by Piper Stone
Stoker lifted his head. “I did come after you. I never wanted to see you hurt in any way.”
“I know that. In my heart, I knew. I was too damaged, too broken to give a shit about anything or anyone. You were captured and tortured. I would have gladly taken your place. I don’t want to be that person any longer.” As tears rolled down Cooper’s cheeks, he offered a smile. “You are my best friend. I want nothing more than to be in your life again. If you’ll allow me.”
A flood of emotions rolled through Stoker. All the months lost, the anger and frustration, the nightmares. “Cooper.” He grabbed his buddy, wrapping his arms around the man he cared about, and wept.
“God. I’m so glad. I’m so damn glad.”
When Stoker moved away, he wiped his eyes and laughed nervously. “I don’t even know what to say. I didn’t remember what had happened until the other night. I blamed you for my capture. When I knew the details, I was numb.”
“Let’s not look back. We both need to heal.”
“Yeah, exactly what Jessica was trying to tell me.” He looked toward the house, remembering she said she was leaving. “I fucked up that relationship as well. Jesus Christ. What’s wrong with me?”
“Never too late my friend. Go talk with her.”
Stoker gazed at the windows, praying she was watching, waiting. But she wasn’t. “No. She’s made up her mind.” His soul would never be filled again. There was no way to take back what had happened, to make things right. He had to let her go.
“You’re a stubborn man. If I had that kind of woman in my life, there’s no way I’d let her go.” Cooper shook his head.
“You don’t know her.” His mind wandered to the song and he realized his heart was broken.
“Tell me about the fires. Maybe I can help.”
He eyed Cooper and for a fleeting second, thoughts regarding whether the man had anything to do with them crossed his mind. Was it too convenient that Cooper was suddenly coming to see him? He shoved away the thoughts. Why would Cooper have any reason to do something so horrible? Revenge on what? If the man wanted to seek retaliation in any way, he would take out his rage on Stoker, not on a town he loved so much. No, he refused to believe. “Accelerants used, a kind I’m not certain of yet and the Fire Investigator hasn’t narrowed down. The smell is odd, sour.”
“Ethyl Ether. I’d bet anything.”
The way Cooper said the words, knew immediately what substance could have been used, struck in his craw. Coincidences he didn’t believe in. He needed some time alone and a conversation with the Fire Investigator. “Tell you what, I need to go by that Fire Station and resign my position. Why don’t you come by the house later for a drink and I’ll show you exactly what I’ve found? Maybe you can indeed help.”
“That sounds great. I miss seeing Mac. How is he?”
Stoker smiled, his thoughts drifting. “He’s doing great. He’s my little buddy.”
“I bet. I’ll come over around eight. That good?’
“Perfect.” He held out his hand. “I’m damn glad we did this.”
As Cooper shook his hand, he gave Stoker a faraway look. “I am too.”
He waited until Cooper drove off before losing the smile. No, there was a piece missing to the puzzle and he prayed to God Cooper wasn’t involved.
“Captain Banyon. I need to speak with you for a few minutes if you have the time.” Stoker stood in the doorway, apprehension as well as excitement riding every cell in his body. The decision had been made in a split second, but he knew smoke jumping was exactly what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
“I’ve been expecting you, son.” Captain Banyon looked up from his desk. “I have your resignation papers ready to sign.” He pushed a set in Stoker’s direction.
“You knew?”
“You forget. Captain Phillips and I go way back. I think when you knew you might have to fight for the position, you’d figure out what you needed to do. I was prepared. They’re damn lucky to have you. As long as you lose the hot-headed streak.” His eyes twinkling, the Captain smiled.
Stoker blushed. “Just going by the rules. I want to thank you for everything.”
“Well obviously our paths may cross again. I hope not any time soon. These damn fires are getting out of control.”
“Yeah, arson is some kind of shit. I hope the Sheriff finds the jerk-off before anything else happens.” He grabbed a pen, scribbling his name. A solid feeling swept into his system. He’d made the right choice.
