Hearts on Fire (The Hunter Family)

by Ashley Blake

  “Hi beautiful.”

  I instantly had butterflies and I was so happy to see him. I smiled at him and before I could say hi back he pulled me to him for a big hug. We held each other for at least a full minute and as a deep sigh escaped my lips he whispered in my ear.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  I pulled away a bit and looked at him.

  “I’ve missed you too.”

  He leaned down and gently kissed my lips and it felt like no time had passed between us. All of the feelings I had for him before washed over me and put my heart right back where it was three years before. I was so happy.

  “So you wouldn’t tell me where we were going for dinner, can you tell me now?”

  He gave me a sexy grin and gently patted me on the bottom.

  “Just grab your purse, you’ll see when we get there.”

  A few minutes later we pulled up to a really cool little vintage firehouse. Zane linked his fingers through mine as we walked up to the door and when we stepped inside I was blown away. The lights were turned down low, It was so warm and intimate and the vibe was very sexy. The walls were painted a deep burgundy with a neutral cream accent wall. There were a total of 10 tables, two private booths, a beautiful bar and that was it. It was a very chic little place.

  We were seated at a private booth and the waiter gave Zane a knowing look as he seated us, which I found to be a bit strange. And then I remembered that Zane was super popular when he was in the band so the guy must have been a fan. After we ordered I took a minute to really look around and take it all in.

  “Zane, this place is fantastic, how did you hear about it?”

  He took a deep breath and smiled. “Well, this is my place.”

  I was completely shocked.

  “Wait, what?”

  “This is our other bar.”

  “But, it’s a restaurant.”

  He winked at me. “We like to think of it as a bar/restaurant.”

  “Zane, I had no idea, I’m shocked right now. It’s just so awesome that you guys made this happen.”

  My words trailed off as I realized how much he had accomplished in the past three years while I was pretty much in the exact same place in my life. Zane went after his dream and made it happen while I let my fear get in the way and did nothing. I should have been further along in my life also, and I suddenly felt like a huge failure as I sat there thinking about what I had not accomplished in the last three years.

  The disappointment in myself must have been obvious because Zane immediately looked concerned and gently placed his hand over mine.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I felt embarrassed that I was even feeling the way that I was, but if anyone was going to understand how I was feeling it would be him because he knew how much I had been struggling with being Claire’s understudy for so many years.

  I looked down at my hands for a few seconds and then raised my eyes to his. "I am really happy for your success, I mean that, but I look at how much you have accomplished and the time we have been apart, and then I think about what I have not accomplished. I am pretty much in the same place as I was before, and I wonder what have I been doing?”

  “Abby, don’t beat yourself up, when you’re ready to make a change you will. I know you’re not happy with your position in that dance company and I know you can be the lead if you really wanted to. I think what you should be asking yourself is why you don’t want to work harder to be able to showcase your talent as the lead ballerina. You have it in you, I know you do.”

  He was right. Something in me was holding me back. My sister and I had been together most of our lives and she had this intangible quality that I couldn’t explain where she could charm the pants off of anyone. We were identical twins but Claire was more striking than me so I think I always felt like I was second best because people always noticed her first. There was probably a subconscious thing going on where I naturally felt like I had to take a back seat to her.

  “I appreciate that, I really do, Zane. Thanks.”

  “Any time. So, how are things with you and Claire?”

  I hesitated but then told him everything.

  “The only time we speak is during rehearsals.”

  “Really? You guys don’t live together anymore?”

  "No, but we still live in the same building. It's weird how things have changed but I think that the competition between us has really damaged our relationship. Claire isn’t the same person she was three years ago, I think her success in the company has really gone to her head.”

  "Really? That surprises me because she didn't strike me as that type of person. Can I ask you something without you getting upset?”

  “Sure.”

  "I know how long you were her understudy and I know how much that used to bother you. Do you think that's the reason that you guys aren’t as close as used to be, or has Claire really changed?”

  I thought about what he said for a few seconds and then I answered him.

  "You know, I thought about that and I really do think that she has changed, but I guess it's partially me too. It's probably a combination of both of us. All I know is I wish we had the relationship that we used to have, I miss her.”

  “You really should tell her that, Abby. Life is too short.”

  "I don't know, I'm not sure she would even listen to me at this point. I'll say something to her eventually. Anyway, let's change the subject. How long has this place been open?”

  “Okay, I won’t push. We have been open for about two years now. We’ve been really fortunate because the place is packed every night and we have a month long waiting list for dinner reservations.”

  “Well, the food is delicious so I can totally understand why there is a long waiting list. Thank you for bringing me here tonight.”

