Burning with Desire

by Patricia W. Fischer

  “Ah, come on Jonah. Who doesn’t like Def Leppard?” Kyle smirked at the ribbing they’d given the pilot since he’d held out to be the last of the group to pose.

  “Then you had to up things by posing with a puppy,” Logan laughed. “What you trying to be calendar model of the year?”

  “Blame your girlfriend for that one, Tate,” Jonah pointed at the broccoli and Todd handed him the bowl.

  “Charlie does know what works. She said preorders are through the roof.”

  Kyle leaned back in his chair, appreciating the brotherhood the group had. “At least it’s done. Now we can get that behind us and focus on finishing restoration.”

  “What’s left to do?” Brett asked after scooping up a second helping of chicken.

  “The wiring’s done and I changed out the panel. The building inspector passed us on that. I’ve tried to get over there a few times a week doing something.”

  “Appreciate that, Kyle.” Jonah nodded as he finished off the rice and broccoli. “Didn’t you get something done last week, Tate?”

  “A few of us got walls painted upstairs.” Lyle cut off a piece of chicken and dropped it on the floor. Brontë ate it before Duke had a chance to notice. “Emily, Charlie’s sister helped out.”

  “I heard.” Logan lifted an eyebrow at his brother.

  “I’m surprised you have time to do any of the restoration, Cavasos, with you at the diner so much.” Brett smirked. “And her house.”

  “Knock it off, Adams.” Logan threw his napkin at Brett’s face. “Everyone’s entitled to a private life. What else is there to do?”

  Reining in his annoyance, Kyle continued, “Strip and restain the cabinets and put on new hardware. Knock out part of the kitchen wall to put in an island for the kids to sit around. The insulation has to go in.”

  “I can get that done.” Brett cut off a piece of chicken and handed it to Duke, who waited patiently at his side. “What rating are we needing?”

  The offer surprised Kyle, but he’d take the help. “For the attic, R49 to sixty. The upstairs floors, R25 to thirty. We’ve got the supplies. I’d like to make sure we’re as efficient as we can get.”

  All the men nodded.

  As Kyle went over the repairs in his mind and how he’d talked to the city about fixing the drainage issues, it reminded him of his father and how he’d go over everything before starting a new project.

  What he wouldn’t give to have his dad here. He’d have that place up and running in no time and we’d have made amends somehow.

  “Sounds like a helluva lot of work. Think we’ll meet our deadline?” Jonah asked before shoving another bite in his mouth.

  Kyle shrugged, trying to calculate the timeline to opening. They had a good five weeks left, but if it snowed again, it would delay things. “The ground needs to thaw so we can dig and get the foundation issues repaired. Divert the water to drain away from the house and the ones surrounding it, but I’ve already talked to a couple of guys who are ready to go. Their designs work well for drainage issues.”

  “What about inside?”

  “The heavy stuff is almost done. The rest is time-consuming, but we can pull in more people for the details.”

  Jonah, Lyle, Logan, and Todd all offered their significant others to pitch in as well as asking the guys from the Bake-Off to help.

  Even Brett gave a thumbs-up and said he’d ask his sister to donate some of her time.

  Thankful for the offers, Kyle breathed a sigh of relief. “If we can get a few good weekends of work in, we should be pretty well caught up and be ready in plenty of time.”

  His phone buzzed. Before he answered it, he saw three missed calls from his mother, but seeing Gabriella’s name, he greedily answered it. “Hey! Having fun on your shopping trip?”

  “Yes, it’s quite exciting here in the big metropolis of Bozeman,” she sighed. “Walking around Michaels while Trinity fills the cart with art supplies.”

  “Is that Gabriella?” Logan yelled. “Tell her thank you for teaching you to make something than Lemon Pepper Chicken.”

  The rest of the guys cheered.

  “I heard that. You’re welcome, guys.”

  Her voice always put Kyle in a good mood. “What’s up?”

  “We have a few more stops to make and should be home within the next couple of hours.”