“Heard the guy knows his shit. I also heard he’s some disgruntled ex-employee.”
“Where did you hear that?”
The Captain shrugged as he sat back in his seat. “People talk. Different sources. The man responsible knows that the jumpers have to take the lead on the blaze. Makes me think he’s out to get someone tied to the jump team. Could be wrong.”
Stoker’s thoughts drifted back to Cooper. This was a freaking nightmare. Was the man angry enough to take out his revenge on the entire city? “I hope to God the asshole doesn’t strike again.”
“Oh, he will son, and my gut tells me that this time it’s going to be very personal.”
Stoker nodded his head.
“Be careful. I have a terrible feeling that if there’s another fire, a lot of people are going to lose their lives, including firefighters.”
A cold chill raced down Stoker’s back. His instinct was telling him the same thing.
Chapter 16
Jessica stood outside, a full fifty yards from the cabin for a solid ten minutes. She wasn’t entirely certain what she was doing here, given her anger hadn’t abated in the least. Perhaps an end. She pulled the thin coat around her, shivering given the drop in temperatures. The air was crisp, the moon a beautiful golden sliver and the trees a perfect setting. She would miss Missoula for several reasons.
She took a step closer, then another. Her heart continued to thump as her nerves raced. Hell, she was shaking all over and had been for hours. She had to do this. She needed to finish what could have been a beautiful love affair. Biting her lip, she took another step closer, then chickened out. She’d leave the car here. Stoker would find it in the morning. An evening walk would do her some good.
Cringing, she took several steps away from the house, then heard a noise. Her ears perked up at the sound. She was used to sounds in the forest, the tree frogs and breaking branches, night crawlers and the howling of wolves. This was an eerie noise, as if someone was watching. Waiting.
Turning in a full circle, she searched the darkened forest, holding her breath in hopes of hearing the sound again. She inched forward, her steps calculated.
Crack!
Jumping, a single moan escaped her lips. She bounded toward Stoker’s house, taking the steps two at a time.
Bam! Bam!
Woof! Woof, woof, woof.
Hearing MacGyver’s bark was comforting. She held her arms and looked back toward the forest. Someone or something was out there.
“Jessica. What are you doing here?”
“Stoker. There’s someone out there. They’re watching.” Shivering, she inched closer to the doorway.
“What did you see?”
“Nothing. It’s what I heard. Can I come in? I just need to regroup. Then I’ll leave.” She leaned over, petting MacGyver as he wiggled and whined, shoving his nose against her leg.
Stoker tilted his head. “You can stay as long as you’d like.”
She gave him a half smile and stepped over the threshold. Creepy crawlies were all over her, creating goosebumps. When she walked inside, she noticed maps strewn out over the kitchen table.
“I’ll be right back. Let me see what I can find. Stay here with Mac.”
“Okay.” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the rifle in his hands and shivered. “Did you hear anything, baby?”
Mac padded closer, snorting as he begged for attention.
She rubbed her arms, a mixture of fear and adrenaline rushing through
her. What if someone was out there? Who? Why would anyone hide in the shadows? As she waited she glanced at the maps. They seemed to be destination points. But why? Only a few seconds later she heard another noise. Jerking her head up, she glared at the door. Stoker was still outside. He can take care of himself. He’s a big boy. She patted Mac’s head then walked to the other side of the table. She fingered the spots marked in red and sensed some sort of a pattern. Hmmm.
Then she felt a presence behind her, his presence. Inhaling, the scent of Stoker, the man she was desperately in love with gave her tingles skating down her spine. “Stoker.”
“I couldn’t find anything,” he whispered, his voice husky.
“Good,” she muttered, quivering from his hot breath. “Maybe I’m jumpy.”
“You’re safe with me and always will be.”
“Oh, Stoker, I’m—”
“Wait. Please let me talk. Okay?”
