ROMANCE: Tumble Into Love: A Diamond Creek Alaska Novel, Contemporary Romance (Diamond Creek, Alaska Novels Book 5)

by Croix, J. H.

  He paused in front of her, his heated gaze focused on her. He tucked a loose lock of hair behind her ear, shivers chasing in the wake of his brief touch.

  “Now…where were we?” he asked, his voice low and taut.

  Heat pooled in her belly. He stepped closer until his body was against hers. Arousal spiked through her as he leaned down and brought his mouth to hers, brushing his lips back and forth. His hands slipped up her sides to cup her breasts. Her nipples tightened under his touch. This kiss was slow, deep and devouring. His hands shifted away from her breasts, and they instantly ached for his touch again. One of his hands set to work unbuttoning her blouse while the other roamed around her back, sliding up in a sure stroke and down to cup her bottom and press her hips to his. The feel of his hard, hot length against her cleft brought a whimper from her throat. Lust curled through her, unwinding in a wave, her whole body keening for more.

  He slowly pulled back, tugging her bottom lip with his teeth. A tiny voice in a distant corner of her mind tried to raise the alarm—this was too much, too intense, she was in too deep. She batted it away and surrendered to the depth of want she felt. He began walking them toward the couch. One of his thighs slid in and out between hers with each step, brushing across the nub of her desire, teasing her to the point of madness. Her blouse fell open when her knees bumped the couch. In one smooth motion, he spun them around, seating himself on the couch in front of her, his eyes level with her breasts. He tugged her blouse off, her bra following.

  His hands cupped her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers as he glanced up at her through his dark lashes. The only word she could form came out.

  “Please…”

  Darren gave her what she wanted and brought his warm, wet mouth to one breast, laving it, tugging it between his teeth and then turning to the other. When he pulled back, her nipples were so taut it verged on painful. They glistened, dusky pink, in the flickering light from the woodstove. His eyes pinned to hers, he unbuttoned her jeans and slowly tugged them down her hips, his hands caressing her as he dragged them down her legs. She kicked them out of the way and stood before him in nothing but the scrap of black silk she wore.

  He was silent for a long moment before a soft groan came from his throat. She felt bare and exposed and unable to turn away from the heat of his gaze. He slipped a hand between her legs, caressing the damp silk. She gasped at the feel of his fingers stroking lightly back and forth across the wet evidence of her desire. He cupped her bottom and tugged her closer until his mouth was inches from her. In a quick move, he hooked a finger on the edge of her panties, yanking them down until they fell around her ankles. Anticipation buzzed through her veins. Feverish with want, she waited, her core throbbing with need. In slow motion, he now stroked into her folds, drenched with desire. A broken sob came from her throat. His thumb grazed her clit, circling in her moisture, before he brought his mouth to her.

  She cried out, her hips bucking against him. He held her in place, one hand cupping her bottom, the other stroking into and out of her channel. His mouth teased her beyond desperation. Wet, heated strokes of his tongue, his fingers plunging in and out. She tumbled into the hot rush. Her orgasm spiraled through her, his name falling from her lips again and again and again. Had he not been holding her in his hands, she’d have collapsed. He gradually stilled his mouth and fingers and pulled away.

  Giving her no time to gather her scattered senses, he brought his lips to her breasts again, teasing them with kisses and nips, his warm hands skating over her body, cupping her soft curves. In moments, she was teetering on the edge of wild desire again. He stood abruptly and turned to move behind her. She fell to her knees on the couch, almost collapsing completely before she managed to rest her elbows on the back of the couch. She heard the rustle of clothes being torn off and falling to the floor. She knew the moment he turned and saw her. He growled, her name following in a ragged gasp.

  She was so desperate for him to fill her, she arched her back, tilting her hips up. She felt the brush of his cock against her hips, the velvety skin hot and hard, and a slow glide into her slick heat. He drove into her to the hilt. She sighed in relief as he stretched her aching channel. He held still for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was slurred.