  “I’ll be here at the station if you need anything.” He began to pick up his plate, but Brett grabbed it and gave him a respectful nod before taking them to the sink.

  “How busy has it been?”

  He moved to the other room and sunk down on his bunk. “Not bad. Steady. We had to help an elk.”

  “Did you say elk? Like moose?”

  “Yes.”

  “Interesting. I have a big favor to ask.”

  The phone beeped. Kyle held it out to see his mother was trying to call again. He ignored it. “What can I do for you?”

  “Can you go check on Belle really quick? We’ve got a few more stops before we get on the road. We’re staying out longer than I planned.”

  “Of course. Be safe.”

  “We will. You’re a lifesaver, Kyle.”

  He moved away from the guys. “Did you get anything, um, interesting?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Remember, make it easy to take off because it’s not going to be on you that long.” He shifted his weight, hoping to keep himself from tenting his pants.

  She laughed. “Trinity’s staying at Tia’s tomorrow night. Maybe you’ll get to see it for yourself then.”

  A night. By themselves? His fly almost popped the stitching. “Um, okay. Hurry back.”

  “See you shortly,” she replied sweetly before hanging up.

  When Kyle returned to the kitchen, Jonah looked right at him and said, “Man, you’ve got it bad.”

  Kyle had to laugh at the irony. “Gabby needed me to check on the dog real quick.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll cover you.”

  Throwing on his jacket, Kyle asked, “Thanks man. Keely doing okay?”

  “Yeah, thanks for taking care of her.” Blowing out a long breath, the pilot’s shoulders slouched. “I keep thinking about if she’d fallen farther than she did. What would I have—”

  “But she didn’t and she’s okay.” Extending his hand, the men shook. “You and I know what it’s like to lose people. Military threw us both in that shit, but we take the good stuff and don’t question it.”

  “Right. Thanks, man. Go check on that dog.”

  In the short drive to her house, his happiness bubbled in his gut. He hadn’t been this thrilled with life in years.

  Simply walking through her house gave him a sense of calm. Peace.

  What he wouldn’t give to keep this going forever.

  Belle danced around at the back door as soon as he entered. They wandered through the small yard as she took her time finding the perfect spot. After a few minutes, he got her back inside and dried her paws.

  Cookie jumped on the kitchen table next to him, knocking over a stack of mail in the process, sending letters in all directions. “Come on, cat.”

  Picking up the envelopes, his heart leapt to his throat when he saw the familiar logo on the back of two of them.

  “Winston Enterprises?” Even though he’d long figured out where she worked, his mouth went dry all the same. He held it up to the light and as best he could tell, one had to be a paycheck stub, the other, a letter.

  The postal stamp read Lone Star Crossing, Texas.

  Winston Enterprises.

  Winston Resort.

  Jewel of the Hill Country. Lone Star Crossing. San Antonio.

  Belle gave him a curious stare before plopping down next to the floor vent.

  Remembering the picture, he walked into the living room and looked at it again. The edges of that familiar sign poked out behind a couple of her family members.

  “I hope this works.” Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he collected his thoughts. “I have to
tell her soon. Tell her everything.”

  The familiar ring of his phone broke the silence. He picked it up without looking at the caller ID.

  “Kyle,” his mother almost purred.

  Dammit. “Make it quick, Mom. I’m at work and I don’t have a lot of patience today.”

  “Oh? At the fire station or at a modeling job?”

  “I don’t have time for this today, Mom. Modeling job? What are you talking about?”

  The sound of papers sliding against each other came over the line. “Imagine my disappointment to get this envelope stuffed with all those unsigned contracts and a bunch of changes.”

  “And?”

  “But at the bottom of the stack, I found these gorgeous photos.”

  That made him pay attention. “What photos?”

  “I’m impressed. I mean, your face is partially covered, but it’s obvious to me, it’s you. I’d recognize that jawline anywhere. It looks just like—”

  “Don’t say it.” He replayed stuffing those contracts in that envelope. Did he shove those pictures in too?

