by Peyton Banks
I caressed his cheek, then leaned up into his lips again. His face felt so good under my touch. I knew he was perfect for me.
“Gabrielle, it’s killing me to let you go,” he sighed against my forehead. “Make sure you answer in an hour. If you don’t, I’ll tell the chief I need to make a well visit to check on a resident and I’ll stop by your apartment.”
I laughed. “I’ll answer.”
His eyes glinted. “Good.”
Swiping up my umbrella with a shaky hand, I ran out of the door and hopped into the luxury car that pulled up just outside. I waved to Chandler before the driver drove off from the curb. My fingers swayed against the butter tan leather seats. He ordered an upgrade. He didn’t have to.
4
Gabrielle
With my head resting against the porcelain tub, I daydreamed about our magical first kiss. He didn’t kiss like a man who never had sex before. He actually kissed better than my ex-boyfriend.
My cell rang and I sat up straight. Chandler said an hour. I didn’t want to talk to him while I was in the tub with the water splashing around in the background. The phone rang three times.
“Hello.”
“Good evening, May I speak to Ms. Marcus?”
“This is she.”
“Mr. Cassady, requested a car drive you to your destination for the remainder of the week. What time can I send the driver to pick you up in the morning?”
“I don’t need a car service,” I stated.
“He requested a driver to arrive at five in the morning. Do you want to refuse the car service?”
I sighed. “The driver can arrive at seven fifteen.”
“Thank you, Ms. Marcus. Have a good night.”
“You too.”
I strolled into the kitchen in my plush robe.
My cell vibrated in my pocket. I tapped the speaker button. “Hello, Chandler.”
“Hey, Gabrielle.”
“It was sweet of you to arrange a car to drive me to work all week. But you didn’t have to. I’ve taken public transportation for a long time. I can manage.”
“I know,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice.
“You didn’t have to order the upscale car to drive me home or the one that you are sending to drive me to work every day. I’m sure you make more money than me as a firefighter, so spend your money on something else.”
“I work all the time. My truck and condo are paid off. I can afford to order the car service for you.”
“Chandler, please cancel the car service.” I rubbed my brow.
“No. Your stubbornness will get you nowhere with me. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?”
I shook my head. “Nothing. And you?”
“I enjoy running into burning buildings and saving lives. Tell me what you really like to do.”
Before sitting on the sofa, I grabbed a bottle of sweet tea out of the fridge. “I enjoy baking. Tonight, is my only night off. Gabby Cakes is my small business. I have a few orders leading up to another large order Friday. I’ll have to ask my sister to help again. Hopefully, she’ll be able to assist this time.”
“My shift ends Friday mid-afternoon. I’d love to help,” he offered.
“No. You are just saying that. Baking would bore you.”
“My mom baked when I was a kid. I often helped. It would be no problem at all.”
“What kind of desserts did you and your mom make?” I asked, intrigued.
“Banana nut bread and my favorite; yellow cake with cream cheese frosting. But I don’t eat sweets anymore. Are you from Atlanta?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“No, I’m from Los Angeles, California. I have family here. I lived with my aunt and uncle when I was younger. My cousins are Seth and Sebastian Johansen. They own S.J. software.”
“I’ve walked past their office several times.”
“Yeah. And my other cousin is Hayden Gaster…”
“Of Gaster Enterprises.”
He chuckled. “You know the people in your city.”
“Yes,” I snickered. “Also, because both of their offices are downtown.”
“You said your dad lives in North Carolina. Did your parents retire there?”
“No. My sister and I remained in Atlanta. My mother lives in Florida with her boyfriend. And my dad lives in Raleigh with his new wife.”
“Are your parents still together?” I asked.
He was silent for a moment. “My mother is dead. My father still lives in California. Where do you work?”
He changed the subject quickly.
“Sorry for your loss, Chandler.”
“Thank you.”
“I work at Oak Prime Payroll services in midtown. You see, I don’t work that far.”
“We won’t argue about the transportation. If it makes you feel better, it’s one of Seth’s fleet cars. He told me to use it whenever I wanted. It would look weird if I pulled up to the firehouse in a chauffeured vehicle.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I see your point.”
“Even though seeing your beautiful face brightens my day, use the service all week.”
“Chandler, I thought the service was just driving me to work.”
“To and from, Gabrielle.”
“You are the stubborn one,” I sighed. “The least you can do is allow me to bring a basket of assorted muffins one morning.”
“Yeah, absolutely. I’d get to devour those soft lips again,” he said, his voice sultry.
My body heated all over. I wish we were together right now. I’d lay in his arms and fall asleep.
“Chandler, you don’t have to help me on Friday. This may not be the safest environment for two vir─gins.” I slapped my hand over my mouth.
“I don’t have to touch you while I’m there. You have an order to fill. That’s our focus. How old are you?”
“Twenty-five.”
“I’m dating an older woman. Wow,” he chuckled.
I snickered.
“When I bring the muffins, I’ll send the driver to the door with the basket.”
“Means nothing. I’ll walk to the curb and kiss those sexy lips, anyway. You want us to kiss again, anyway.”
