“Deadly.”
A smile spreads across my face before I launch myself at him and slam my lips down on his.
“Yes, yes…you can move in.”
Epilogue
Bryony
Six Months Later…
“Pack a bag, we’re going away for the weekend,” Freddie says the moment I step through the front door.
“Sorry, what?”
“Go and pack a bag, we’re going away for the weekend,” he repeats slowly like I’m a total idiot.
“I heard, dick.” I go to slap his shoulder, but he’s quicker. His fingers wrap around my wrist and I’m pulled up against his chest.
“Hey,” he says, smiling down at me.
“Hey. Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” I narrow my eyes at him in question, but he doesn’t break.
“How long have you been planning this?” I ask as I head for our bedroom.
“A while. Now, hurry up, we don’t want to miss our flight.”
“Flight?” I ask, feeling a little flustered about having to pack on the spot. I usually plan my packing weeks in advance for any trip.
“Yes, flight.”
“Well, what do I need?”
“Clothes and stuff.”
“Clothes and stuff?” I repeat. “How well do you even know me?” Placing my hands on my hips, I wait for a better explanation.
“You’re such a girl,” he complains. “Just grab a pair of jeans, a couple of t-shirts, some nice dresses, and some sexy shoes.”
“You’re such a boy.” I roll my eyes, but I turn and start pulling clothes from my wardrobe.
“Hand luggage only.”
“What? You’re kidding?”
“No, I’m not. We’re leaving in ten minutes,” he calls over his shoulder with a laugh.
“We’re going to Las Vegas?” I ask when we walk into our departure gate.
“We are.” His eyes light up with excitement. It’s infectious.
“Amazing. It’s on my bucket list. Thank you.”
Leaning over, I give him a quick kiss before we walk over to board the plane, hand in hand.
“I can’t believe you booked us a suite. A fucking suite! I feel like a freaking celebrity,” I squeal as we ride the elevator towards the top of the most lavish hotel I’ve ever stepped foot in.
“Only the best for my girl.” Tingles fill my entire body. We might have been together for six months now, but I still can’t quite believe it.
After a few weeks of living with me back in St. Louis, Freddie managed to find himself a job. It wasn’t anywhere near as good as his previous one, but he’s never once complained. He’s fallen into my life and routine easily, and thankfully he gets on with my girls’ boyfriends.
“This is us.”
“Are you okay? You look a little stressed.”
“Yeah I’m good,” he says, but his face is a little hard, nothing like his usual happy-go-lucky self.
“Okay.”
He slides the key through the machine and pushes the door open for me to enter first.
I’m expecting to walk into a silent hotel suite, so when a group of people suddenly shout, “Surprise!” I just about shit my pants. My heart pounds as I struggle to process what I’m seeing.
All my friends, my parents, and Mac and Tessa are standing in front of me with huge smiles on their faces.
I look back over my shoulder to find Freddie, but he’s gone. Well, he’s not gone, he’s just not standing anymore. Instead, he’s on one knee with a little black box in his hand.
“Holy shit.”
I can’t drag my eyes away from his intense stare as he waits to see if I’m going to freak out.
“Bryony?” he asks. All I can do is nod. “You okay?”
“I…I don’t know.” My heart’s racing so much, I feel a little lightheaded, but to my own amazement, I want to know what he’s about to say.
“Bryony, I know how you feel about your own wedding, but there’s no way I’m spending the rest of my life without you as my wife. So, will you do me the greatest pleasure of agreeing to spend the rest of your life with me and having the most low-key wedding I could come up with?”
I can’t help the laugh that falls from my lips because as utterly insane as this is, it’s also incredibly perfect and so thoughtful.
“Yes. Yes, of course I will.”
Freddie’s smile splits his face before he jumps up, wraps me in his arms, and spins us both around. I’m vaguely aware of cheers behind us, but they fade into the background as Freddie sings, “She said yes,” in my ear.
“Shit, the ring,” he says, placing me back on my feet and opening the box for me. Inside sits a stunning, simple princess cut diamond on a platinum band. I couldn’t have chosen something more perfect if I did it myself.
Holding out my trembling hand, he slides the ring up my finger.
“Oh my God. I can’t believe we’re engaged,” I say, staring at my ring.
“You’d better get used to the idea fast because we’re getting married in about...” He glances at his watch. “Two hours.”
“What?” It’s only then I look back at the others and everything starts to make sense. “They’re here to watch us get married?”
“They are. Even though you don’t want a show, I thought you’d regret not having them there.”
Sliding my arms around his shoulders, I pull his head down so it rests against mine. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”
“Hopefully as much as I love you. Now, there’s no time for chitchat. You’ve got a dress waiting for you.”
Acknowledgments
I’ve been looking forward to writing Bryony’s story since she first appeared as Rose’s best friend in All Star Player. She was the loud and slightly crazy friend who was clearly hiding something. I’ve really enjoyed discovering what that secret was, and I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering a little more about her.