Dropping her head, she shuddered from the sound of his voice. This was going to be the toughest thing she did in her life. “Okay.”
“Look at me, please.”
“I don’t know if I can do this.” When he closed the distance, she couldn’t resist looking into his eyes. When she did, tears spilled past her lashes. “Stoker. I came to give you back your car. I’m leaving on Sunday. I have to go.”
“No, you don’t.” Stoker reached out to touch her then dropped his hand. “I was a fool. I was a blind and pigheaded fool. You’re an amazing woman and I don’t want you to leave. I want you to stay.”
“Why?” she whispered the question almost fearful of the answer.
“Why?” he repeated, his voice strangled.
“If you want me to stay this badly, you have to tell me why.” She knew in her heart the man wouldn’t be able to say the words. There wasn’t a method or manner, a right or a wrong that would allow him to share his feelings with her. He simply didn’t want her enough.
Stoker hesitated. “Missoula is good for you. You belong here.”
“Why?” Pushing wasn’t going to get her the answer she so desperately wanted to hear. “Look, if you don’t mind escorting me back to the car. I was going to walk but…”
“Jessica,” he exclaimed as he wrapped his hands around her arms. “I’ve fallen in love with you. I want you to stay because you’re the only woman I could ever love. You’re the single person in my entire life that refused to take any bullshit. You kicked me in the ass with your spunk, your beauty and most of all your heart. I love you and if you can find it in you, this man, this asshole would like to have the opportunity of getting to know you, every sweet inch of that delicious body.” He sucked in his breath.
Stunned, Jessica allowed the tears to flow as she shook. “Stoker Hansen. You’re pigheaded and a pain in the ass. You have no idea how frustrating you are and you refuse to listen, but I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you.”
Stoker tugged her forward as he cupped the back of her head, pressing kisses against each eye. “I never want to cause you pain. I never want you to cry because of me. I love you so much.” Capturing her mouth, he rubbed the palm of his hand down her back as he slipped his tongue past her lips.
Her heart racing, she closed her eyes as the tears continued to fall. Their tongues entwining, she yanked at the back of his shirt until she could slip her hand underneath. Caressing his skin, she moaned into the kiss as the moment of intimacy became raging desire, need unlike she’d ever known. The touch of his skin was electric, the feel of his muscular body pressing against hers driving her into a heated frenzy.
He grunted as he spun them in a circle, his fingers twisting in her hair, his groin rubbing against hers. When he broke the kiss, he tugged her head, exposing her neck, and lowered his, licking across her chin. Breathing out, he allowed the hot breath to cascade across her skin as he eased his hand between them, cupping her breast.
Jessica rose onto her tiptoes and arched her back as she fumbled to reach his belt. She wanted this man, needed to have him inside of her. Panting, she managed to unbuckle and unzip just as he jerked her shirt free of the waistline of her jeans.
His eyes penetrating, he pushed her away long enough to drag her shirt up and over her shoulder, tossing the unwanted material.
Every part of her tingling, she unbuttoned his shirt, frustrated her fingers couldn’t move fast enough. When he laughed and jerked both sides, she gasped as buttons flew in both directions. She exhaled as he slid his hand around to the back of her neck and palmed his chest, digging her nails into his skin. He was all male, perfect in every way, and she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life exploring his body.
Lowering her head, she licked around his nipple as he pinched hers between his thumb and forefinger. White hot shards of current rushed into the forefront of her mind as pain coursed through every cell in her body. “God, Stoker.”
“I want you.” Giving her a demanding look, he wrapped his arms around her ass, lifting her into his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and dropped her head, pressing kisses against his lips, her tongue drawing lazy circles. Mac whined but seemed to understand and she was more joyous than she had been her entire life.
Stoker carried her into the bedroom, fumbling to find the light.
Pushing back, she moaned. “Leave the light off.”
“No. I want to see every inch of you when I make love to you.”
