Hot As Blazes

by Dani Jace

  “So is this payback for what you think I did?” His spine stiffened.

  “What I know you did. Paying you back wasn’t my intent, but it’s fun to watch you suffer anyway.”

  “You don’t know shit.” Harley wouldn’t believe him if he told him the truth about his fiancée. The man always had to win. He’d dealt with it up until now. With Jo, he drew the line.

  “She’s right to be afraid. There’s more going on than you know. More than she knows.” He crossed his arms and leaned on the bar.

  “You’ve got her back, then?” He hated asking, but he loved Jo more than his pride.

  “Since she first walked in that door and asked for a beer.”

  “You hired her on purpose?” What the fuck? He stood.

  “I needed a barkeep, and she’d blipped on DEA’s radar.” He smirked.

  “DEA?”

  “Yeah, I’m one of their CIs.”

  “She knows?” Ray’s heart pounded. Holy shit, the guy was in deep.

  “I didn’t tell her until she’d been cleared. I swore her to secrecy, so don’t hold it against her. Someone’s doing a nice job messing with her and Bobby.”

  “You think its Vic?” His head began to throb.

  “Someone local. Probably acting on the prick’s instructions. But now that Vic’s free, he’ll probably want to make it personal.”

  Okay, he was officially out of his league. “So what’s your plan?”

  “Like she told you on the phone, I gave her a gun, showed her the basics and gave her a panic remote.”

  “Is she staying with you?” The answer would direct the rest of his life.

  “She’s too stubborn for that.” Harley grinned. “But when she’s not here working, I’ve got her calling me a couple of times a day. My intel says the fucker is still in Florida. He’ll let her get comfortable before he tries anything. I am glad you’re back, though. Another set of eyes never hurts.”

  “You added my number to the pager?”

  “Yep. Between nine-one-one, Bobby, you and me, someone should be able to get to her if trouble knocks.”

  “I hope you’re right, Harley.”

  Chapter 37

  Jo finished adjusting her new uniform while waiting for Bobby. He arrived in his dress blues, without Sarah. Her heart broke a little more.

  “Okay if we take the Bronco tonight? After the pinning ceremony, I’ll drop you at The Casino and then grab my stuff from her place.”

  It seemed they were both doomed in relationships. She grabbed her bag and outfit for later. “You’re giving up?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “She gave me the ring back. What am I supposed to do, Jo?”

  No one else would’ve caught the shadow crossing his face. They had learned to hide their hurt well after their mother left. Stepping into his space, she gave him a big hug. “I’m so sorry.”

  Returning her embrace, he said, “Come on sis, tonight is about you. You’ve worked so hard, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

  As much as she loved her brother, she ached to hear the words from Ray more.

  Upon their arrival, she scanned the auditorium. No man there exuded a quiet, male confidence, poured into a frame that resembled an NFL tight end. She quelled a gloomy sigh and found Tami with her mom and kids.

  Out of the nearly forty candidates who’d started, only twenty-five made the final cut. As Jo sat in her dress blues with her classmates, she scanned the crowd once more.

  The county officials made their promotional speeches before the fire chief called each candidate individually to the stage. When he called her name, she made her way to the stage and shook hands, accepting her certificate.

  Next, all fire candidates lined up at the front of the auditorium to accept their pin. Most graduates requested family members to present their metal. Bobby stepped in front of her. His eyes brightened as he fastened the insignia above her breast pocket.

  “Congratulations, sis. Dad would have been so proud of you,” he whispered. With a light kiss to her cheek, he brushed away a rogue tear.

  They were both silent during the drive to the nightclub. Jo wasn’t in the mood to party, but she didn’t want to help him leave Sarah’s either. Shaking hands with her buddy Jack seemed to fit the bill.

  He wheeled into The Casino’s parking lot. “Just call me when you’re ready to leave.”

  “Thanks.” She pecked his cheek. “I love you. Thanks for being there.”

  “Ray would’ve come if he could have. You guys need to work on things.”

