie cued up and pizza on the plates. Soon we were seated side by side on the floor, the pizza was gone, popcorn was now in her lap with chips and candy between us, and the movie was just starting.

  Just as the opening credits rolled, she placed her hand on my arm. "This is perfect. Thank you," she whispered, leaning in and placing her head on my shoulder.

  "You're welcome. It's better than some impersonal movie theater."

  An hour into the movie, we were curled up together on the floor. I lay on my back, while Kristy rested her head on my chest, clinging to me, jumping every once in a while, and hiding her face in my chest at the scary parts.

  "When did you become such a chicken?" I questioned, laughing as she covered her face and curled up tighter to me, pulling the blanket she had covered with up a bit more.

  "Didn't I tell you how much I hate movies about ghosts? I think you chose this one on purpose!" She giggled, again burying her face at another scary part.

  I squeezed her side, making her scream and wiggle even more. "Don't worry, I won't let anything hurt you," I said, laughing.

  I was sure Kristy had watched the entire movie either between her fingers or with her face buried in my chest, and even though it was over, she still wouldn't let me go. I glanced at my watch as the credits started to roll. It was almost eleven and I had to be in to work at five.

  "Well, I should get going," I said, closing my eyes, holding her close to me. "I h
ave to be at work at five."

  She let out a sigh but didn't say anything. I just felt her grip me tighter. I placed my free arm behind my head and looked down at her. In the dim light from the TV, she raised her head and rested her chin on her fist looking up at me.

  "What is it?"

  "Are you going back home?"

  "No, I told Addie I was spending the night at the bar with a couple of the guys from work. I told her I would spend the night at the station. You know, cover all basis," I said, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

  "Hmmm, I was thinking it's awfully late," she whispered, swallowing hard. "Perhaps you could just stay."

  I was quiet for a moment. I wanted nothing more than to stay with her, but I wanted to make sure that was what she really wanted.

  "I could, I suppose. Before I say anything though, I want to make sure that you are sure?"

  She shook her head yes, then leaned in and softly kissed my lips. Our kiss deepened, and I gripped her ass, pulling her on top of me. I was hard as soon as her body lay against mine, and I ground up into her, my hands gripping her tightly to keep her where she was. She let out a throaty moan as I did it again, and she fumbled for the remote to shut the TV off.

  13

  Kristy

  I woke with a start and rolled over as I felt Austin crawl out of bed, taking with him his warm, strong body. "Go back to sleep. It’s too early for you to get up," he whispered, kneeling back on the bed and kissing my bare shoulder. He pulled the blankets up around me and tucked the warm sheets behind my back so I would stay warm.

  "What time is it?" I murmured.

  "It's a little past four."

  "No, I'll get up and get you coffee and breakfast."

  I felt the bed beside me dip as I struggled to unwrap myself from the covers, and then I felt his hand on my cheek. I blinked and looked at Austin, who sat there with a small smile on his face. "Go back to sleep. I'll be leaving in about ten minutes," he whispered, brushing the hair off my face.

  "Are you sure?" I murmured, lying back down.

  "I am. You need your rest. I gave you a workout last night, and you have to be at work in a couple of hours. I'll grab breakfast at work." He leaned over and kissed me deeply.

  The memory of last night passed through my mind. I could still feel him planted firmly between my legs. I could still hear him grunt out his orgasm as he pumped hard into me. I leaned up and kissed him again, then sank back into the pillows and shut my eyes.

  I'd fallen back into a deep sleep, and he had slipped out of the apartment without my knowing, and when I woke, I took a few minutes while my coffee brewed to clean up after last night. I smiled to myself as I dumped the popcorn that was leftover back into the bag, sealing it up tight. Then I poured a mug of coffee and glanced at the clock. I was going to be late if I didn't get started.

  I walked on air as I walked through the office, greeting everyone as I passed by. I ignored the murmurs as I headed toward my office. Murmurs of, “Kristy is in a good mood,” “She must have gotten laid this weekend,” “Wait until Tom finds out.” I'd ignored most of them, except the last one. The last one stung.

  I had shut the door to my office and hung up my purse and coat on the back of the door when Jen entered.

  "There you are. Tom just called an emergency meeting. We have to be in the boardroom in thirty minutes."

  "Okay," I said, smiling.

  "Are you feeling okay?" Jen asked as I sat down behind my desk and turned on my computer.

  "Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

  "Emergency meeting? You didn't appear to be very happy on Friday."

  I shrugged. "I had a good weekend, and I am not going to let him or some meeting ruin my mood."

  Jen pulled out the chair across from me and sat down. "All right spill it. Who’s the guy?" she asked, resting her chin on her hands.

  "What guy are we talking about?" a familiar voice asked, and I looked up to see Tom standing inside my office.

  "Kristy must have had a date this weekend."

  "Did you?" Tom questioned, a flash of jealousy running across his face.