  “Thank you for coming. I want to share my world with you, Abby so I’m happy that you were able to see this tiny piece of it. So, what’s next for you with the dance company? Any big shows coming up?”

  “They just announced we will be performing Swan Lake for a six week run.”

  “Abby, that is perfect for you. You are going to audition for the lead, right?”

  “Claire has wanted to be the lead dancer in Swan Lake for as long as I can remember. Even if I tried my hardest, I don’t think I would be able to win the role this time. She is going to put everything she has into these auditions.”

  Zane looked at me, his eyes intense. “You can do the exact same thing.”

  “I want you to know that I really do appreciate your support, we’ll see what happens.”

  We must have been at the restaurant for hours because we were the last people there. Zane looked around and then smiled at me.

  “Looks like we’re the last ones here. I swear the time flew by, I feel like we just sat down.”

  I smiled at him. “Thank you for dinner. We had a lot to catch up on.”

  His eyes searched mine, fell to my lips, and then rose back up to my eyes. “You’re welcome. Yes, we did.”

  Zane linked his hands through mine as we walked to his car and he turned to me before he opened the door for me. He gently brushed my hair over my shoulder and softly caressed my arms.

  “I had a really good time tonight, Abby. When can I see you again?”

  “Can you come over for a late dinner on Wednesday night?”

  “Wednesday night sounds perfect. What time works for you?”

  “Is 9:00 okay?”

  He smiled at me. “That’s perfect.”

  He drove me home, came upstairs and stopped at the door of my condo.

  “I should say goodnight here. It’s probably not a good idea for me to come inside.”

  I looked up at him and took a step closer to him, my heart thumping against my chest.

  “Why not?”

  “Because I won’t be able to control myself if I come inside.”

  I gently touched his arm. “Maybe I don’t want you to control yourself.”

>   He groaned as he leaned down to kiss me on the cheek. “Don’t do this to me. Tonight was our first date in a long time, let’s wait until the time is right. I promise we won’t wait long.”

  I tried not to pout but I couldn’t help it. I wanted to be with him but he had made up his mind: we were going to wait. I reached up to give him a big hug and he pressed me against my door and gently held my face in his hands. His lips slowly came down to mine, his body pressed into me, as his tongue slid over mine. I literally felt weak in my knees as I struggled to remain standing. The kiss was so good, a small whimper escaped my lips when he pulled away. His eyes sparkled as they searched mine.

  “You should go inside, I’ll see you Wednesday.”

  “Okay, goodnight Zane.”

  “Goodnight, beautiful.”

  Of course I just about floated into my condo, I was so happy. I really wished I could tell Claire what had happened. She was the only one who knew the heartache I went through when Zane broke up with me, and she was the only one who would understand how happy I was.

  I climbed into bed a few minutes later and let all of the happy feelings wash over me. Zane was back.

  Chapter 9

  I went into overdrive with my practice schedule. Zane’s words telling me he knew I could get the lead played over and over in my head and I was more focused than ever. On Tuesday afternoon I was alone in a small room at the studio when Claire came in. I instantly tensed up as she breezed in, walked over to me, and put her hands on her hips as she studied my moves. She totally threw me off. To say I was irritated was an understatement, so I stopped and turned to look at her, my eyes filled with anger.

  “What?” My voice echoed in the small room.

  She narrowed her eyes at me and the look on her face was all business.

  “You should point your toe before you turn, it makes the move look more fluid.”

  I was so caught off guard by her words I just stood there speechless. Was she trying to help me?

  I didn’t say anything but I did what she said and she was right. As I watched myself in the mirror my moves seemed to flow more easily when I consciously pointed my toes. It was little things like that that made a world of difference in my movements. I was grateful for the tip, but before I could thank her she was gone. After I completed my routine I stood there, breathing heavily, and smiled at myself in the mirror. It felt good to know that even though we weren’t speaking, my sister cared about me. I practiced for a few more hours and went home and basically collapsed in my bed.

  Wednesday I was up bright and early, with butterflies going crazy, and I couldn’t wait to see Zane later that night. I was at the studio by 7:30 and I pushed myself until lunchtime. I took a brief break, ate a light lunch, and practiced for a few more hours. I went home around 6:30 so I could take my time getting ready and make a delicious meal. I made glazed salmon, mashed potatoes from scratch and a vegetable medley. At 8:50 everything was ready and I double-checked my makeup in the mirror one last time. I was caught off guard by the look on my face because I was literally beaming. I was so excited to see Zane and I hoped that he liked what I was wearing. My red, one shouldered dress skimmed my body perfectly and defined all of my curves in a very tasteful way. I had flat-ironed my long dark hair so it had a lot of movement and I spritzed it with perfume so that Zane would smell me every time I moved.