Swooning, she crushed his mouth, savoring the sweet flavor of the man, the hint of bourbon, the slice of lime. Everything about the stunning cowboy was all rugged, passionate and she wanted nothing more than to make love for hours.
When he eased her onto her feet, he brushed the tips of his fingers down the length of her arms.
Jessica pushed his jeans past his hips, panting when she managed to free his cock. “Oh God.”
He chuckled and took a step back, fumbling to remove his boots.
She swayed back and forth as she worked to undress. Goose bumps covering every inch of her body, the scent of her desire wafting between them. Gulping air, she stood with her arms crossing over her breasts. While she wasn’t embarrassed, she was more naked and exposed with him than she had been before. This was giving every inch of her body and soul to the man she’d fallen in love with. This was about a passion for the ages.
Naked, Stoker pulled her to the heat of his chest, cupping her face in both hands. He issued a slight growl before rubbing his thumb back and forth across her lips.
Excitement surging through her, Jessica gripped his arms and darted her tongue to lick his thumb. She gave him a lust filled look. “Stoker.”
He slid his finger into her mouth as he lowered his head, nipping the tender flesh of her neck.
Arching her back, she sucked his thumb as she reached down, stroking the base of his cock. Her entire body trembling, she twisted her hand until the friction gave Stoker shakes.
“You are so bad,” he whispered then licked from her earlobe to her chin, finally capturing her mouth and sliding his tongue inside.
Every cell in her body on fire, she eased her hand between his legs, rolling his swollen balls between her fingers. The kiss became frenzied, their moves exaggerated. Moaning into the moment of passion, she squeezed his testicles, longing to be on her knees, sucking his thick and throbbing cock.
As if reading her mind, he broke the kiss and pushed her shoulders, the move needy but gentle. “Suck me. Dear God, suck me.”
Dropping down, Jessica licked around his cockhead as she gazed up, savoring the intense expression on his face.
“Do not tease me or I’ll paddle your ass.”
“I’ll tease you if I want,” she purred and sucked on the tip as she tightened her hold on his shaft, moving up and down.
Stoker threw his head back and moaned. Jutting his hips forward, the force thrust half his cock inside her mouth.
She closed her eyes and used her jaw muscles to clamp down as she continued pumping. Drops of pre-cum t
rickled into her mouth and she relaxed her throat muscles, sucking as she took his shaft down an inch at a time.
He intertwined his fingers in her hair as he began plunging in her mouth, every thrust methodical. Panting, he dropped his head, the moan becoming a strangled series of guttural sounds.
The taste of him was sweet and she wanted nothing more than to suck every drop. As she continued until her lower lip rested on the base of his cock, she gazed up at her lover, a moment of sheer ecstasy coursing through every cell.
“I want nothing more…” Groaning, he wiped his mouth as he gazed down at her. “I want this but I have to be inside of you.” Breaking the connection, he guided her to her feet, pressing his lips across hers. “I need you, all of you.” He eased her back onto the bed and crawled on top, pushing up with his hands.
She brushed the tip of her finger around his mouth as he hovered over her. Tingling, she palmed his chest, kneading his muscles. This moment was perfect, a beginning of something incredible. Lifting and opening her legs, she wrapped them around his hips. “I want you, more than you could know.”
He lowered his head until their lips were an inch apart as he ground his hips back and forth.
Crawling her hand down his chest to his groin, she eased the tip of his cock to her pussy. “Make love to me.”
Stoker gave her a single nod before thrusting the entire length of his cock deep inside. “Fuck!” His entire body shook as he remained in position.
She clamped her pussy muscles and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He licked his lips and gave her a hazy look before sliding his cock in an out, the move gentle, loving. “More?”
“No. Teasing,” she managed as she closed her eyes, a series of sweeping sensations creating goose bumps and quivers. No man had ever filled her this way. No man had ever been this perfect.
Allowing a burst of hot breath to escape, he thrust again. And again. His actions becoming more manic, passionate.