  A long exhalation, probably from her smoking those damned cigarettes. “They’re really good. What are they for? You aren’t pitching yourself to another director, are you? Because if that’s the case—”

  “No, Mother. I’m not pitching myself to anyone.”

  “Pity. I could cast you in my latest project in a New York minute.”

  Shit. Shit. Shit. All the work he’d done to make sure she didn’t find out. The less his mother knew about what was happening in Marietta, the better.

  In his haste to send all the contracts back to her, he must have scooped up the proofs Charlie had given him. “It’s just a fundraiser, Mom. A calendar. Nothing more.”

  “You’ll raise plenty of funds with these photos. Goodness, you’re a calendar. I’m so proud of you.”

  “No. There are a dozen guys.” He paced, glancing out the front window, hoping Gabriella wouldn’t arrive before he’d ended this conversation. No cars approached.

  “I’m impressed that a town as small as wherever you’re living right now would have enough good-looking men to fill a calendar.”

  He hated her elitism. “Good-looking guys live in places other than Hollywood.”

  “Sure, but goodness, son. Whoever took these is a wizard with the lens, not that you need much help. You’re quite impressive-looking.” She paused as the rustling of papers continued. “Charlotte Foster.”

  “How do you know the photographer’s name?”

  “It’s on the back of the proofs. Along with her email. I must contact her about these. They are fantastic.”

  Shit. Shit. Fuck. “She’s nice, Mom. Busy. Very busy. Probably won’t get back to you anytime soon. I need to get back to work.” And off the phone before I say anything else. Stop rambling!

  “The mountain air sure does look good on you, but I need to know when you’re heading south. I need you in San Antonio—”

  “I’m not going.”

  The crunch of paper caught his attention. More than likely, she’d wadded up the contract. “Kyle, you can play pin-up model anywhere. This is family.”

  “No, this is business. Your business.” The cold wetness of the dog’s nose touching his hand made him recoil.

  As his mom ranted about how she had no one to depend on, Belle stared up at him with wide, hopeful eyes, making him smile.

  As he scratched her behind the ears, her thick tail wagged, slamming against the side table. The impact knocked over a picture frame. Kyle reached out to right the frame, but familiar smiling faces caught his attention.

  “Mom!”

  “What?”

  “I’ve already sent Dean down there. He’s been checking the place out for over a week.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “If I tell you what I have planned, will you get off my back about taking over the place and read the changes I sent?”

  She paused, which Kyle took as a good sign. “Okay, but I’m telling you now, there’s not much you can do to change—”

  “Mom. There is. And I need you trust what I’m doing.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Tonight’s the night.

  With nervous hands, Gabriella smoothed the vivid red camisole and lacy sleep shorts she’d purchased when they’d gone to Bozeman. Glancing at her watch, she knew Kyle had to be wondering what happened to her.

  She’d been in here ten minutes, fretting over her breath, her bikini line, and sleep clothes, because she’d decided to take this leap of faith.

  They’d already had a lovely dinner, a bottle of wine, wonderful conversation, and now it was time for dessert.

  “You don’t have to do this, right?” Gabriella told her reflection. Her body hummed, which pretty much answered her question. She wanted to do this. Him. Badly.

  As much as her body longed for him, could her heart take it if… She shook her hands in front of her face. “Stop it. Quit overthinking. You’ve got a hot fireman/paramedic/military guy outside that door who wants you.”

  “Gabby? You okay in there?”

  “I’m fine.” Flashing her sexiest smile, she gave herself a wink and opened the door to Kyle standing in the doorway of her bedroom. “You okay?”

  His eyes raked over her. “I’m great. You?”

  She sauntered over to the bed and crawled across it. “I’m great and—oooff.”

  He caught her before she landed face first on the hardwoods. Laughing, he pulled her up on the bed and helped her sit up. “I think you overshot.”

  Running her fingers through her hair, she knew her face resembled the same red as her camisole. “Good grief, I was going for fantastic seduction and I ended up looking like an idiot.”