  My doorman called up exactly at 9:00 and my heart was thumping as I waited for Zane to come upstairs. He knocked on my door a few minutes later and he just about took my breath away when I opened the door. He looked so rugged and handsome as he stood there, his dark hair lying casually in place. He was so beautiful.

  “Hi, beautiful.”

  I felt warm all over. “Hi.”

  He closed the door behind him and pulled me close for a hug and a kiss and then looked down at me, his arms still around me. “It’s good to see you, you look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you, it’s good to see you too.”

  He looked around and raised his eyebrows.

  “Nice place. Can I have a tour?”

  “Sure.”

  When we got to my bedroom he walked inside and pulled me with him, wrapping his arms around me, his eyes devouring me.

  “I think this is my favorite room.”

  Before I could say anything Zane’s lips locked with mine, and our tongues devoured each other, unable to get enough of each other. I wanted Zane, I never stopped wanting him, and I wanted to give him all of me. In that moment, I felt like nothing else existed in the world. We were on our own little island of paradise and I never wanted the feeling to end.

  His hands slid down over my hips and around to my ass, stopping to give it a soft squeeze, a light groan escaping his lips as I pressed my body closer to his. His lips trailed down to my neck and I rolled my head to the side, giving him better access. His tongue created a trail of lightning as it made its way up to my ear, his teeth gently nipping my earlobe.

  I raked my fingers through his hair and his hands slid up over my breasts and then down around my waist, holding me close before sliding down over my ass, down to the hem of my dress. His hands then slid under my dress, the back of his nails gliding against my skin until they reached my panties. My body shivered as the tips of his fingers stroked my inner thighs and my hands went to his chest, bracing myself against the pleasure. I pulled at his t-shirt and his arms instinctively flew up and he pulled off his shirt, tossing it on the floor.

  I sucked in my breath when I saw his ripped chest and taut stomach muscles and I reached out and slid my hands over his perfect physique. He slid the shoulder strap of my dress down my arm and his hands dipped inside the front of my dress and cupped my breasts, teasing my nipples with his thumbs. He reached down and kissed my chest and then lifted my dress off over my head, leaving me standing there in nothing but a red lace thong and black stilettos. I could see the hunger in his eyes as they roamed slowly over my exposed body and before I could even breathe, Zane picked me up and carried me to my bed.

  I lay on the bed looking up at him, my knees bent, and he unzipped his jeans allowing them to fall to the floor. In one quick move he was on top of me, spreading my legs so that he could lie in between them. His lips covered mine as his hands caressed my breasts, twirling my nipple between his fingers. I wrapped my legs around Zane, and I could feel his erect manhood pressed into my throbbing core and I wanted to feel him inside of me.

  He moved down between my legs.

  “Open your legs for me.” He ground the words out, his voice barely a whisper.

  I did what he asked as I felt his soft kisses make their way up my inner thigh and I closed my eyes and let it happen. His tongue teased its way to the edge of my panties and he pulled them off with one swift movement. He had dropped to his knees and he pulled me down to the edge of the bed for better access.

  His tongue tasted me softly and he took his time exploring me. As he flicked over my most sensitive nub I grabbed his head and held him in place, opening my legs wider, completely lost in the bliss. His tongue delved and tasted me with the pace and pressure of an expert lover and I wanted more. I lifted my hips off of the bed and ground myself into him, his tongue going even deeper.

  He quickened his pace, alternating between flicking his tongue against my sensitive bud and using long strokes to delve deep. I felt the crest inside of me building and I continued to rake my fingers through his hair, opening my legs even wider, trying to get closer. He reached up and grabbed my nipples between his fingers squeezing and twisting them, bringing me to the brink of ecstasy.

  He flicked my nub one more time and the crest that was building inside of me crashed over and soon my body was shuddering and I closed my eyes and let the waves of pure ecstasy wash over me. Zane’s tongue didn’t stop as I rode the waves, and once they subsided my legs fell away and I pushed myself further up on the bed because the feeling was too sensitive.

  Zane gave me a sexy grin as he climbed on top of me, lowered his lips to m
y nipples, swirling his tongue around one and then the other, and he reached down and grabbed a condom from his jeans pocket. I watched him pull his shorts down, and his thick member was fully erect, waiting to be loved. My core was now aching and I couldn’t wait to feel him inside me.

  After he rolled on the condom I held out my arms to him, and he groaned as his eyes slowly glided over my body taking in my full breasts, swollen nipples and throbbing core. He leaned down and whispered in my ear.