“I admit I do, Chandler.”
“Shit, I have to go. A call came in. Be sure to lock in my phone number. If you need to run errands after work, let the driver know. Goodnight.” He disconnected the call.
Chandler was pushy, and I was stubborn. And I knew we were the perfect match.
5
Chandler
The thought of kissing her lips not only in my dreams--but in person-- ran rapid through my mind. The attraction between us was obvious. I was convinced she was afraid of us. Shit, she wasn’t alone. Gabrielle was the only woman who held my attention for more than five minutes. Just because I hadn’t had sex before didn’t mean I didn’t jack off. A part of me wished she walked home in the rain that afternoon. I knew it wasn’t right.
I remembered stalking through our living quarters, peeking into the firefighter’s rooms. They listened to music or talked on the phone. They were in their own world. Good. I didn’t need anyone snooping around the kitchen.
I strolled through the office area.
Knock, knock.
“Captain Simpson.”
He swiveled in his chair. “What’s up, Cassady?”
I closed the door and peeked at my watch. “Gabrielle might walk past the firehouse in a few minutes. I’ll ask her to come inside a moment, but can you stay in your office for about fifteen to twenty minutes? I don’t want to bombard her, and scare her off for good.”
He rubbed his gruff face. “I suppose.” He pointed at me. “Next time, I want to meet her.”
“No problem, Captain.” I strolled out of his office acting nonchalant. Didn’t want anyone to ask why I was running around when there wasn’t a call.
The second I saw her beautiful face again up close, I fell apart inside. Kissing her lips in the rain was the f
irst thought that popped into my mind. My cock rose. Fuck, I needed him to calm down.
Relax, Chandler.
It was next to impossible not to touch her. She was the only woman I was interested in. Luckily, Watkins wasn’t on shift tonight. Didn’t need her causing problems.
Smooch appeared out of nowhere flirting with my woman. Yup, I said it. She was mine. I told his ass to back off. The second I intertwined our fingers, an electric current shot through my body. She was my peace. The peace I didn’t think would ever come. Of course, I startled her, and she tried to flee. There was no way I could allow her to leave without kissing those plump lips.
I never kissed a woman like that. The only other woman I had kissed was the woman I was dared to ask out on a date. She attacked me, forcing her tongue down my throat.
This was real. I felt like it was my real first kiss.
My demons kept me from moving forward in life. My mother engulfed in flames played on repeat in my mind every day for seventeen years. I didn’t feel I deserved happiness. The psychiatrist told me a million times it wasn’t my fault, and there was no way a seven-year-old boy could have saved her. Maybe a part of me wished I could go with her. She loved me more than anything in the world. I never knew love like that after I lost her, because I wasn’t willing to allow anyone into my heart, until now.
My hands caressed Gabrielle’s trembling shoulders. She was nervous around me. That was why I told her my secret. Nobody knew I was a virgin except my cousins. They always gave me pointers. Years ago, I caught Seth in the act with chicks a couple of times. I also watched porn. I was sure I could figure out what to do when it came time to make love to Gabrielle.
Hayden, Seth, and Sebastian sat me down one night and gave me the rundown. Told me there were certain things women loved. They said kissing their lips, along their face, and down below their neck would drive them crazy. I laughed inside. My cousins swore they were experts. They kept a lot of chicks, so maybe they were.
My stubborn princess didn’t want me to do anything for her. I wouldn’t listen. She was mine, and I’d protect her. No more public transportation for Gabrielle. Her parents’ divorce proved I’d have to work harder to earn her trust. She probably believed all relationships would fail.
* * *
A luxury car rolled to a stop along the curb, bringing me back from my thoughts. I darted out the side door under the dark morning sky.
Gabrielle had one foot out of the car when I approached.
“You don’t have to get out of the car.”
“Chandler, I do.” She peeled back the large, red plaid cloth draped over the wicker basket.
“I baked four kinds of muffins. Banana nut, blueberry, orange cranberry, and apple strudel.”
I grabbed the basket from her hand, held it mid-level, and took a whiff. “Wow. They smell amazing.”
“Thank you,” she blushed.
I slipped my free hand around her waist and pulled her soft lips into mine.
Gabrielle broke our kiss. “I need to get going.”
Her fingers lingered on my chest.
“What time would you like me to arrive to assist with baking the cakes?”
“Chandler, you─”
“Don’t bother.” I caressed her face. “What time, Gabrielle?”
She shook her head. “Six in the evening. Warning, my apartment heats up quick. But I manage. So if you need to leave, I understand.”
I chuckled. “I run into burning buildings every day. Gabrielle, we’ll talk tonight and I will see you at six Friday.”
She leaned up and pecked my lips. “Ok. Goodbye.” She slid across the plush cream leather seat.
I threw a hand up, waving goodbye, after closing the door.
Once inside the fire house, I placed the basket on the kitchen counter. I couldn’t believe she baked all of those muffins. The firehouse was quiet. Good, everyone was still asleep. Let me eat my muffin now before everyone woke up. I bit into the rich banana nut muffin. The banana flavor exploded in my mouth. Didn’t want to admit it, but they were the best I ever had.