  “Back at you. I’ll think about that tomorrow,” she finished in her most southern drawl.

  “Okay, Scarlet, but remember how Gone with the Wind ended.”

  “Yeah, and I never wanted to be a fucking steel magnolia, either, but here I am.” She grinned and slid from the seat.

  She tugged at her snug denim skirt as she reached the entrance, wishing she’d brought jeans instead. The only man who mattered liked her in cutoffs and a tank top.

  Her eyes adjusted to the subdued lighting as loud music echoed from the walls and skylights of the multi-level nightclub. A heavy brown-eyed stare willed her in the direction of a small table hidden in one of the alcoves.

  Harley eyed her as she approached.

  “Hey babe. Congratulations. Sorry, I don’t do the ceremony thing.”

  “Yeah, I know. Wedding receptions but not the wedding.”

  “You should wear this outfit at the bar.” He glanced at her cleavage then wandered further down to her barely-there skirt. “You’d get major tips.”

  She adjusted her top.

  Tami left the pretzel mix she’d been gobbling at the bar and rushed over.

  “Harley.” He smiled and extended a large paw. “You’re Jo’s academy partner.”

  “Tami. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She accepted his hand.

  “God, there’s Cousin Eddie.” Jo told a white lie taking her friend’s exit cue.

  Joel Surferdude met her on the way to the main bar. Only the first week of April, and he was already deeply tanned. “How’s it going, Jo? Been waiting for your call, girl.”

  She stopped. “Sorry. The fire academy nearly consumed me, but I’m done. Graduated tonight.”

  “I’d still like to hire you as an instructor if you can spare a couple of hours here and there. The season starts in three weeks. Promise you’ll let me know?”

  “Definitely. I might need some work until I’m assigned a station. I still have your number.” She reached to shake his hand when a pretty girl grabbed him by the arm. Go Joel.

  She squeezed through the horde of people and found a seat at corner of the main bar. From her perch she had a perfect view of coming attractions. She swiveled around surveying the crowd hoping for a Hemanus.

  Hopes dashed, she eyed the bartender. He quickly returned with her favorite quaff. She started to take a sip when an invisible force compelled her attention across to the opposite side of the square bar. Straight into a demon-blue gaze.

  Sitting between a couple firefighters, he ignored the conversation around him. His black polo shirt only emphasized his massive shoulders and the ribbed armbands strained at his biceps, as all six foot four of him dwarfed those next to him.

  Her mouth dried, while another body part went liquid. Her pulse quickened. She gripped her glass with fingers as cold as the ice chilling her drink.

  Ray stared with his chin resting on the knuckles of one hand.

  Fiery heat cursed through her veins better than whiskey. She offered a tentative smile then a busty brunette squeezed between him and his friend.

  So he wasn’t here for her. As her heart imploded, she drained the rest of her drink. Only Harley and Tami grinding pelvis to pelvis kept her from being sucked into a black hole. Ray had made it back in time to party with his brothers, but not her graduation. She deserved what she got, she supposed.

  Another round arrived and she s
wirled the liquor around in the frosted tumbler.

  “Is that really what you want?” Ray’s husky voice murmured behind her ear.

  “It’ll do.” She didn’t turn around. “Aren’t you otherwise engaged?”

  “No, but I suspected you would be.”

  She shifted her sights to Harley and Tami on the dance floor. “Nope.”

  Ray crowded next to her, making it impossible to avoid eye contact. Up close, lines around his eyes marred his handsome face. From the tilt of his head and set of his mouth, she read remorse and regret.

  “Congratulations, Dahlin’.” He lighted a kiss on her cheek.

  “Thanks.” He unbalanced her with a mere touch.

  “I’ve never seen Bobby so proud as when he pinned on your badge.”

  Her heart lurched, tapping a tattoo against her ribs. “You were there?”

  He nodded and took her hand. “I had the feeling someone else who loves you was there, too.”

  A warm current passed from his fingers to hers. Her eyes stung and started to water. He’d felt her dad’s presence, too. Strung tight like a bowstring his body hummed with tension.

