Updraft

by Bobbi Romans

  Updraft

  By

  Bobbi Romans

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All references to real places, people, or events are coincidental, and if not coincidental, are used fictitiously. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. eBooks are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving eBooks is a copyright infringement.

  Gifted © 2013 Bobby Romans

  Editor: Katriena Knights

  Cover Art: Marteeka Karland

  Books are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving eBooks is a copyright infringement.

  What happens when a blind date turns into an inferno?

  Pray for an updraft.

  And a smoking hot fireman who’ll stoke the flames rather than extinguish.

  Contents

  Chapter One. 4

  Chapter Two. 7

  Chapter Three. 10

  Chapter Four. 14

  Chapter One

  When Katerina cruised through the barroom doors, the last thing she expected was the Marilyn effect.

  A sudden gust from Mother Nature and bad placement of the entry steps caused her skirt to shoot straight to her armpits. Based on the number of catcalls, more than the few seated by the door caught sight of her hot pink thong and bubble-shaped ass. Her nipples puckered to tight little points, no doubt blaringly visible, from the cold updraft and thin fabric of her blouse.

  Of all damn nights.

  Had Jeanine, her roommate and bestie since high school days, not dared her to meet during the middle of freaking winter for a blind date, she wouldn’t be standing here mortified as hell. Kat never accepted offers for blind dates. Never. No exceptions. With Jeanine acting a little depressed, Kat hadn’t the heart to turn down her plea that eventually became a dare for her to agree and join them. So here she stood jerking the flimsy fabric of her dress down as eagle-eyed drunks scanned the expanse of leg peeking from beneath. Hell, they’d already seen her ass and thong, what was a little thigh at this point?

  Since her breakup with Sir Peckerhead, Kat had been in a major funk. If nothing else, PH had been seriously creative in bed. Sure, he had the attention span of a gnat and never spoke about a future, but most guys ran from such topics. Kat figured as time went on, things would change. Truth be known, Kat wasn’t a hundred percent sure she wanted long-term. At least not with PH--Pecker Head, as Jeanine had dubbed him. But when PH put the look on--the intense, I want to fuck expression--damned if her hormones didn’t send her running, shedding her clothes as she went.

  Her ex happened to be a tall Adonis with a super sized ego to match his large frame. Thing was, Paul sported more than one large head. Their last interlude should have clued her something was amiss. Paul tried a few new moves, suggesting she play with her vibrator while he watched. Not uncommon, but the urgency in which he begged to video her as she did, well, that set her danger to high alert. Not enough to make her quit her task. Her little neon pink friend amply aided her in prepping for Paul and his not-so-normal size.

  He’d grabbed her ankles, yanked her to the end of the bed then tossed her over his shoulder. Kat thought he’d head them toward the shower, but instead he opened up first the bedroom door, then the patio doors, not even caring if Jeanine was home or had company. Kat sensed the difference about him. As he urged her against the banister, buried his head between her legs with the sounds of car horns and chatter not far enough away for her liking, she’d started to protest. But hello, who wants to stop a dude when he’s eating Southern? Not her. He’d flipped her around in the next second and taken her from behind. His arm pulled her waist to cant her hips for optimum entry.

  The push, stretch and eventual slide on a forceful thrust. Yeah the sex was hot. Different, even. After they’d both climaxed, he’d pecked her cheek, headed for the shower and thirty minutes later he was gone from her life.

  “Kat, over here,” Jeanine shrieked from a rear booth of Pistachio.

  Who names a place Pistachio? Kat thought, striding over while mustering up as much dignity as possible. From where they sat, Kat figured she had decent odds the group missed her indecent entry. She smoothed her long dark locks then her skirt one last time. She’d come dressed up but, short of a little mascara to accentuate her green eyes and a little lip-gloss, she was bare-faced, as she’d run out of time for anything more.