“Hey what are you doing up so early?”
I spun around, meeting Captain Simpson’s gaze. “Eating a muffin.”
His eyes widened. “Did someone from the community drop them off?”
He walked over, marveling the basket of treats.
“No. Gabrielle dropped them off on her way to work. She baked them for us.”
He plucked an orange cranberry muffin from the basket. “Just because she likes you?” He bit into the muffin. “This is so good.”
“No. She wanted to thank me for the car service I sent to drive her to and from work. I hated her taking public transportation.”
One brow rose. “You really have it bad for this woman.”
I smirked. “Every morning the second she walked past the firehouse, I ran out the door and watched her walk the rest of the way to the Marta station. I just wanted to make sure she made it safely.”
“Why didn’t you make a move sooner?”
The tragedy I suffered made it difficult to love again. It was easier running into burning buildings and saving lives. There were no feelings involved just pure determination. I was willing to tell her about my demons. She was the right woman for me. I felt it deep down.
“Hard for me to commit.”
“No, say it ain’t so,” he laughed. “Everyone knows you’re a loner. We don’t know what happened in your life to make you disconnect from others.” He gripped my shoulders. “In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t care what happened. We’re a family in this firehouse.”
“Thanks, Cap. You all mean a lot to me.”
He smiled. “I know. Keep in mind, the more you develop feelings for her don’t back away. If you feel overwhelmed be honest with her.” His heavy hand patted my back in route to his office.
I peered over my shoulder. “Sir, how did you become an expert?”
“Let’s just say, I know how it feels to push someone away you care about. When you tell the woman you love, you had cold feet, but you want a second chance, and she says she can’t endure the hurt again…” The light dimmed in his eyes.
“Get some rest, firefighter.”
If she wasn’t the glue that pieced me back together after every nightmare, I’d probably push her away. I opened and closed my fist. I was working to control my fear of loss. Chandler, you can do this. There was no way I’d run Gabrielle out of my life. I couldn’t fathom going a day without seeing her pretty face or hearing her voice.
The day picked up quick. At ten in the morning, we were called to rescue a cat from a tree. He was an evil little bastard. In only my boots, T-shirt, and pants with suspenders, I climbed the tree. The sun beamed against my neck. The higher I climbed, the more spectators gathered below.
“Step back people,” Smooch ordered.
I stretched my gloved hand toward the cat and he hissed.
“Here, kitty.” The calico cat inched further back. I gripped his neck. His paws widened as I placed him in the cloth kennel and zipped it up. I exhaled.
The crowd cheered.
Next call was a child locked in a hot car. These were the worst calls. Not sure how a person could forget a child. But I bet with the distractions of social media or too much on a person’s plate could play a part with forgetting a child. Wasn’t making excuses for parents. I made an observation. Apparently, in this day and age, parents needed to focus on their children. I’d probably check the back seat every two seconds.
A woman flagged us down as we drove into the parking lot.
Tools needed for a rescue in hand, I jumped off the truck. I was one of the only firefighters in the house who was also a trained paramedic. That skill allowed me to save a lot of lives. I peeked in the window. The baby was unresponsive.
“How long had she been asleep?”
The woman cupped her hands over her mouth. “She just dozed off.”
I broke the front passenger window and unlo
cked the door. I crawled inside the smoldering car and unbuckled the baby. Once outside the car, I checked the baby’s pupils. She was barely hanging on. I placed an oxygen mask over her face. My heartbeat thudded in my ears. “Come on little one, open your eyes.”
“Step back people. Allow the man room to work,” Smooch shouted.
The baby’s eyes fluttered open. “Yes, that a girl,” I breathed a sigh of relief.
The paramedics truck rolled to a stop a few feet away and I ran over.
Watkins hopped out of the truck. “Is the baby responsive?”
“Yes, she’ll need fluids and to be evaluated by a doctor.” I glanced at Smooch, then back at her. “I think we got here in the nick of time.”
“Good work, firefighter.”
I turned to the woman who stood by the car. “Ma’am, do you know the parents?”
“No, I don’t. I was walking toward the grocery store and I spotted the child.”
“Thanks for calling us. You saved a life.”
She nodded and her shaky hand slipped over her brown skin. “You are a hero.”
I smiled. “Just doing my job, ma’am.”
“Cassady, is this the mother?”
I glanced at the police officer who fell at my side. “No, Officer Bennett, the woman said she didn’t see the parents. Only the child in the backseat. You’ll have to investigate further.”
Her red lips pursed together as she peeled off her sunglasses. “How can someone leave a child in a hot car?”
“I ask myself that question every time we’re dispatched.” Officer Bennett was a good cop. She was one of the youngest on the force. She followed in her father’s footsteps. Her goal was to one day make detective. Shouldn’t be too hard. Her father was the Chief of police.
“The child has been taken to the Children’s hospital.”
Her brown eyes glinted. “Good work, Cassady.”
I nodded.
6
Chandler
Chief stood in the middle of the firehouse, glaring at us. Smooch rolled to a stop.