  She wished she could read his thoughts. “Didn’t think you’d be back in time.”

  He pressed closer then soothed the skin along the side of her neck where her pulse thrummed.

  His clean outdoorsy scent intoxicated her more than the Jack. Wild and all possessing male. His fingers caressed the curve of her shoulder and then loosely through her hair. “Wasn’t sure you wanted me there.”

  His words electrified her like his touch. She fought for a second and then allowed the essence of him to run through her. He looked gaunt and tired, like someone who had been wrestling with their soul. She’d seen the same lost expression in the mirror. “There isn’t anyone in the world I wanted there more.”

  His jaw relaxed as his lips parted in a sad smile. “I was wrong to accuse you.”

  “I was ashamed and too scared to tell you everything.” Harley had warned her but she’d refused to listen.

  Ray’s warm lips grazed her temple.

  Jo’s bones mellowed. He owned her. Always had. Maybe that frightened her the most.

  His gaze left her for Tami and Harley who were dancing a slow number. Melted together like sticks of butter. “I hate the way he looks at you.”

  She tossed back the rest of her drink. “He looks at every woman that way.” She attempted to lighten his mood.

  “Someone driving you home?” He looked at her empty glass.

  “Bobby’s picking us up.” She glanced at Tami. “But she might have other plans.”

  He inclined his head. “Is it always going to be this way between us, break-up and make-up?”

  “Have we made up?” She twirled the ice around in her glass.

  “So what are we doing, now?” He asked with eyes narrowing.

  “Flirting?” She shrugged.

  His eye color lightened. Straight, sexy lips drew back revealing a genuine grin, emphasizing his boyish dimples that made her heart flip. “I like the sound of that. How about a little flirting on the dance floor at the next slow number?”

  Whiskey had warmed her insides. Ray forced the sensation to migrate south. “Okay, but while we’re waiting, I have a question. Why did you call Papagayos and not my cell?”

  “Uh―no answer. I tried the bar on a hunch that you’d be there.”

  Smooth cover, but his hesitation said otherwise. “So what were Harley and you talking about before I got on the line?”

  He frowned. “I only asked if you were there and if he gave you a gun.”

  She accepted his evasiveness for her benefit.

  His hand slipped around her waist in a sensual caress. “Come with me?”

  He whisked her off the bar stool and maneuvered her past the dance floor to a line of darkened booths.

  A lanky, shaggy haired blonde stood. Tommy from Ray’s crew motioned them over with a smile and moved to sit beside Georgia. A planned get-together it seemed.

  “Congratulations, Jo.” Georgia raised her hand for a high-five. “We want to give a toast in your honor tonight. We’ve appreciated your help on our calls.”

  “Aww, thanks.” She slid onto the empty side of the booth and Ray crowded beside her, making sure his thigh touched hers. Knowing what he could do with those muscular legs made her weak at the knees.

  A waitress stopped long enough to ask Ray and her for a drink order. Shop talked ensued including the last accident scene.

  “You did good, Jo.” Georgia nodded.

  With his arm around her shoulder, Ray squeezed her tight. “Think the captains noticed, too.”

  Their compliments gave her more confidence than she’d been feeling in the last few days. Sometimes it took someone else saying they believed in you. She should have given Ray the same break.

  Their drinks arrived and Tommy raised his mug. “Cheers. Ears back. Hair on fire.”

  “To Jo.” Georgia met their glasses.

  A few more slow songs played before the guitar chords of Far Away by Nickelback echoed through the nightclub. Ray eased from the booth and drew her with him. His possessive palm urged her to the dance floor.

  Beneath colored lights, she dissolved against him. It was hard to stay angry in his arms. Better than any pillow, she rested her head against his shoulder and the world faded away. Against her ear, he hummed the lyrics to the song about friends separated by distance, finally proclaiming their love and pledging to never let go. It could have been written for them.