  “Risa…what you do to me…”

  In answer, she shifted her hips, drawing forward. He chased her motion and began to surge in and out. He curled a hand around her hips, his fingers gripping her soft flesh. His other palm slid up her spine, strong and sure, coming to rest on her shoulder and he pounded into her, pulling her against him, each stroke driving all the way in. Shudders began to wrack her body, pressure gathering with each stroke until her climax stormed through her, her body arching with her scream. He pulled out and surged back in deeply, her name following in a guttural cry. Her head fell forward, his hand relaxed on her shoulder and slid down to rest in the center of her back. A tear slid down her cheek, she was so overcome.

  They remained like that for several quiet moments, the fire crackling and their broken breaths slowing. Darren finally pulled out of her and curled an arm under her hips. He lifted her into his arms. She couldn’t bear to look at him. The intimacy was too much. She was relieved that he didn’t talk, but simply shifted her weight to hold her firmly as he carried her to her bedroom.

  Chapter 20

  Darren stood by his office window and looked out over Kachemak Bay. The sky was slate gray, the water tossed by the wind. Termination dust coated the mountains after the first snow had fallen during the night. He’d left Risa’s place this morning and been half out of his mind since then. He could hardly bear to be away from her and was terrified he was losing control of the situation.

  He’d woken with another nightmare last night. As she had before, she woke with him and quietly waited while he showered. When he returned to bed, she’d proceeded to drive him out of his mind with sultry kisses and a mind-altering blowjob. Again, he fell asleep, the machinations of his haunted dreams a distant memory. She still hadn’t said anything to him about his nightmares, and he wondered if Hallie had told her anything. He’d never asked her to keep it a secret, but he wasn’t so sure how he felt if Risa knew what had happened. He didn’t like the feeling that she might know he was something other than strong. He was already feeling too close for comfort, too vulnerable with her. Last night before he’d gone over, he’d promised himself he wasn’t going to see her. He’d sought to find a way to bring the situation back under control. He’d wanted to prove to himself he could resist the urge to see her. He’d planned to have a quiet night at home watching whatever sports he could find to hold his interest. Hallie had been out with a friend, so he’d had the house to himself.

  His commitment to this plan was much weaker than he’d thought. He’d given in and texted her right after he had a solitary dinner. Waking up with her was a heaven he couldn’t have imagined. She was a cuddler and tangled her legs with his, mashing her lush curves against him. It was a damn miracle he managed to even get out of bed. So he’d almost run out the door in his haste to get control of himself. She was busy enough getting ready for her workday that if she noticed, she let it slide. He’d offered the excuse that he had an early meeting—a flat out lie.

  He turned way from the window and strode out of his office and through the break room to the fire station. He found Travis standing with some of the crew in the fire chief’s office.

  “Hey, when are you guys slated to head up north for the next shift on that fire?” Darren asked.

  Travis grinned. “Funny you ask. We’re on the schedule to leave tomorrow. They’re using back up whenever they can get it. Want to sign on?”

  “I’m in. What time are we leaving?” Darren asked quickly.

  “We drive up at five in the morning,” Travis replied.

  “See you then,” Daren said, turning and heading back to his office.

  He needed to break this pattern with Risa. He needed to get
his feelings under control. Though he couldn’t imagine life without Risa anymore, he was frantic to rein himself in. Being out of town for a few days might do the trick. It would also get his brain back under control. He wouldn’t be able to focus on anything other than the fire.

  ***

  Darren watched as the landscape rolled by underneath the helicopter he rode in alongside six other firefighters from the Diamond Creek crew. They’d driven to Kenai this morning and had immediately been shuttled over to a helicopter. The fire in question was north of Diamond Creek on the outskirts of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near a remote area lightly populated with homes. Crews had been rotating in and out for weeks trying to contain the quickly moving fire. Much of Alaska’s spruce forests had become tinderboxes in the aftermath of the scourge of spruce bark beetle, a non-native beetle that had made its way to Alaska from Asia and devastated massive swathes of once healthy spruce forests. There were miles upon miles of dead spruce trees, easy and quick to burn. As a result, forest fires were more dangerous and spread rapidly.

