Hearts Ablaze (Hearts On Fire Series)

by Heather Lyn

  He responds to my text a few minutes later, telling me he feels good and I should come by this weekend. I tell him I will, and that I’ll see if Noah wants to come. I called Dad yesterday while Noah was in the shower to let him know we were together, and he’s thrilled.

  Ever since he met Noah at the hospital, he’s been asking me about him. It was like Dad knew he wasn’t just the firefighter who responded. I wish I hadn’t ignored my feelings for so long, but I’m glad we’re together now.

  Looking at the time on my phone, I notice it’s two o’clock. Since Noah is going to be here to pick me up at five, I decide I might as well start getting ready so I have enough time to figure out what I’m wearing. He won’t tell me where he’s taking me, so that’s a problem as far as wardrobe. I figure I’ll just play it safe and pick out a summer dress.

  I take a shower, and once I’m done I head for my closet. I end up deciding on a light blue dress with white lace edges, and a pair of nude pumps. After shaving my legs I blow-dry my hair, making sure to add soft waves while I dry. Throwing on my new matching bra and panties in white lace, I head to my bed and pull out a book, figuring I might as well get some reading done while I wait.

  ***

  I end up getting lost in the pages, finally pulling myself away from it when I see it’s four thirty. Throwing the book down, I rush into the bathroom, deciding to go heavier on the makeup than I normally do and add a smoky eye and shiny pink gloss. I put on my dress and heels, add a dab of my favorite perfume, and head into the living room to wait. I settle onto the couch, playing on my cell phone. A few minutes later, I hear a knock on the front door. My heartrate immediately accelerates and I feel the butterflies stir in my stomach. Rising from the couch, I take a deep breath then open the front door.

  Noah is standing there, a bouquet of roses in hand, looking more gorgeous than I’ve ever seen. He has on a long-sleeve button-up shirt in royal blue, with the sleeves rolled up his forearms and the collar open, showing a sprinkling of chest hair. He’s in tight black pants and his black Timberlands again. His hair is brushed back off his face, the damp ends curling around his ear, and he has several days’ worth of stubble.

  “You look beautiful, Aubrey.” He hands me the flowers and leans down to press a soft kiss to my lips.

  God, he smells so good.

  “Thank you, Noah. You look good, too. I’m just gonna go put these in water. I’ll be right back.” I rush into the kitchen and grab a vase, fill it with water, and drop the flowers in. Heading back into the living room, I grab my purse and throw it over my shoulder. Noah holds the door open for me and we head out.

  “So, where are we going tonight?” I ask, wondering what he has planned.

  “You’ll see. It’s a surprise.” He gives me a grin and goes back to driving. I lean forward and switch his radio on, the sound of country music filling the car. And it’s one of my favorite songs, Carrie Underwood’s “Heartbeat.” I’m a terrible singer, but I can’t resist turning it up and singing along. I get completely lost in the song, the lyrics meaning so much more to me than they ever did before. When I look over at Noah, I realize he’s singing too. God, could this guy be any more perfect? The song ends and I realize we’re about to pull onto his street.

  “I thought you said we were going out tonight?”

  “No, I said we were having our first date tonight. You assumed.” He pulls into his driveway and shuts the engine off, then rounds the hood of the car and helps me out. He leads me into his house, and I immediately smell something delicious. Placing his hand on the small of my back, he guides me to his dining table, and I feel tears well up in my eyes.

  He has the table set for two, with candles in the middle. There is a bottle of red wine breathing on the table, along with a fresh vase of flowers. I can’t believe he did this for me.

  “I made you chicken alfredo, and there’s salad in the fridge. I hope you’re hungry.” Noah pulls a bowl out of the fridge and places it on the table, then grabs some matches and lights the candles. He walks over to the stove and turns the front burner back on, warming dinner up. Grabbing a dish towel, he places it on the table, and then sets the hot pot of food on it. He pulls a chair out and motions for me to sit down, which I do. Pouring me some wine, he then takes a seat next to me. He serves us each some pasta and chicken, and hands me the bowl of salad, which I refuse. Lifting my glass of wine, I clink it against his glass of water and take a sip. Not bad. I grab a fork and dig into my meal, groaning when I realize how good it is.