  “Idiots don’t wear lace…whatever this is.” He ran his hand along her calf then over her knee and up her thigh. “You get this yesterday?”

  “Yes.” His touch made her instantly forget her embarrassment. Grabbing his shirt, she pulled him toward her. “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s gonna be easy to take off you.” He moved onto the bed, giving her a lustful stare. “But I’m gonna do it real slow.”

  She shivered at the idea. “Oh.”

  His strong hands cupped her face before he kissed her. Gently at first, pressing his lips to hers before sucking on her lower lip, coaxing her mouth open. His tongue swept in.

  The rich berries of the merlot they’d finished danced across her palate as his nimble fingers moved the strap of her camisole off her shoulder.

  “Kyle,” she gasped as he placed kisses from her earlobe to the tender pulse points of her neck.

  “Yes?”

  “Did you bring, um, anything?”

  He froze and sat up. “Wasn’t I supposed to?”

  “Yes, I simply wanted to make sure.” Placing her hands on his chest, she slowly pushed him back. Her heart rate increased while she made quick work of his shirt. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it over her shoulder.

  “Animal.” He sat up and helped the other strap off her shoulder, his thumbs tracing the path the straps had taken. Kissing her neck, he cupped her breast, brushing her nipple with his thumb.

  She gasped as his fingers rolled danced along the sensitive flesh. “Yes.”

  “Take this off.”

  “Yes.” Before she could get the camisole completely over her head, he’d taken a nipple in his mouth and suckled it. She arched into his mouth, leaving herself slightly tangled in the clothing, allowing it to serve as a temporary blindfold.

  Not knowing where he’d touch her next made her body felt like it had been charged with electricity.

  His tongue danced around while his fingers grazed her opposite breast. “Damn, you’re beautiful.”

  His words floated over her skin. She allowed her top to fall away just in time to see him begin to unbutton his jeans.

  Holding her hands up, she coaxed, “Let me help you with that.”

  He stepped off the
bed and she scooted in front of him, her legs on either side of him.

  Before unzipping, she ran her fingers along the outside of his pants, taunting the hard-on trapped inside.

  Wetness pooled between her legs.

  “Gabby,” he moaned. “I’ve been waiting all night.”

  Slowly, she opened his jeans and moved them down his body. She marveled at his nakedness. The defined muscles of his arms and shoulders. The small dusting of hair on his chest, down his torso, and straight to his impressive erection. “Wow.”

  Reaching out, he cupped her breast, his thumb playing with her nipple before he whispered. “Turn over.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t worry. It’s not that.” He smiled against her skin before kissing her.

  She scooted back on the bed and flipped over.

  He cupped her butt and lay on top of her, kissing her back and working down her spine. The feel of his chest brushing her naked skin made her clit throb. “I need you.”

  “Not yet. Sit up,” he cooed in her ear.

  On her knees, he came up behind her and slid her shorts down. Then he took each arm as he kissed the opposite shoulder and placed her hands behind his neck. “Stay there.”

  His hands moved up her belly and cupped her breasts. His thumbs made lazy, tantalizing circles across her skin.

  One hand ventured south and traced the upper seam of her.

  “Kyle.” A moan escaped her as her hands began to fall.

  He pushed them back up again. “Clasp your fingers together. Let me do the rest.”

  With her body aflame, she reluctantly did as he’d asked.

  His erection pressed against her buttocks as his touch brought her closer to the edge.

  “Kyle, that feels so good.”

  “I want to do one more thing. Turn around and lie down.”

  “You’re killing me.”

  She repositioned, her shorts still halfway on her body.

  With featherlight brushes of his lips, he kissed her, starting at the inner knee and working his way up her thigh. Somewhere in there, he stripped her of her lacy shorts before his tongue was on her clit.

  Holding her hips in place, he feasted. Nibbled at the core of her sex until she thought she would cum, but he’d back away enough to keep her from falling over the edge.