  Travis was seated beside Darren. “Damn, it’s not looking good,” he said, gesturing ahead.

  Darren looked in the direction Travis pointed. Smoke lay in a haze for miles. Blackened sections of forest began to appear. A few other helicopters were visible in the distance. Some flew over with fire retardant and water, while others carried firefighters. Darren enjoyed not having to be the leader when he did back up with the crew. All he had to do was follow orders. Their helicopter landed, and he was sent out with two others to try to hold a line that had been established. The fire was teasing its way too close to some small communities and if left unchecked, it would torch them within days. Alaskans were practical souls and many had already evacuated, some helping to fight the fire, others waiting it out away from the danger zones.

  Darren tugged his heavy gear on and followed behind Travis and James, the two he’d been assigned to stay with. All around, smoke lay in a heavy blanket. The blackened trees rose in ghostly clusters as far as the eye could see. When they reached the area they were assigned to, they could see a green line of forest ahead—the area the fire hadn’t crossed yet. The fall wind gusted, blowing smoke in his face. Risa passed through his mind. He missed her, her flashing dark eyes and her smile. More than anything, he missed the way he felt when he was with her—comfortable, yet teetering on the edge of that delicious wildness between them. He swore to himself and kept walking.

  Chapter 21

  “When will he be back?” Risa asked Hallie.

  She’d woken this morning to find a message from Darren that he was headed out to respond to a fire north of Diamond Creek. She’d known he did back up sometimes for the Diamond Creek crew, but she had somehow thought this was an on-paper kind of thing that meant he didn’t actually fight fires. Her throat was tight and her stomach in knots over the thought that he would be out in the middle of the forest fire that had been raging for weeks. She didn’t like it at all.

  Hallie stood in front of Risa at the gallery. “He said it would be at least three days, maybe more.”

  Hallie had stopped by the gallery to take a look around. Her hazel eyes were apologetic and worried. She fiddled with the ponytail on her head, eventually tugging out the scarf that held it up, her hair falling in soft waves to her shoulders.

  Risa felt a heavy weight in her stomach. She’d tried calling Darren back, but he hadn’t answered. She was angry and frightened at once. Don’t make a thing out of this. The Diamond Creek crew has been covering shifts on this fire for weeks now, and they’ve all come back just fine. Darren will too. That’s not what you’re afraid of. Her mind taunted her. She didn’t like it, but if she allowed herself to be honest, she was afraid of how much he’d come to mean to her. And this one action—leaving abruptly and not answering her calls—reinforced what she’d feared. That he didn’t want something serious with her. He found a convenient way to create some space and used it.

  Risa met Hallie’s eyes. “Did he mention this before, or was this a last minute thing?”

  Seriously, you’re grilling her. Stop it.

  Hallie chewed her lip and shrugged. “He didn’t mention it, but then he doesn’t always keep me in the loop. He’s still getting used to me being around all the time. I’m sure he’d have told you sooner if he knew.”

  Risa came around the counter and walked to one of the displays, pointlessly adjusting a painting on the wall and rearranging a display of pottery. With a sigh, she turned back to Hallie. “I don’t know if he would. If it seems like I’m mad, it’s not with him. I think a little space might be good for us.”

  Hallie looked back at her, tapping her foot on the floor. “You know, I’m just going to say it. Darren is all messed up over you, and I think it’s because he’s scared of how much you mean to him,” she said bluntly, her words tumbling out rapidly.

  Risa heart stuttered and then soared, hope unfurling inside. She batted it back. Just because his little sister thought she meant a lot to Darren didn’t make it true. She took a slow breath, trying to calm her heart and get her romantic fever dreams under control.

  “What makes you think that?”

  Hallie’s arms fell and she leaned against the display counter. “I may not be around much, but Darren and I have always been close. He doesn’t show much, but he cares about people a lot. Even before the accident, he was kind of the strong, silent type, you know what I mean?”