  The two men stood as Kat neared the table. A ginger who was more carrot than the new politically correct term, and a man appearing a bit older, but far more buff and thankfully a lot less red. Now to pray that her date happened to be the older, fitter guy.

  “Kat, this is Magnus”--Jeanine pointed to the freckled, fair-haired man--“my date. And this is his friend, Stephen, your date.” He’d stood as she’d arrived, and wow, towered over her. Had to be at least six foot three. For being so tall, he was thankfully not thin. She’d never been into skinny guys. Kat liked ‘em thick from plenty of muscles. His hair was short enough to appear groomed, but not enough to indicate he went weekly for trims. His best feature--well, for now--was his eyes. Smokey gray. Kat didn’t think she’d ever seen the shade before.

  Kat breathed a heavy sigh of relief before sliding in next to Jeanine.

  “Nice to meet you both. So what are the plans tonight?” Damn. By their expressions, Kat guessed she’d come off a bit too “is this shit over yet, and can I slink home in shame now?”

  “Oh, the guys asked if we’d want to catch the new horror flick premiering tonight. Lake Monster. ” Jeanine hated scary flicks, yet sitting next to Magnus, decked out in her please come fuck me outfit, she glowed and acted as though horror were her favorite genre.

  Kat knew she’d feel like an old asshat if she begged off ill later, and so resigned herself to a lengthy date. Though, to be honest, Stephen did classify as eye-candy. Well, if he’d loosen up a bit. The man seemed wound tighter than a string about to pop on a guitar.

  “Sure, sounds like, uh, fun.” Kat hoped she came off believable.

  They started with drinks, but about an hour before they were set to leave for the movie, Jeanine, no doubt trying get Magnus tipsy to take advantage of him during the movie, ordered Jell-O shots. By the time they left, Kat was thankful of the crisp winter air, hoping it would calm her spinning head. Between the Jell-O shots and her heels, when Jeanine suggested they walk rather than ride the three blocks to the theater, all sympathy for her friend evaporated.

  Kat thought she’d managed a miracle until they got within eyeshot of their destination and her heel caught in a crack in the pavement. She not only went down, but took a stunned Stephen with her.

  Falling is embarrassing. Landing with your face on your date’s dick...well, that’s a whole new level of mortification. Oddly, on the way down to the pavement, she was on the bottom and Stephen above. The man maneuvered them so he’d take the brunt of the hit, and she’d have the more cushioned fall.

  “Thanks. Not sure how you twisted us like that, but, uh—how’s your back?”

  “I’m good. You okay?”

  Kat caught the humor and a twinge of something else flaring in his eyes. Before she had a chance to answer, his buddy Magnus cut through the awkward.

  “Those badass super hero fireman skills of his. Who else could pull off such a stunt? Ya know. Going from a bad fall to having your dates face in your crotch before the night even started.”

  Jeanine elbowed her date in the ribs, but, God love her, lost her shit, and held her stomach while rolling with
laughter.

  “Oh, c’mon Kat. You should have seen your face. Oh, my God, you were epic.”

  “You’re a fireman?” The detail hadn’t slipped passed her.

  “A true hero. He saved an old lady a few years back. I mean, roof coming down, flames shooting out the windows--the works. Moron even went back in for her cat. Old lady cried so hard, Stephen chanced going back in.” Magnus rolled his eyes, but Kat knew to some, animals were as much family as any human.

  “We probably better head in to get our tickets before we miss the beginning of the movie,” Steven suggested before shooting her an embarrassed smile.

  “Two for Lake Monster, please.”

  Chapter Two

  Kat stood back, digging through her purse for her debit card. Right as Kat found the buried bastard, a firm hand enclosed around hers.

  “Sorry, but I’m a little old-fashioned when it comes to dating. I invited you, so I’ll pay.”

  “Yeah, but you were probably roped into this, as I was. Not exactly a planned event.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I’m glad I accepted.”

  Kat had to give him props. He actually appeared to mean what he said. “Yeah, your date face-planted on you.”