I’ve loved writing this little group of friends’ stories and I’m excited to dive into Vaughan next and discover the man who’s going to make her knees a little weak. That’s going to be coming very soon, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for details.
As always, a huge thank you to Michelle, my alpha, reading Something Borrowed for me at the last minute, and to Michelle for editing for me. I couldn’t have done this without either of you.
Obviously, I can’t forget my incredible author friends. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to find myself working with you all. You challenge me and inspire me daily, and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for us.
And last, but never least, my husband and daughter for your love and support.
Until next time,
Tracy xo
Her Smokin’ Firefighter
Prologue
Vaughan
“Please, darling. I haven’t seen you for over a year. I really want you to meet Derek. His kids are going to be here, and I just know you’ll hit it off with his girls, they’re wonderful,” my mom begs over the phone.
I knew this was coming. Every time she gets married again, she demands that I must come and meet him because he’s the one. Well Derek, my latest stepdad, is probably number eight on her list of the ones. I bite my tongue to keep the sarcastic remark about how they’ll probably end up divorced within the year inside. I’ve been here time and time again with my mom and she’s yet to listen to anything I say.
“I’ve got plans, Mom.”
“Plans that are more important than seeing me? I miss my baby.” Her voice turns sad and I can’t stop it from pulling at my heartstrings.
It’s not because we don’t get along that we haven’t seen each other in over a year. We get along just fine. It’s more that we’re both stubbornly independent and too focused on our own things. For me, that’s my job and for Mom, it’s finding a husband. Somehow she’s turned dating and getting married into a full-time job and I just don’t have the time for it.
“Please
, Vaughan. I really want you to meet Derek. He’s the one, I just know it this time.”
“Okay, fine,” I say, unable to refuse when she sounds so pathetic begging.
“Really?”
“Really. I can only stay a few days though because I’ve got to be back for work. I’ll look for flights now.”
“You’re going to Colorado for Fourth of July?” Cherry, my housemate’s, eyes widen at my admission when I find her having breakfast the next morning. “But we’re supposed to be going to Seth’s mansion for fireworks.” She’s right and I’ve been looking forward to spending the evening with our friend Rose and her ex-NFL playing boyfriend.
“I know, you don’t need to remind me. I need to go and meet Mom’s latest husband.”
Cherry blows out a breath. “It won’t be the same without you, V.”
“I’m sure you’ll cope just fine. I was going to be the third wheel anyway with all you loved up couples.” I’m the only single one left in our group of friends now, something that is glaringly obvious when we all meet up. It doesn’t bother me. I’ve always been too career-focused to care all that much about finding a boyfriend, but I can’t help feeling a little lonely when everyone has someone else to go home with at the end of the night.
“Some of Seth’s NFL friends are supposed to be going, so I’m sure you’d find plenty of company.”
“I know, I know,” I say sadly, thinking of what I could be missing out on while I’m getting to know my new family.
Letting out a sigh, I pour my morning coffee and try to forget about what I’ve agreed to.
1
Vaughan
“Oh my God. I can’t believe you’re here at last,” Kelly, my childhood best friend, squeals when she finds me waiting in the restaurant she booked for us. We were tight growing up, but as the years went on it, became more and more obvious that we were like chalk and cheese. I was desperate to go to college and become a nurse, while she was more than happy to marry her childhood sweetheart and pop out a few kids. We’ve stayed in touch, but with both of us busy with life we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like.
Standing, I wrap my arms around her shoulders. Tears sting my eyes a little as we hold each other. It’s been too long.
“How did you get away with not going straight to your mom’s new place?” Kelly asks once we’re settled with drinks.
“I told her I was flying in first thing in the morning.”
“Good plan. I never would have got you to myself otherwise. So, how’s life in St. Louis? Got a man yet?”
“No, I do not have a man,” I say with a laugh.
“You need to work less, you might have time to find one then.”
“Jesus, you sound like my mom. I don’t need a man. I’m perfectly happy as I am.” I don’t need the two point five kids and the white picket fence to feel complete. It’s great for Kelly and I’m glad she’s happy but the idea of spending my days at home chasing snotty kids around and dusting fills me with dread.
By the time the waitress brings over the check, I know every single detail there is to know about her three kids and husband.
“You don’t have to go home yet, right? We can go for drinks? Maybe a little dancing?”
“Of course. I’ve got the whole night off.”
With my arm threaded through hers, we wander off down the street in search of a bar with decent cocktails.
I might have grown up here in Milltown, but it’s a little different from what I remember when I left for college ten years ago.
“Can we have two screaming orgasms, please?” I ask when the bartender heads over to where we’ve found a couple of stools.
He nods while Kelly’s cheeks heat bright red.
“What?” I ask when she looks over to find me chuckling to myself.
“I’m going to have fun tonight if you’re embarrassed by me asking for a screaming orgasm. You’re such a housewife.”