  “Oh, man, Noah. This is so good!”

  “I’m glad you like it. It’s one of the few meals I can actually make.”

  I laugh and continue eating. We mostly eat in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. Once we’re done, I help him put the leftover food in containers. He won’t let me wash the dishes, but he does let me dry them. Grabbing my glass, I quickly refill it then follow him out the back door and onto the deck. He has a couple Adirondack chairs sitting next to each other, and down in his yard he has more chairs set up around a fire pit. Noah leads me to the ones on the deck and we sit down. It’s such a beautiful night out, warm with a nice light breeze. He holds my hand as we sit, toying with my fingers.

  “Thank you for making tonight so special, Noah. I’m really enjoying myself.”

  You’re welcome, baby.” He lifts my hand to his mouth and places a gentle kiss to my knuckles. I set my glass of wine on the deck and lean over for a kiss. I don’t hesitate to open for him, and he quickly takes the initiative to slip his tongue in. Reaching out, I hold onto his shoulders, pulling him closer to me.

  He pulls back and rests his forehead on mine. “How about we take this to the bedroom?”

  I simply nod and follow him inside. He shuts and locks the back door, takes me by the hand, and we head into the bedroom. Once we’re inside, he leans back down and begins kissing me again, running his hands up my arms and around the small of my back. He backs me up until my knees hit his bed.

  Noah reaches behind me and pulls down the zipper to my dress, kissing my bare shoulder as he lowers the fabric. He continues kissing as he pulls it down all the way. I hear his sharp inhale. “Fuck me.”

  He found my new lingerie. “I guess you like them?” I ask.

  “Fuck yeah, I do.” He kneels in front of me, pressing a kiss to my chest before he reaches behind me to unclasp my bra, freeing my breasts. He cups them in his large hands, swirling his thumbs over the aching tips. I moan and throw my head back, loving the feel of his hands on me. He pushes me back gently onto the bed, spreading my legs open. I can feel how soaked my panties are, and I know he can see it.

  “Oh, my girl is so fucking wet for me.” He leans forwards and pushes his face into the softness of my underwear, breathing in deeply. I’m not sure if it’s him calling me his girl, or his dirty words, but I shamelessly open my legs wider, silently pleading with him to do something. Anything.

  Hooking his fingers into my panties, he pulls them down my hips and throws them over his shoulder. Grabbing my thighs, he spreads me wider for him.

  “I can’t wait to fuck this sweet pussy. It’s gonna feel so good once I get inside there. You want me to fuck you, baby?” I can only nod, biting down on my bottom lip. God, I want that so badly.

  He steps back and starts unbuttoning his shirt, shrugging it off, then undoes his pants, pulling them down with his underwear. His cock is rock-solid, jutting straight out. My mouth almost waters at the sight of his naked body. He’s so beautiful, all tan skin and muscle. And the look in his eyes—all I can see is love. He kneels on the bed, coming to rest right above me before he leans down and kisses me deeply, cupping my face in his hands. Noah reaches across the bed to his nightstand, grabbing a condom. I stop him as he goes to open it.

  “Are you clean?” I ask him.

  “Yeah, I’ve never gone without.

  “I’m clean too, and I’m on the pill. You don’t have to use that if you don’t want to.” I know this is taking a big
step, and I hope it’s proving my commitment to him. That even though I was slow coming around, I’m completely in this with him. I’m not ready to confess my love, afraid it’s too soon, but I hope this shows how much I care.

  Noah leans down and continues to kiss me, placing himself between my legs. He reaches down, gripping himself as he runs his tip through my wetness, teasing my clit. I moan, closing my eyes and tipping my head back. Placing himself at my opening, he starts to push himself inside. He’s larger than the few people I’ve been with, so it takes a second for my body to adjust to him. Once he’s fully seated inside me, he places all his weight on his forearms, bracing them next to my head.