  “Look at this way. I already got to third base.”

  It was her turn to laugh. A chivalrous fireman, good-looking and a sense of humor. Maybe she wouldn’t kill Jeanine later after all.

  The movie turned out to be some eighties reject flashback. The monster? Ha, a hornier version of Creature from the Black Lagoon.

  A light brush of warm air tickled her ear.

  “This is so not what I thought it would be,” Stephen whispered. His lips brushed her ear, and tingles shot straight to her pussy. Kat crossed her legs, feeling fidgety. She’d read something about men being able to scent when a woman became aroused. If that were true, Stephen would know. And damned if his sudden glance in her direction made it seem like he did.

  Could this night get any worse?

  Kat’s question was answered when they pulled up to the apartment she shared with Jeanine. Flames were shooting through the mid-section of the roof near Jeanine’s room.

  “Stay here,” Stephen yelled, racing toward the duplex. “Call 9-1-1,” he shot over his shoulder as he disappeared into the thick plumes of smoke.

  Magnus was on the phone, and Kat saw the color drain from Jeanine’s face.

  “Oh no. What did you do?” Kat had a sinking feeling she knew the answer.

  “I’m trying to remember if I unplugged the flat iron,” she mumbled with tears welling.

  “Oh, I’m sure the thing had the safety shut-off feature,” Kat offered not believing her own words.

  “No. It was one of those off-brand ones that a friend gave me. She told me she’d noticed it wasn’t shutting off,” Jeanine wailed. “I’m so sorry Kat.”

  Upset? Hell, yeah. Jeanine could be an airhead of epic proportions. She was also the kindest person Kat had ever known.

  “We’ll figure something out.” Kat hugged her friend and worried about Stephen. Surely he should have come back out by now. No way would he be able to breathe in such heavy fumes.

  “Fire department will be here any second,” Magnus stated, pulling Jeanine into an embrace. Kat readily let go and wondered about the extent of the damage.

  When a large plume of smoke billowed out the door, panic helped her decide if Stephen didn’t get his ass out in the next few seconds, she’d head in. It was her home, albeit a rental, not his, to try and save.

  Right as sirens pierced the crackling night air, Stephen emerged. Covered in black ash from head to toe and carrying what appeared to be a couple of photo albums tucked under his arm.

  “Oh, my God. You scared the shit out of me.” Kat ran over to make sure he hadn’t been burned.

  “I’m fine. Grabbed what I saw of value on my way back out.”

  Kat viewed the books in her hands. Her family albums. Since her parents’ deaths, these were all she had left of them. Tears pooled as she realized the significance of his save. What he’d risked and the enormity of his choice in the items he grabbed. Before she had a chance to properly thank him, he took off toward the approaching fire truck.

  Hours later, with the flames safely extinguished and much of her home in ruins, Stephen stunned her yet again. Sure, she hadn’t been surprised when Magnus suggested Jeanine move in with him. Jeanine had already hinted she’d hoped Magnus would suggest she did, when their lease was up, but Kat hadn’t expected her blind date to do the same.

  “I have no idea what to say. Won’t I be putting you out? Cramping your bachelor style and all?”

  “No, not a bit. I’ll warn you, though. Um, I’m not the best at housekeeping. So, compared to your level of clean, mine may not be quite the tidiest of places.”

  Kat didn’t doubt a bachelor pad might be strewn with pizza boxes, dirty boxers and stinky socks. She shot one last look at her once-upon-a-time home and tried to shake off the sadness.

  “What?”

  “At least it’s a place to rest my head. I can go to hotel, but if you’re sure—then I’d prefer to save my cash towards whatever I end up renting.” Kat had no qualms accepting some help. This was an emergency, and he’d already risked his life saving her most precious possessions.

  Kat grabbed her albums from the curb and buckled herself into Stephen’s Jeep.

  “So, where do you live?” Kat began to break the awkward silence.

  “Mystic Arbor.”