  This was the last conversation I wanted to be having right now, especially with Tom. I glanced up in his direction. "Morning, Tom, and that is none of your business," I murmured.

  He looked at me, the smile he had worn now erased and replaced with a look of pure jealousy. "Ladies, be in the boardroom in ten minutes please." He paused, looked at me as he tapped two fingers on the doorframe as if he was going to say something. I bit my tongue, waiting for him to either ask or leave, and was pleasantly surprised when he left my office and continued down the hall.

  "You can't say things like that around him," I bit out.

  "I'm sorry. I should have known better." She sat there looking at me, an apology written across her face.

  "It's okay. He just needs to remember he lost his chance with me when he buried his face between May's legs. Besides, I really don't need any trouble from him right now. I know he's been trying to get me back," I said, glancing at the clock on my monitor. "We'd better get going."

  We both wandered into the boardroom and took our usual spots. Tom was last to walk in, and instead of coming in and starting right away, he waited until everyone had stopped speaking and had noticed he was standing there.

  "Good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a pleasant weekend," he said, glancing at me.

  I rolled my eyes and looked at Jen, who returned my look and once again mouthed, “I'm sorry.”

  "I came in this morning to some news. It appears that the magazine has been bought out and we are going to be going through a restructuring process."

  I barely paid attention as Tom went on and on. There was no way this was going to affect me. I was a graphic designer, for goodness’ sake. Surely, the magazine would still need me. While Tom went on and on, I went to my happy place, to thoughts of Austin, thoughts of last night, and thoughts of the earth-shattering orgasm he had given me.

  I was still lost in my own thoughts, and I barely even noticed when people started getting up and leaving the boardroom. Jen nudged my arm, pulling my attention back to the room. We both got up and made our way to the door when Tom asked to speak with me for a moment.

  "Go on. I will be right behind you," I whispered to Jen.

  He waited until the room was empty, and then Tom closed the door. "Have a seat."

  "I'm good, thanks."

  He turned and looked at me. He hated being defied, and the look in his eyes all but said it. "All right, have it your way," he said, taking a seat in his usual spot. I've been thinking a lot about you as of late. I miss you, Kristy. I want another chance with you."

  I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I couldn't believe him. "Are you for real right now?" I questioned, crossing my arms over my chest.

  "Yes, I'm man enough to say that I made a mistake, Kristy. I realize that now, and I want a second chance."

  "You should have thought about that before you put your face between her legs, Tom. Is it not working out with what's her name?"

  He didn't say anything, only looked at me.

  "I knew it was a mistake not reporting you when I had the chance," I mumbled under my breath.

  "Kristy, please, don't make me beg you for another chance."

  "I knew it. So, she breaks up with you and you come crawling back to me. This is just fantastic. I'm done with this conversation, Tom, and I am done with you." I walked over to the door and put my hand on the knob.

  "Kristy?"

  "What?" I gritted.

  "Are you seeing someone?"

  I stopped and turned around. I looked at Tom, at the sad, pathetic being he truly was, and then thought to Austin. "Yes, I am, so leave me the hell alone."

  I ripped the door open, slamming it shut behind me as I walked down the hall to my office.

  It had been a long day, and I was never so happy to get home, showered, and changed into my sweats. The snow fell outside, and I found the apartmen
t a little on the cold side, so I raised the temperature on the thermostat before I walked into the living room. Seeing some of the remains from last night still present brought a small smile to my face, especially after the whole Tom thing. I picked the blanket up off the floor and folded it, placing it on the back of the couch.

  I sighed. I couldn't allow my mind to go there again. I sat down and rubbed my temples, trying to help the headache that had plagued me all afternoon, to go away. I had sent Austin a text earlier, after the horrendous meeting with Tom, but I still hadn't heard back from him. I knew Austin was working, but a large part of me wished he could be here. I needed him.

  Once my headache had begun to subside, I rooted through the kitchen cupboards looking for something easy and quick to eat when I spotted a package of ramen. I'd pulled it down and put a pot of water on to boil. I'd just cracked open and poured a glass of wine when I heard a tapping on the window in the living room.

  I frowned and walked around the corner from the kitchen my eyes nearly popping out of my head at what I saw. I ran over to the window, fighting with the lock to open it.

  "Austin, what are you doing?" I asked, looking out the window, laughing. Austin was dressed in his uniform and was standing in the bucket that hung from the end of the ladder. The guys down below waved up at me as I looked down. "Is this your idea of keeping this a secret?"

  He chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. "I wanted to surprise you. Are you surprised?"

  "Yes, but..." I looked down again at the group of guys who all started waving and yelling up at me. I waved back and then looked back to Austin.

  "What are you doing?" he questioned.

  "What do you mean? I'm getting dinner ready."

  "What are we having?"

  I looked at him as if he were crazy. "We are having nothing. I'm having Ramen."

  "Kristy, ramen, really? Let me come in. Let me cook for you."