  * * * *

  Ray gathered her tighter, feeling her quiver. He’d never connected to anyone so intimately. Putting aside his hurt, he allowed the moment to fill him. He hoped she’d forgive him. At least she’d let him hold her. He’d wanted to be the one to pin on her firefighter pin, but he’d lost that right when he’d bugged out.

  When the song ended, he tipped her chin and begged a kiss. The act only hinted at his raw hunger. Her soft lips answered timidly.

  She was still leery. He caressed the curve at the back of her head. Her scent reminded him of summers on the beach. Claiming her mouth fully, the smoky-sweet whiskey combined with her unique flavor for an exotic mix. More intoxicating than liquor, he savored her. His body tightened as she molded against him. He edged them to a secluded corner off the dance floor.

  The last few days he’d felt as raw as third degree burn. No amount of Scotch could numb his heartache. The little sleep he’d snagged only left him agitated. He ran a finger along the contour of her face while searching her gaze. “I meant those words.”

  The deep amber of her eyes seemed infinite then they turned glassy. She pressed a hand against his chest.

  He stepped back, releasing her. She wouldn’t be won over by a song and a kiss. “Sorry, this is your night to celebrate.”

  A sad smile crossed her lips. “It’s just that we need to―”

  “Talk. I know.”

  Chapter 38

  His singing had stripped her of pretense. With her hand at the center of his chest, she felt his powerful heartbeat. Even though they still had issues, she couldn’t walk away. Tears gathered in her eyes blurring her vision. She hated that he assumed she was rejecting him. Taking his hand, she drew him close. Hoping to ease his apprehension, she put her arms around his neck. “Drive me home?”

  His eyes lit up and his mouth quirked in a little boy smile. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go, Dahlin’.”

  The rings of Saturn might be far enough to keep them safe.

  After saying goodnight to his crew, they headed for the door.

  Tami rushed at them, huffing and waving her hands. “Hurry, he’s sick. Harley, I mean. Something’s wrong. Hurry!”

  “Where is he?” Already in professional mode, Ray stalked behind her.

  “In his truck. He’s having trouble breathing.”

  Ray shot Jo an I told you so look as they increas
ed to a jog to keep up.

  She opened the door to Harley’s pick-up and leaned over him. “Are you okay?”

  He wheezed and shook his head.

  “When did this start?” She leveled a stare at Tami.

  “I don’t know. Uh, we were kissing and after a few minutes he started gasping for breath.”

  Ray reached for his phone and dialed nine-one-one. “Did you suck the life out of him? His lips are turning blue.”

  Tami’s glare didn’t appear to faze him. He checked Harley’s pulse and counted respirations.

  “Is he allergic to anything that you know of, Jo?”

  “Peanuts. He won’t serve them at the bar.”

  “I ate some snack mix earlier at the bar.” Tami slapped her hand over her mouth. “It might have had some peanuts in it.” Her eyes bugged.

  Ray leaned into the truck next to Jo. “Harley, do you have an EpiPen?”

  He shook his head.

  “Damn.” Jo didn’t think he looked good.

  “I do.” Tami babbled. “I’m allergic to bees.”

  “Get it.” Ray instructed calmly, collected like at the accident scene.

  Georgia had said he was a cool-headed firefighter always having your back.

  Tami whipped a twin pack of EpiPens from her purse and handed them over.

  After checking the expiration date, Ray popped the top off one and jabbed the tip into Harley’s thigh, through his jeans. He kept the pressure on the large syringe until the medication injected. Afterward, he massaged the muscle, working the epinephrine into Harley’s bloodstream.

  Sirens echoed in the night air. Help couldn’t arrive fast enough.

  “His color is looking better. How’re you feeling, Harley?” Ray said after a long minute.

  He gave a thumbs up as swirling lights bathed them in red. Behind the ambulance, an engine roared into The Casino’s parking lot. The cavalry happened to be B-shift, from Ray’s Station.

  He filled the EMTs in on Harley’s condition. After a quick assessment, the EMTs readied Harley for a ride to the hospital. Tami paced behind the rig like a worried girlfriend.