  At Risa’s slow nod, Hallie continued. “And when that little boy and his parents died, Darren just closed down. I mean, he was still nice because he’s always nice, but he stopped even dating. He never said it out loud, but I think he was freaking out because of those dumb nightmares—as if someone would think he was weak or something—and he didn’t anyone to see him like that. He’s been a workaholic too. But since he’s met you, he’s happier than I’ve seen him in years since even before the accident. So yeah, if you’re asking, I think he loves you and he’s about going crazy because of it.”

  Risa’s mind whirred and her heart leapt to her throat. Hallie had gone and spoken aloud what Risa would give anything to believe. To hear that Darren was happier since he’d met her sent a rush of hope through her. She stared at Hallie so long, Hallie waved at her. “Hello? Still with me?”

  Risa shook her head sharply. Her heart still pounded and that damn hope was galloping through her. “I’m with you. I don’t know you that well, but since we’re talking…I don’t know what the hell to do. Darren’s not the only one who has, I don’t know, issues with intimacy. I’ve got my own baggage, and I sure as hell didn’t plan to fall for him like I have. So, if you’re hypothesis is right…”

  Hallie cut her off. “It’s right. I know Darren.”

  Risa gave her a pointed look. “If you’re right, what do you suggest I do about it? Whenever he gets back here.”

  Hallie chewed her lip again. “I don’t think you’re going to like this advice because I sure wouldn’t, but you might have to show your cards first. He’s so freaked out, if he has any concern that you don’t feel the way he does, he’s going to stick with the strong, silent routine. He’s got that down, so it’s his default mode. You’re going to have to shake him out of it.”

  Risa’s heart hammered against her ribs. What Hallie was suggesting meant putting herself out there, way out there, with a man who meant more to her than anyone ever had. She thought she’d been crushed by what happened with Brad. If she laid her heart on the line with Darren and he walked away, she’d be devastated.

  Risa met Hallie’s eyes. “All I can say is I’ll take that on advisement.”

  Hallie’s face fell. “Look, I know what I suggested would be scary. I’d be terrified and worried I was going to embarrass the hell out of myself. But I think it will work with him because he loves you. And he has a heart of gold. He won’t be able to ignore his feelings for you if he knows you feel the same way. Please just give him a chance. I haven’t seen him lik
e this about anyone. You mean so much to him.”

  Risa couldn’t help but feel Hallie’s plea. She so clearly loved her brother and wanted the best for him. Risa just didn’t know if she had it in her to fling her feelings out there—unprotected and exposed—and wait to see how Darren responded.

  ***

  The heat from the fire was fierce, compounded by the heavy gear and breathing apparatus he had to wear. Darren, Travis and James were methodically clearing brush near the fire line in an attempt to widen the line of protection. The thwack of helicopter blades, near and far, was constant. Just ahead of the direction they were moving, a helicopter flew low and sprayed fire retardant. A few homes were visible nearby. He prayed the residents had evacuated because they were in the line of fire now.

  Darren’s plan for this foray to get his mind off of Risa was turning out to be a spectacular failure. Even when he was deep in the middle of the fire, surrounded for miles by blackened forest with flames and smoke a constant presence, she sauntered through his thoughts—as if she owned them. He felt like a coward for not talking to her about leaving for a few days, but it had been an impulsive decision. When she hadn’t answered when he called, he decided it was best that way and left a brief message. Now, he wondered if he’d managed to make himself look like he didn’t care.

  He kept moving, sweat dripping inside his gear. As they approached one of the nearby homes to establish a perimeter around it, he heard a shout and looked up.

  Travis gestured to the home. Darren glanced to the home and saw a woman and two children watching them from the window. He looked behind the house to see the dead, dry spruce trees up in flames. The dirt road that led to the home cut through the area where the fire had travelled. The only reason Darren could guess the family stayed was that by the time they elected to leave, the fire blocked their only exit route.