  “Wow. Nice area,” Kat commented. Something about the drum of the engine and all the major events of the evening, pulled Kat into a drowsy state. She yawned and tried to shake the sleepiness settling, but when Stephen suggested she shut her eyes for a moment, she didn’t argue.

  A gentle hand on her shoulder woke her with a warmth she hadn’t known she’d missed. “Hey, sleepyhead. We’re home.” That was a phrase she hadn’t heard in a long time.

  Gah. Kat caught the drool at the corner of her mouth and prayed Stephen hadn’t noticed the quick wipe.

  Guwah. Bachelor pad, her ass. Her entire apartment times two would fit in the garage. She’d have to ask him later, once they were more acquainted, how a fireman, a bachelor no less, ended up in Mystic Arbor.

  Stephen came around and helped her out. The realization she’d lost everything hit home. She didn’t even own another pair of clothes. No toothbrush, hairbrush, clean undies...nothing. Her life had literally gone up in smoke.

  “It’ll be fine.” Stephen whispered, pulling her towards the massive door to his home.

  He’d read her mind, and again, his deep voice soothed the building heartache though it did prompt another type of ache. Kat wondered if he was as good a lover as he was a person.

  She should be bawling, not envisioning him butt naked and between her thighs.

  “Thanks,” she sniffled, taking in the place. “Where’s the bachelor’s mess?”

  He laughed and damn, even the sound of it caused her to get all bajiggidty.

  “Let me show you around before I shower this barbecue smell off.” Kat knew he was trying to keep the mood light for her benefit and truly appreciated his effort.

  The kitchen was massive, the dining area quaint, and the living room was a techno geek’s wet dream. At the top of the stairs he opened the door to his room, and James Bond was her first thought.

  The master bedroom contained a giant California King bed complete with leather headboard, matching side tables and numerous, large, exotic plants decorating the corners. But that wasn’t what struck her tongue-tied. The fact the entire ceiling was mirrored drew every bit of moisture from her mouth and sent it south. She side-eyed Stephen, who wore a peculiar expression.

  “And this way to your quarters.” He held an arm out to the hallway for her to follow him.

  “I converted two of the bedrooms up here into a gym and office.” He mentioned as he opened up the doors to those rooms.

  Office? Since when did firemen need
offices?

  He opened the door to her new accommodations at the end of the hall, and she fell in love. The room was huge, featuring an enormous walk-in closet and French doors leading out onto a private balcony.

  “I hope you’ll find everything comfortable.”

  He laughed when she shot him an “Are you fucking kidding?” look.

  Her accommodations included a queen bed complete with feather top mattress if the slight lumpiness to the comforter was any indication. Poor man might have to pay her to leave this hidden slice of Eden.

  “Well, make yourself at home. Kitchen’s fully stocked, but I’m dying to get out of these clothes. I’ll meet you down in the kitchen in a few, unless you’re wanting to hit the sack?”

  “No. Adrenaline is still pumping, I’m afraid.”

  Chapter Three

  The door bell chimed, and Kat shot Stephen a sympathetic expression. The poor guy just wanted a shower.

  “If you don’t mind, would you answer that while I grab that rinse?”

  “What? What if they want you?”

  “It’s my sister dropping something off and I already explained you’d be here.” At her arched brow, he explained. “I called her when you dozed off on the ride over.”Before she could protest further, Stephen turned and headed back to his room.

  Kat made her way downstairs and prepared to meet his sibling

  She opened the door to a spunky, pregnant, pixie-sized blonde, who bubbled in right past her without stopping for an invite. Not that she needed one, being family, but still.

  “Hi! You must be Kat. I’m Stephen’s sister, Mary and I’m so, so sorry about your place. How horrible. I can’t stay but a minute or the hubs will have kittens. Keeps thinking I’ve gone into labor and he’s missing it. Anyway, here ya go. I wasn’t sure what size you wore, so I grabbed anything with an elastic waist.”