  “You feel so fucking good, baby,” he moans as he starts to thrust himself in and out of me at a slow pace, causing my eyes to roll back. I lift my legs and wrap them around his narrow waist, pushing up to meet each of his thrusts. It feels so good I’m already hovering on the edge. I pull his head down to me and kiss him, wrapping my other arm around his back. Noah circles his hips with each thrust, and it sends me over the edge. I grip his back as I let the orgasm wash over me, my legs quivering in pleasure. I expect that to be the end, but it’s not. Noah pulls out of me and sits back on his knees. He grabs my hips, giving him more control, and slams back into me.

  I grip onto the sheets and throw my head back. He’s already working my body back up to another orgasm, and I am desperate to feel him lose control with me. I need him to fuck me.

  “Noah! Oh God, Noah. More, please!”

  He grunts and picks up the pace, slamming into me faster and harder. He reaches down to circle my clit, causing my orgasm to crash into me out of nowhere. Crying out, I arch my back, his finger still working circles and dragging out my pleasure. Noah’s thrusts become faster as he chases his own orgasm. He buries his face in the crook of my neck, and on one final thrust, he groans loudly as his body stills. His body relaxes on top of me as he continues to come down from his orgasm. Once he’s spent, Noah lifts his head off my neck and kisses me, gently brushing his tongue against mine.

  We’re both covered in sweat and breathing heavily. Noah rolls off me and climbs off the bed, heading into the bathroom. I hear the water running and then he comes out with a washcloth in his hand. He gently cleans me up and throws the cloth into a hamper, coming back to bed. Tugging the covers up and over us, he pulls my back to his chest and kisses the side of my neck.

  “Get some rest, baby. I’m not nearly done with you.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up, buddy.”

  His chuckle is the last thing I hear as I fall asleep.

  CHAPTER 12

  NOAH

  Last night had to have been the best night of my life. After we fell asleep, we woke up and made love twice more, and then I had her again in the shower this morning. I am so fucking in love with this girl I can’t even see straight when I’m around her. We went out for breakfast this morning and now we’re at her apartment while I wait for her to change. We’re going to see her parents today. Kennedy is out with Grayson again, making me entirely sure that something is going on with them.

  Aubrey comes out of her bedroom, dressed in a pair of tight-ass jeans with a gray T-shirt and a pair of sneakers.

  “Ready to go, baby?”

  She nods at me and throws a small purse over her shoulder as we make our way out to my truck and head over. Aubrey doesn’t need to give me directions, as I remember the way to her parents’. We pull up their gravel driveway, and she tells me to park next to her dad’s car. “We’re here!” she shouts out as we go inside, throwing her purse on a table next to the front door. She takes my hand and leads me through the house to the kitchen, where we find her mom sitting on a stool at the island.

  “Aubrey!” Her mom hops off the stool and rushes to hug Aubrey.

  “Mom, you remember Noah from the hospital.”

  I hold my hand out to her mom, but I’m grabbed in a tight hug instead. I return it quickly.

  “Nice to see you again, honey. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “I’m okay, Sharon, but thanks. Good to see you.”

  Aubrey is looking around the kitchen, one of her eyebrows raised. “Where’s Dad?”

  “Oh, he took a nap earlier, but he should be getting up soon. You know how those headaches are on him. And then he has to take those painkillers and they just wipe him out.”

  I can see the tears shimmering in Sharon’s eyes, mirroring the ones in Aubrey’s. I have to resist taking her into my arms, but I know she’s trying to be strong for her mom.

  “How’s he really doing, Mom? It feels like every time I talk to him he says he’s doing fine. But when I talk to Landon, he says every time he calls Dad is sleeping. Is that normal?”

  Her mom motions us into the living room, where we all sit down. Aubrey and I share the love seat, while her mom sits on the couch, holding Aubrey’s hand.

  “I don’t know, sweetie. He has his moments where he seems to be fine, but then he’s just in a lot of pain out of nowhere. I wish I could say he’s doing better, but you heard what the doctors said. He’s going to go downhill fast. He’s lost so much weight and he hardly sleeps all night, getting up to take more medicine or throw up.”

  Looking at Aubrey next to me, I can see the tears fighting to escape. I press a kiss to her temple, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. I can feel myself getting emotional, but I blink it away. This whole situation just sucks so badly, and there’s nothing that can be done about it.