“I’m going to regret agreeing to this, aren’t I?”
“Probably,” I admit. “But I can promise you it won’t be a night you’ll forget anytime soon.”
“Just don’t get me drunk. I can’t do three kids and a hangover in the morning.”
“I make no promises.”
The bartender comes back over, but I hardly register it as Kelly hands some money over to pay. The guy who’s just taken up residence at the other end of the bar has all of my attention. He’s got shaggy blonde hair, dark eyes, and the squarest jaw I think I’ve ever seen and it’s only enhanced by the stubble covering it.
“Earth calling Vaughan,” I vaguely hear before Kelly’s hand waves in front of my face.
“Sorry, what?”
“I was asking what’s in this, it’s incredible.”
“Oh sorry.” Rattling off the list of ingredients in a screaming orgasm, I keep one eye on the guy hoping he might look my way. I might be on a girl’s night out, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to need someone to keep me entertained once she heads home to her husband.
2
Callum
Her red hair stands out amongst all the others in this bar the second I walk in. When I decided to renovate my house a few months ago, I didn’t expect it to turn into such a nightmare and that at almost thirty years old I’d be forced to move in with my dad and his new wife. I know it’s only temporary, but I feel like I’m going backward, once again living in a bedroom. The last week’s been bad enough, but now my sisters have descended for the fireworks and I feel like a fucking teenager again.
I escaped the house at the first opportunity this evening. I’d spent all day working and the last thing I needed was to spend the evening making small talk or hiding in my bedroom, especially with the long ass day tomorrow’s going to be. What I need is a distraction. And the woman who’s trying to discreetly eye me up from across the bar is perfect.
She’s trying to listen to whatever her friend’s saying, but every few seconds her gaze flits over to me. She’s wearing a plain little black dress that’s cut low enough in the front to tell me she’s got an insane rack, and fuck if I don’t want a piece of it.
“I’ll have another and whatever those two are drinking,” I say to the waiter, nodding in the direction of Red and her friend.
“Sure thing.”
I watched her friend sway her way to the bathroom a few seconds ago, so my target’s alone when the bartender delivers their drinks. Her eyes immediately rise and find me. If she’s surprised by the move, then she doesn’t show it. Instead, she holds my stare, nods her head slightly and slowly runs her tongue along her full bottom lip.
Swallowing down my desire, my cock swells, hoping to feel what those lips might be like wrapped around it.
Our stare holds as she lifts her glass to her lips and sips. My eyes drop from hers in favor of her lips and slender neck as she swallows.
She’s distracted when her friend reappears and places her hand on her forearm. She leans in and says something that makes Red’s face drop, well that’s until she turns her eyes back to mine. Her lips twitch at the corners and my pulse starts to race.
It’s on.
They hug before saying goodbye and her friend makes her way to the exit on unsteady legs.
Swallowing down the last of my pint, I stand from the stool and start heading her way. Her eyes burn into me as I get closer, but instead of stopping at her, I continue onward to the bathroom. Her shoulders drop slightly, and I know without a doubt that she’s leaving with me very, very soon.
When I return, she’s still sitting exactly where she was, alone with only her cocktail to keep her company.
Running my eyes down the length of her, I take in her long, red hair, her slim waist and the fuck-me heels adorning her feet. My cock twitches as the image of fucking her wearing nothing but those shoes fill my mind.
“You seem to have lost your drinking partner,” I whisper in her ear and delight in watching her shudder as my breath tickles down her neck.
&n
bsp; “So it seems,” she purrs, looking over her shoulder at me seductively.
“Can I?”
“I don’t know. Can you?”
I hear her challenge loud and clear. If she thinks her feistiness will put me off, then she’s got another thing coming.
“I’m pretty sure I can.”
My fingers gently brush from one side of her waist to the other as I move to the bar stool her friend vacated a few minutes ago.
“Can I have another pint and she’ll have a—”
“Screaming orgasm,” she requests with so much confidence I feel a little pride swell in my chest. It’s crazy because I don’t even know this woman.
“Callum,” I say, putting my hand out for her. The second she slides her fingers against mine a shock rushes up my arm and shoots straight down to my cock.
“Vaughan.” Her voice is barely a whisper as I lift her hand and press my lips to her knuckles.
I don’t release her straight away, instead, I keep her hand in mine as the bartender places our drinks in front of us. My eyes hold hers, they dilate, and I can practically see everything she wants playing out as a movie in her mind.
“I wasn’t expecting you to be British.” She pulls her hand from mine and reaches for her glass.
“And I wasn’t expecting to find someone as beautiful as you tonight. I hope you like surprises as much as I do.”
“I do. So what are you doing out drinking alone on a school night?”
“Long day.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a firefighter.”
“For real?”
“Yeah. I’m not the kind of man to make that shit up just to pull.”
“I should hope not because I’m not the kind of woman who takes well to bullshit.”
Flirty Ever Afters: A Flirt Club Collection Page 19