  Sharon wipes at the tears on her cheeks. “But anyway, enough of the tears. Dad wants this to be a good day, so that’s what it’s going to be. We have plenty of beer, and we’ll throw some burgers on the grill for lunch.” She leans down and kisses Aubrey on the cheek, then heads back into the kitchen.

  Aubrey lays her head against my shoulder and takes a deep breath.

  “It’s gonna be okay, baby. I know it’s hard, but I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

  “I just need you.” She turns her face up for a kiss, running her hand over my cheek. Breaking away, she gives me a smile. “Thanks for being here today.”

  “I’m glad we’re here. I’m looking forward to getting to know them.” She smiles then goes back to leaning on me. We sit in the silence, waiting for her dad to come downstairs. I can’t believe how much has changed in just a week. Aubrey is finally mine, and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that never changes. To make sure she falls head over heels in love with me the way I am with her.

  Mike finally comes downstairs about ten minutes later, gripping the banister tightly. Aubrey rushes over to her dad and takes hold of his arm, helping him carefully.

  “Hey, baby girl. I’m so glad you guys could make it. I’ve missed you.” Her dad gives her a smile.

  “I missed you too, Daddy.” She kisses him on the cheek then helps him into the recliner across from me. I stand up and grab the afghan that’s lying across the back of the couch, handing it to Aubrey after her father sits down. She tucks the blanket around his legs and stomach, making sure he’s warm.

  I reach over and shake his hand. “Mike. Good to see you. Hope you’re feeling good today.”

  “I feel okay, thanks for asking, Noah.” His grip on my hand is weak, but I can see that he’s trying hard to squeeze. He reaches out his other hand, squeezes both our hands with it, and lets go. I can see just how much he’s changed since the last time I saw him. Almost two months ago, it seemed like he just had the flu, but now after a month of aggressive chemo and deciding to cancel treatment, he looks like a different person. His cheeks are gaunt and he looks like he’s lost at least twenty-five pounds.

  Glancing over at Aubrey, I can see how hard this is for her. Her bottom lip is trembling and her eyes are glassy.

  Mike motions for us to sit down, which we do. I grab Aubrey’s hand and give it a squeeze, hoping she can draw strength from it. I hate seeing her so lost and hurt.

  “So, Aubrey tells me you two finally got you
r heads out of your asses and are together?”

  I chuckle lightly before answering. “Yes, sir. I couldn’t stay away, no matter how hard I tried. She’s something special, this one here. I don’t plan on letting go.” I can see his eyes light up, clearly enjoying the happiness on our faces.

  “Yes, Daddy. He’s a good man. He makes me really happy”

  “I’m happy for you, sweetheart. Your mother and I weren’t much younger than y’all when we got married. It’s an amazing thing to spend your whole life with someone you love.”

  Aubrey smiles at her Dad before she stands. “I’m gonna go see if Mom needs any help in the kitchen.” She blows me a kiss and walks out of the living room. I watch her retreating form then notice Mike watching me with a smile on his face.

  “Noah, you take care of my baby for me. I’m not going to be around much longer, and I need to make sure there’s someone watching out for her. She’s a stubborn fool sometimes, but she gets that from me. She takes after that beautiful momma of hers in every other way that counts, but she still has her attitude from me. I worry about how they’ll be once I’m gone, but I’ve been praying that they’ll be okay. I can see that you love her, son, so do me proud and be the best damn future son-in-law I’ll ever have. Even if it’s only for a short time.”

  I can feel my eyes burning and I have to swallow the lump in my throat.

  Fuck, this is harder than I thought it’d be.

  ***

  Mike and I are watching the Braves game when Aubrey comes back in, holding a bottle of beer. She hands it to me with a smile.

  “Thank you, baby.” I pull her down for a kiss, not at all embarrassed at the fact that her father is watching us; I love this girl, and I want Mike to know how loved she is, how much she means to me. I wrap an arm around her waist and set her on my lap. She puts her arm around my shoulders and turns to watch the game with us. Every so often, she leans in to me, holding on tighter. I can tell she’s upset about something; her smile isn’t quite reaching her eyes. I know it has to do with her dad, but I’m not going to bring it up right now.